Alameda County Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting – July 1, 2026

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors met on July 1, 2026, to address a wide range of items including the appointment of a new Chief Information Officer, a contract extension for foster youth services, the dissolution of a community services area, the receipt of the Reparations Commission report, and a contentious extension of the Flock surveillance technology contract. The meeting lasted from approximately 9:00 AM to after 6:00 PM and included extensive public testimony.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: Approved minutes from special meetings on January 16, January 21, June 16, and the regular meeting and budget hearing on June 18, 2026.
• Consent Calendar: Items 80 through 93 were approved unanimously after a correction in numbering.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Castlewood CSA (Item 74): Multiple residents spoke in opposition to the dissolution of the Castlewood Community Services Area, citing mismanagement by Public Works, a 172% rate increase, a $1.4 million loan, and safety risks from unplugged backup generators. They urged the board to vote no or abstain.
• Reparations Commission (Items 77 & 78): Over 40 speakers, including commissioners, community members, and organization representatives, expressed strong support for accepting the Reparations Commission report and implementing its recommendations. Speakers highlighted historical and ongoing systemic harms and urged the board to act.
• Flock Contract (Item 79): Approximately 50 public comments were divided: opponents cited data breaches, civil liberties violations, racial profiling, and the company's track record; supporters emphasized public safety benefits, especially in unincorporated areas, and cited recovered stolen vehicles and solved crimes.

Discussion Items

• Item 6 – Foster Youth Services Contract: The Social Services Agency requested a two-year extension with The Refuge to continue short-term residential therapeutic care for foster youth ages 12-18. Supervisor Fortunato Bass moved to extend the contract for up to 12 months and issue an RFP to seek additional providers. The motion passed unanimously.
• Item 74 – Castlewood CSA Dissolution: Public Works Director Daniel Desenberg explained the financial challenges of the self-funded CSA, proposed a zero-interest interaccount loan to cover a $1.4 million deficit, and recommended initiating dissolution via LAFCO. After debate, the board bifurcated the vote. Items A–E (policy direction including dissolution) passed 3-1-1 (Marquez, Tan, Fortunato Bass yes; Miley abstain; Halbert no). Items F–G (appropriations) failed 3-1-1 (needed four-fifths; Marquez, Tan, Fortunato Bass yes; Miley abstain; Halbert no).
• Item 77 & 78 – Reparations Commission: The board received the final report from the Alameda County Reparations Commission, which included 44 recommendations across 12 focus areas. The commission chair Deborah Gore and others presented the findings. After emotional testimony, the board voted unanimously to receive the report, sunset the commission effective June 30, 2026, and establish a standing committee of the Board of Supervisors to advance implementation.
• Item 79 – Flock Safety Contract Extension: The Sheriff's Office sought a $2.4 million contract extension combining ALPR, pan-tilt-zoom cameras, and drone first responder services. County Counsel detailed additional provisions on data ownership, restrictions on federal access, and audit rights. Secure Justice submitted 10 recommended amendments. After lengthy debate, a substitute motion to approve the contract as presented (with future RFP process) passed 3-2 (Miley, Tam, Halbert yes; Marquez, Fortunato Bass no).

Key Outcomes

• CIO Appointment: Timothy Flanagan was announced as the new Chief Information Officer, effective September 13, 2026, pending formal approval on July 14.
• Foster Youth Contract: Extended up to 12 months; RFP to be issued.
• Castlewood CSA: A–E approved (interaccount loan, dissolution process); F–G failed (no appropriations).
• Reparations Commission: Report received, commission sunset, standing committee established.
• Flock Contract: Approved ($2,421,832) for ALPR, PTZ cameras, and drone services through December 31, 2027. Future contract will be subject to RFP and further community engagement.