AlCo supes achieve consensus on Measure W funds, but homeless advocates want more

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors agreed to allocate 80% of the $810 million generated from Measure W to homelessness programs, with 20% reserved for other social services. This non-official consensus followed a public meeting where community members voiced their concerns about homelessness in the county. A formal vote to implement this decision is scheduled for a special meeting on Wednesday. Measure W, which passed with less than 1% support in 2020, introduced a 0. 5% sales tax projected to generate $150 million annually for housing resources.

The funds had been delayed due to a court battle, where a judge ruled that the money must be treated as a general fund. Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan, stating that addressing homelessness would require $2. 5 billion over five years. Advocacy groups and local mayors have echoed calls to prioritize homelessness solutions, stressing the importance of fulfilling promises made to voters. The public's input reflects a strong desire for effective action against the homelessness crisis in Alameda County.