Alameda County Board of Supervisors Special Meeting - Adoption of FY 2026-2027 Final Budget - July 9, 2026

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors held a special meeting on July 9, 2026, to adopt the final budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. The meeting was a continuation from June 23, 2026. The board voted unanimously to approve a $6.7 billion balanced budget, closing a $184.8 million funding gap through expenditure reductions, revenue enhancements, and one-time strategies. Key actions included a $19.3 million allocation to Alameda Health System to prevent layoffs, support a performance audit, and extend a mental health program.

Discussion Items

• County Administrator's Budget Presentation: Susan Ranishy presented the final $6.7 billion budget (10% increase from prior year), supporting over 10,400 full-time equivalent positions. The general fund is $4.3 billion. The budget closes a $184.8 million funding gap via salary savings, elimination of funded vacancies, revenue maximization, and one-time retirement rate savings. Approximately 50% of the balancing solution relies on one-time savings. Key investments include $2.2 billion for salaries/benefits, $1.25 billion for contracts with community-based organizations, $440 million for housing/homelessness, $347 million in Measure W funds, and $795 million for capital projects. Ranishy also highlighted 125 efficiency actions yielding $114 million in savings, recognized by CSAC and NACo.

• Alameda Health System (AHS) Recommendations: Supervisors Miley and Fortunato Bass introduced a joint letter with four recommendations: (1) a one-time allocation of up to $19.3 million to AHS to eliminate 92 remaining layoffs for FY 2026-27, (2) a performance audit of AHS by an outside firm, (3) extension of the PHP IOP program through October 31, 2026, and (4) direction for the CAO to explore employment for 28 PHP IOP staff if the program becomes infeasible within AHS. The ad hoc committee on AHS will continue and provide a status update by end of 2026.

• Board Comments:

  • Supervisor Tam praised the efficiency achievements and improved engagement with unincorporated communities. She noted the $387 million unincorporated services budget.
  • Supervisor Marquez acknowledged the hard work and creativity, but stressed the need for honest conversations about future trade-offs, citing priorities like immigrant/refugee services, reparations, and infrastructure.
  • Supervisor Fortunato Bass emphasized the budget as a statement of values, protecting vulnerable residents. She highlighted progress on equity, transparency, and community engagement, and called for addressing the structural deficit through revenue measures such as updating the fee schedule and assessment appeals process. She clarified that the $19.3 million should not come from already-allocated Measure W funds, but hoped for creative solutions.
  • Supervisor Miley thanked all partners and reflected on his 26th budget as a supervisor. He noted that new challenges will arise and that the board may need to triage priorities.
  • President Halbert thanked the CAO and team, noted that Measure W funds are temporarily higher due to litigation backlog, and stressed prudent use going forward.

Key Outcomes

• Budget Adoption: The board adopted by resolution the final FY 2026-2027 budget for the County of Alameda, Alameda County Fire District, Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (excluding Zone 7), and County Service Area Districts. The motion was made by Supervisor Miley, seconded by Supervisor Marquez, and passed unanimously (5-0).
• AHS Allocation and Actions: The board approved the joint letter recommendations, including the up to $19.3 million allocation to AHS, the performance audit, and extension of the mental health program. The CAO and Auditor Controller were authorized to make necessary adjustments.
• Policy Priorities Reaffirmed: The board reaffirmed priorities including maintaining reserve levels (two months of general fund operating expenses), ongoing supplemental funding for senior services, continued operational efficiencies, redesign of special budgets (children's, human impacts), review of master fee schedule with emphasis on assessment appeals, and potential creation of new offices for immigrants/refugees, unincorporated area, reparations, and public safety oversight.
• Continued Monitoring: The board committed to monitoring state and federal funding uncertainties, including impacts from HR1 and a ballot initiative on local taxes that could reduce county revenues by up to $2 billion statewide.