Alameda County Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting – September 23, 2026

(Note: The agenda and transcript list the meeting date as September 22, 2026, but the provided date for the summary is September 23, 2026.)

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors held its regular meeting on September 23, 2026. The meeting included a report on closed session actions, approval of a consent calendar, a mass motion approval of numerous contracts and policy items, and two informational set matters. Key topics included a $1.3 million settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit, extensive public testimony in support of immigrant services, an update on child welfare system improvements, and negotiations over the Alameda County Fair Association contract.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously approved items 54–61, including meeting minutes, conflict of interest codes for the Alameda County Water District, Human Resource Services, and Information Technology Department, the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s July 2026 Investment Report, the District Attorney’s annual report on Real Estate Fraud, and reappointment of Virginia Harrington to the Source Reduction & Recycling Board.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 9 (Immigrant Services Contract Amendments): Sixteen speakers, representing organizations such as Trabajadores Unidos Workers United, Asian Health Services, California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice, and Filipino Advocates for Justice, urged the board to sustain Act for All Coalition funding and establish a permanent Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs. Speakers emphasized the ongoing threat of deportation, the need for trusted legal services, and the importance of prevention over crisis response. Several speakers noted that the coalitions have reached thousands of residents with know-your-rights trainings, legal consultations, and mutual aid.
• Item 53 (Alameda County Fair Association Update): Seven speakers offered mixed views. The Fair Association president and CEO highlighted the fair’s financial success, agricultural investments, and community impact. Critics, including George Schmidt and Amy Ash, accused the association of lacking transparency, ignoring contract terms, and de-emphasizing agriculture. Some called for termination of the contract and issuance of an RFP, while others urged improved governance.
• Public Input on Non-Agenda Items: Two speakers addressed substance abuse treatment and food security efforts.

Discussion Items

• Item 9 – Immigrant Services Contracts: Supervisor Marquez asked about hiring for the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs. Director Ford reported that a management analyst position is being reclassified and a director job description is under development. Charles Sanchez, interim senior management analyst, outlined plans for an RFP to be released September 28, 2026, with new contracts starting July 1, 2027. Supervisors emphasized the need for broader outreach to Asian, African, and other non-Spanish-speaking communities and accountability measures.
• Items 2, 3, 5, 6 – Social Services Contracts: Questions were raised about regional coverage for emergency meals, CalWORKs job training eligibility, and refugee integration services. Supervisor Fortunato Bass requested a January 2027 update on the North County workforce contract. Supervisor Tam asked for demographic data on refugees served; Director Ford pledged to provide that by September 28.
• Item 10 – Baker Tilly Child Welfare Assessment: Director Andrea Ford presented a rapid organizational assessment and transformation roadmap for the Department of Children and Family Services. Supervisors discussed the need for child welfare expertise in the assessment, community engagement, and direct reporting to the board. The contract was approved (5-0).
• Item 17 – Behavioral Health Bridge Housing: Supervisor Miley noted alignment with housing-first principles and the urgency of addressing homelessness. The amendments increase funding for housing and services for individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders.
• Item 20 – Fall Prevention Training: Supervisor Marquez requested outreach information for District 2.
• Item 21 – Environmental Health Fee Study: Supervisor Miley supported the study to update fees not revised since 2014, noting its importance for code enforcement.
• Item 38 – Meeder Public Funds Contract Extension: President Haubert asked about measurable results and performance benchmarks. Treasurer confirmed monthly reports and expressed satisfaction with services. The extension was approved.
• Item 39 – Appointment of Cynthia Cornejo as Registrar of Voters: Approved unanimously (5-0). Cornejo, who had served as acting ROV since March 2026, was praised for her integrity and experience.
• Item 45 – Fire Department Cybersecurity and AI Policies: Supervisor Miley clarified that these policies mirror the county’s existing ones; the fire department operates its own network.
• Item 53 – Alameda County Fair Association Update: Lori from the County Administrator’s Office reported ongoing negotiations focused on permitting, code compliance, committee structure, and communication protocols. The deadline for non-renewal of the current contract is September 30, 2026. Supervisors expressed support for continued negotiations but stressed the need for transparency and health and safety provisions.
• Closed Session Report: County Counsel announced a settlement of $1.3 million in Estate of Jesus Eric Magana v. Alameda County, approved unanimously on July 28, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously.
• Mass Motion (Items 2–51 except 10, 27, 34, 35, 39, 49): Approved with specific votes recorded. Item 27 (Supervisor Fortunato Bas recusal on United Seniors funding) was approved 4-0.
• Item 10 (Baker Tilly Contract): Approved 5-0. Final report due by December 2026, to be presented to the full board.
• Item 39 (Registrar of Voters): Approved 5-0.
• Items 34, 35, 49 (Salary Ordinance and Traffic Code): Approved after second/first readings.
• Fair Association: No formal action taken. Staff will continue negotiations; board expects a resolution or update before the September 30 deadline.
• Next Steps: RFP for immigrant services to be released September 28, 2026, with new contracts aimed for July 1, 2027. Child welfare update on September 28, 2026, from Assistant Agency Director Michelle Love. The board’s finance subcommittee will receive a report on the ethical investment policy RFP before full board consideration.