Preparing for Flooding, Earthquakes, and Aging Infrastructure
Our quality of life depends on infrastructure that works. Today, much of Alameda’s infrastructure is aging and increasingly vulnerable to flooding, earthquakes, and severe weather.
Flooding and Sea Level Rise: As an island community, we are on the front lines of rising seas. Our outdated storm drains are too small for today’s conditions, causing more frequent street flooding during storms and high tides.
Earthquake Safety: Our fire stations were built decades ago and don’t meet today’s seismic safety standards, leaving us vulnerable in a major earthquake.
Poor Street Conditions: Potholes, cracked sidewalks, and traffic safety needs make it harder for everyone – especially older adults, students, and people with disabilities – to get around safely.
Maintaining the City of Alameda’s financial stability is a top priority, but the City’s existing financial resources are not sufficient to address these growing infrastructure needs.
Local Funding Solutions to Protect Alamedans
The Alameda City Council voted to place a $300 million local bond measure that would provide a dedicated funding source for our critical infrastructure needs. If passed, property owners would pay approximately $49 per year for every $100,000 of assessed value (not the home’s current appraised value), while bonds are outstanding. If approved by voters, the measure could fund identified infrastructure needs, including:
Preventing flooding in the Tubes and on City streets and addressing sea level rise
Repairing potholes and improving traffic safety
Maintaining and repairing stormwater infrastructure to keep pollution out of the Bay and prevent flooding
Supporting public safety response to critical fires, crashes, and medical emergencies
Local Control and Fiscal Accountability
All funds would stay local for Alameda — no funds could be taken by the State or federal government
A detailed project list outlines what projects the funds can be used for.
An independent citizens’ oversight committee and mandatory annual audits would ensure all funds are spent as promised
No funds would be used to increase salaries or pensions
Frequently Asked Questions
Download Fact Sheet(PDF, 1MB)
Project List outlining what projects the funds can be used for
Download a mailer that was sent to Alameda residents in July 2026(PDF, 4MB)
Download a mailer that was sent to Alameda residents in June 2026(PDF, 3MB)
Download a mailer and survey that was sent to Alameda residents in April 2026(PDF, 7MB)
If you have questions or would like to share feedback, we invite you to join the conversation by emailing strongertogether@alamedaca.gov.
Public Works Department