About

ALAMEDA, CA — The Alameda City Council has voted to give residents the final say on a major investment in the city’s future. On July 21, 2026, the Council voted to approve an ordinance placing the SAFER Alameda Act — a $300 million general obligation bond measure aimed at addressing sea-level rise, flooding, public safety and more — on the November 2026 ballot.

The measure would create a dedicated, local funding source to repair aging infrastructure across Alameda. City staff identified at least $800 million in unfunded infrastructure and resilience needs across the City. Those needs continue to grow as infrastructure ages and the City prepares for challenges such as flooding, earthquakes, and severe weather, with costs increasing the longer these needs are left unaddressed.

What the SAFER Alameda Act Would Fund

If approved by two-thirds of Alameda voters, the SAFER Alameda Act would raise locally controlled funding aimed at addressing the City’s most urgent needs, including:

• Preventing Flooding and Combating Sea-Level Rise
• Preparing for Earthquakes and Emergencies
• Maintaining Rapid Response to Fires, Accidents, and Medical Emergencies
• Repairing Potholes and Keeping Streets Safe and Accessible
• Keeping Pollution Out of the Bay

What It Would Cost

Property owners would pay approximately $49 per year for every $100,000 of assessed value — not the home’s current market price. For longtime homeowners, the assessed value is often lower than the current market rate. This cost would apply only while the bonds remain outstanding.

Local Control and Fiscal Accountability

The measure includes strong safeguards to protect taxpayer dollars. Every dollar stays in Alameda. No funds can be taken by the State or federal government. An independent citizens’ oversight committee of Alameda residents will review and report on the expenditures of the measure, ensuring all funds are spent as outlined in the detailed project list included in the measure. Mandatory annual audits will confirm funds are spent as promised. No funds can be used to increase salaries or pensions.

City Leaders Voice Support

Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft voiced strong support for placing the measure before voters.

“This is about democracy in its most fundamental form,” said Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft. “The needs facing our island are real, and they will only grow if we delay addressing them. Our role as the City Council was to place this measure before the community. Now the decision belongs to Alameda voters.”

The measure will appear on the November 2026 ballot. Residents can learn more about the measure, review project categories, read answers to frequently asked questions and access additional educational materials at www.alamedaca.gov/strongertogether.

About the City of Alameda

The City of Alameda is an island community of approximately 78,000 residents located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Committed to safety, sustainability, and quality of life, the City delivers essential services and invests in the infrastructure that keeps the community strong, connected, and resilient for generations to come.

The City of Alameda is pleased to announce that, at its April 21, 2026 City Council meeting, the Council is set to appoint Gerry Beaudin as Alameda’s new City Manager. The City Manager is appointed by and reports directly to the Mayor and City Council. As the City’s Chief Administrative Officer, the City Manager provides leadership and organizational direction for City operations. Mr. Beaudin is expected to begin work June 30, 2026.

Mr. Beaudin’s appointment follows an extensive recruitment process. He is currently the City Manager of Pleasanton, a position he has held since 2022, and concurrently serves as JPA (Joint Powers Authority) Executive Director of the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department.

He brings 23 years of public management experience to Alameda, including serving as Alameda’s Assistant City Manager (August 2019 to May 2022) where he oversaw the Public Works, Recreation & Parks, Library, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Finance Departments, and also served as Interim City Manager.

Mr. Beaudin previously served as Community Development Director for the City of Pleasanton, Zoning Administrator for the City of Mountain View, and as a Planner for the cities of South San Francisco, Los Altos, and Toronto, Ontario. He holds a Master of Science degree in Planning from the University of Toronto, Canada, and a Bachelor of Arts degree, with Honors, from Queen’s University, Canada.

Beaudin noted, “I am delighted to be selected by the Mayor and City Council and look forward to collaborating with City leadership, the City’s talented executive team and staff, and connecting with the broader community. Alameda is an innovative, progressive, and welcoming community, and I am grateful for the opportunity to return as City Manager. The community is truly a place where everyone belongs, and Alameda shows limitless potential.”

“The City Council and I are delighted to warmly welcome Gerry Beaudin back to Alameda as our new City Manager,” stated Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft. “Gerry is an innovative manager and excellent communicator who brings a wealth of experience in complex land use and organizational projects, and a passion for public service, to Alameda. He will be a valuable partner to the City Council and City staff, as well as to our residents, businesses, and visitors. We can’t wait to reintroduce new City Manager Gerry Beaudin to the Alameda community!”

As we welcome our new City Manager, the City also wishes to acknowledge and thank Interim City Manager Adam Politzer, former City Manager of Sausalito, for his dedicated service during the City Manager recruitment process.

After conducting a competitive selection process, the Alameda City Council is set to appoint Adam Politzer as Alameda’s Interim City Manager at its December 2, 2025 meeting. Mr. Politzer is expected to begin work on December 5, 2025.

Mr. Politzer has worked in local government nearly 35 years, including more than 13 years as City Manager for the City of Sausalito. Following his retirement from Sausalito, Mr. Politzer served as interim City Manager for the Cities of Emeryville, Fairfax, and Clayton.

“I am genuinely honored to serve as Alameda’s Interim City Manager during this important transition. I thank the City Council for entrusting me with this responsibility, and for the opportunity to lead such an extraordinary leadership team. The City Council and dedicated staff have a diverse and exciting set of projects underway, and my goal is to ensure continuous progress until a new, permanent City Manager is appointed. I am eager to collaborate closely with the City Council, City staff, and community partners as we work together to build on the positive momentum that has already been established. I am grateful for the trust placed in me and look forward to contributing to Alameda’s ongoing success,” said Mr. Politzer.

“With more than three decades of local government service, Mr. Politzer brings a wealth of experience to Alameda and will provide exceptional leadership to help move our city forward as we conduct a search for a new permanent City Manager,” said Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft. “Adam has shown that he understands Alameda’s unique opportunities and challenges. He will be a valuable partner to the City Council and City staff as we serve Alameda’s residents, businesses, and visitors.”