News Story

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.