Alameda City Council Regular Meeting – February 17, 2026

The Alameda City Council met on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, beginning with closed session and then convening for the regular meeting. The council approved consent calendar items, received the annual police auditor data presentation, and authorized three contracts for homeless services. Public comments included concerns about homeless shelter operations, a cybersecurity offer, and several statements from individuals. The meeting also featured announcements of a $5.5 million Measure W grant for permanent supportive housing and the selection of Alameda as the training base for the Australian national soccer team during the 2026 World Cup.

Consent Calendar

• Item 5E (Firefighters MOU): Approved with one councilmember (Councilmember Jensen) voting no. The resolution approves a 24-month memorandum of understanding with IAFF Local 689.
• Item 5G (Recreation and Park/Aquatic Fees): Public hearing held; resolution adopted to amend fees, resulting in an annual revenue reduction of approximately $15,000.
• Other consent items approved without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Valma Gay (non-agenda): Expressed trauma from her stay at Dignity Village, criticized lack of administrative infrastructure, and asked for a staff contact to address her concerns.
• Aronde Gordon (non-agenda): Offered free cybersecurity consultation services and assistance with California cybersecurity grant applications.
• Zach Thayer (non-agenda and consent calendar): Made statements concerning various federal and local legal issues, including challenges to city policies and requests for audits.
• On Item 7B (Police Data): Zach Thayer and Valma Gay spoke. Valma Gay requested data transparency regarding homeless interactions with police.
• On Items 7C/D/E (Homeless Services):
  • Ian Clark Johnson (Urban Alchemy practitioner): Spoke in support of the Urban Alchemy contract, emphasizing their mission of love and respect, and the need for 24-hour support at the day center and safe parking.
  • Valma Gay: Criticized the lack of structure and accountability in homeless services, stating she was not helped by staff when she sought assistance earlier.
  • Zach Thayer: Raised concerns about the vetting process and alleged negligence, requesting audits under the Sunshine Act.
  • Karen Zeltzer (Alameda Family Services): Supported the continued mental health contract, citing benefits of on-site therapists for crisis intervention and community healing.

Discussion Items

• Item 7A – CalPERS Pay Schedules: Presented by special counsel Isabel Safe. Council approved revised pay schedules for city manager and city attorney to ensure CalPERS compliance. Unanimously approved.
• Item 7B – Police Auditor Annual Data Report: Presented by Police Auditor Lee Grossman. Key findings: 70% increase in internal affairs investigations (but no increase in misconduct), 89% increase in traffic stops, 67% decrease in weapon displays but 54% increase in low-level force incidents, and sworn staffing at 25% below authorized (frozen at 72). Council accepted the informational report unanimously.
• Items 7C, 7D, 7E – Homeless Services Contracts: Presented by Housing and Human Services Manager Simone Falls. Three contracts were considered:
  • 7C: Alameda Family Services ($218,000 for 10 months, with four one-year extensions up to $1.274 million total) to provide mental health services at shelter programs.
  • 7D: Restorative Pathways (Ruby's Place) ($700,000 for initial term, up to $3.5 million over five years) to operate emergency supportive housing.
  • 7E: Urban Alchemy ($1.6 million for initial term, up to $8 million over five years) to operate the day center, safe parking, and overnight shelter. Council debated the process for contract extensions. Councilmember Jensen expressed concerns about Urban Alchemy's litigation history (settled PAGA lawsuits, dismissed Sausalito case). The council amended all three contracts to require that any extension be approved by the city council in an open public meeting, rather than solely by the city manager.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved, with Councilmember Jensen voting no on Item 5E.
• Item 7A: Approved unanimously.
• Item 7B: Approved unanimously (accepted informational report).
• Item 7C (Alameda Family Services): Approved unanimously, as amended.
• Item 7D (Restorative Pathways): Approved unanimously, as amended.
• Item 7E (Urban Alchemy): Approved 4-1, with Councilmember Jensen opposed, as amended.
• Amendment to Contracts: All three contracts were amended to require city council approval of any extensions in an open public meeting.
• City Manager Announcements:
  • Alameda County awarded $5.5 million in Measure W funds for the Alameda Point Collaborative/Mercy Housing permanent supportive housing project for seniors.
  • The Australian national soccer team (Socceroos) selected Alameda as its World Cup training base, with training starting in June 2026.
• Council Communications: Councilmember Daysog attended Coast Guard Island awards and the AC Transit joint meeting. Mayor and council shared updates on community events, including a visit by Joe Montana to Gold Bar Whiskey and the retirement of Assistant City Clerk Irma Reyes Glidden.
• The meeting was adjourned in memory of civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, who passed away at age 84.