Alameda County Board of Supervisors Meeting – September 16, 2026

This summary covers the Alameda County Board of Supervisors meeting that began on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, according to the agenda and transcript, but the provided timestamp indicates the meeting took place on September 16, 2026. The meeting included a closed session, approval of a large consent calendar, and a set matter at 3:00 PM regarding a voter-initiated minimum wage ballot measure for unincorporated areas. Key decisions included placing the measure on the March 2028 ballot and referring a potential competing measure to the Unincorporated Services Committee.

Consent Calendar

• Approved items 101–115 except item 101D (minutes from August 4, 2026), which was withdrawn by Supervisor Marquez for correction regarding an AB 1185 update response.
• The consent calendar was approved as amended by a 4-0 vote (Supervisor Fortunato Bass excused).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Closed Session Comment: Several SEIU 1021 members and Teamsters 856 representatives spoke about ongoing contract negotiations, urging the Board to help finalize agreements. They highlighted concerns over proposed healthcare cost shifts and the need for a tiered county allowance to protect working families.
• Minimum Wage Ballot Measure (Item 100): Nineteen speakers (13 in-person, 6 online) addressed the Board.
  • Supporters (including One Fair Wage, Black Organizing Project, UAW, and individual workers) urged the Board to adopt the measure or place it on the next ballot, arguing it would lift wages for thousands, reduce poverty, and address the affordability crisis. They cited broad voter support (70% polling) and warned that delays would harm small businesses by compressing the phase-in schedule.
  • Opponents (including California Retailers Association, Dublin Chamber of Commerce, San Leandro Chamber of Commerce, and a resident of unincorporated areas) asked the Board to place the measure on the March 2028 ballot to allow more time to study impacts. They warned of business closures, job losses, increased costs for consumers, and disproportionate harm to unincorporated communities, which would become a "testing zone."

Discussion Items

• Minimum Wage Ballot Measure (Item 100): The Board received a presentation from BAE Urban Economics on a fiscal and economic impact study. Key findings: estimated annual county costs of $32.9–$34.3 million by 2030 (primarily personnel and leased properties), potential cross-border business effects, and equity considerations. County Counsel noted legal concerns, particularly regarding interaction with Measure C (child care funding) and other unaddressed issues. Supervisor Miley expressed concerns that the measure applies only to unincorporated areas and could have unintended consequences. He proposed two actions: (1) place the measure on the next statewide election (currently March 7, 2028) as required by law, and (2) refer the exploration of a competing ballot measure to the Unincorporated Services Committee to develop a more tailored approach with stakeholder input. Supervisor Marquez and Supervisor Tam supported the referral, emphasizing the need for further analysis and community engagement.
• Other Items:
  • Supervisor Miley highlighted item 49 (Measure A1 annual report, showing 4,300 affordable housing units created), item 52 (extension of homeless services contract with First Presbyterian Church of Hayward), item 54 (renovation of historic Whitecotton Cottage into a community space and district office), item 86 (AC Alert mass notification system extension), and item 96 (East Bay Greenway multimodal project grant application).
  • Supervisor Marquez asked about items 8 and 9 (interagency MOUs for child welfare and commercially sexually exploited youth), seeking data and update frequency.
  • Supervisor Tam questioned item 14 (state hospital penalty for exceeding incompetency-to-stand-trial cap).
  • Item 74 (investment consulting contract) was continued to the next meeting due to the absence of the Treasurer-Tax Collector.
  • Item 34 (District 1 funding) was approved with Supervisor Miley recused due to his role with United Seniors of Oakland & Alameda County.
  • Item 45 was pulled by the department.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on Minimum Wage Ballot Measure (Item 100): The Board voted 4-0 (Supervisor Fortunato Bass excused) to submit the proposed minimum wage ordinance without change to the voters at the next statewide election, currently scheduled for March 7, 2028. The motion included a provision that if a statewide special election is called before that date, the measure would appear on that ballot. (Motion by Miley, seconded by Marquez.)
• Referral to Unincorporated Services Committee: The Board voted 4-0 to refer the exploration of a potential competing minimum wage ballot measure to the Unincorporated Services Committee (composed of Supervisors Miley and Tam). The committee is to work with staff and community stakeholders and report back with a timeline and deliverables. (Motion by Miley, seconded by Tam.)
• Consent Calendar Approved: Approved as amended (excluding 101D).
• Closed Session Reports: County Counsel reported:
  • Settlement in Hernandez Ahumada v. County of Alameda: $320,000 (unanimous vote July 14).
  • Settlement in K.P. v. County of Alameda: $3 million (unanimous vote May 12).
  • Settlement in flood control district claim against East Bay MUD and PG&E: $3,917,233 (approved September 15).
  • Authorization to retain outside counsel in Erhardt v. Alameda County Fire Department.
• Other Actions: Numerous contracts, grants, appointments, and administrative items were approved via the consent calendar and mass motion.