Frequently Asked Questions

City of Alameda 

What contributes to the City of Alameda’s quality of life?

Alamedans are proud to call our City home because of our quality of life — safe streets and neighborhoods, well-maintained parks, reliable public services, and a strong sense of community.

What challenges does the City of Alameda face?

Alameda’s aging infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable to flooding, earthquakes, severe weather, and sea level rise. To keep our neighborhoods safe and functional, the City is looking at how to fund critical repairs before they become even more expensive. Alameda’s quality of life depends on infrastructure that works.

Is Alameda’s critical infrastructure in need of repair?

Alameda’s critical infrastructure was built decades ago and does not meet current earthquake safety standards. Roads and sidewalks also need repairs to ensure that people of all ages and abilities can go where they need to quickly and safely, whether they drive, walk, or bike. This includes fixing potholes, repairing sidewalks, improving traffic safety, and maintaining safe routes to school.

Can improvements to aging City facilities be funded with current resources?

No. Maintaining the City’s financial stability is a top priority, and we know that the City’s existing financial resources are not sufficient to address these growing infrastructure needs.

What sort of funding solutions could address these infrastructure needs?

The Alameda City Council voted to place a $300 million local bond measure on the November 2026 ballot 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.

What projects could be funded?

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

What types of fiscal accountability could a bond measure include?

The bond measure, SAFER Alameda Act, requires strict fiscal accountability measures to ensure all funding stays in Alameda and is spent as intended. Key components include:

  • 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 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

Are any upgrades to the City’s fire stations being considered?

Fire stations do not currently meet earthquake safety standards, leaving us vulnerable in a major earthquake. Additionally, many of the City’s existing fire stations were built before current health and safety standards were established and do not include dedicated spaces for firefighters to properly decontaminate themselves or their protective equipment after emergency calls. This increases the risk of exposure to hazardous materials and carcinogens. Proposed facility upgrades would help modernize stations and support firefighter health and safety while ensuring they can continue providing reliable emergency response services to the community.

How much would a local funding measure cost? 

The cost of a general obligation bond is based on the assessed value (not the current appraised value) of properties. The assessed value is based on the original purchase price of a property and is typically much lower than the current market value of a property. In other words, those who have lived in their homes the longest and have lower original purchase prices will pay the least. And those who purchased more recently and will see the greatest long-term benefits of the investments will pay more. In addition to residential homeowners, businesses and other property owners will also pay the cost.

Could this funding be taken by the State or federal government?  

No. Funds cannot be taken by the State or federal government or used for purposes other than those specified in the bond measure. All funds from the bond measure would benefit the City of Alameda only.

How was the detailed project list developed?

After over a year of community outreach, surveys, and Council engagement, the City developed the detailed project list, aligning community’s needs with the most urgent City needs. The project list clearly outlines what projects are eligible for funds. [Link to project list].(PDF, 224KB)

Why is a local funding measure being considered?

Without a local funding measure, there is no identified funding source to complete needed repairs and upgrades to Alameda’s critical infrastructure. Alameda’s quality of life is supported by safe streets and neighborhoods, well-maintained parks and open spaces, and vibrant local business districts — all of which rely on ongoing infrastructure investment. Additional local funding is part of a longer-term vision to maintain the infrastructure needed to support reliable and sustainable City services.

Have other types of measures been considered to solve the City’s infrastructure need?
Yes, the City has explored other funding mechanisms but a bond measure is the only viable option to provide the revenue needed to meaningful fund the City’s priority infrastructure projects. The City has over $800 million in unfunded infrastructure projects — including flood prevention, addressing sea level rise, road repairs, and upgrading public safety facilities — projects that will only become more expensive the longer they are delayed. We are committed to protecting the long-term financial stability of the island, and the bond is the only viable option available, providing the upfront funding needed to address the City’s need now.

What happens if the local bond measure is not passed?

With so much uncertainty in Washington, DC and without a dedicated local funding source, the City will be forced to pull from the General Fund — the same pot of money that pays for everyday services like parks and emergency response. That leaves fewer dollars available for the services Alamedans rely on to maintain our quality of life, and the flooded streets and other urgent needs residents face today will simply continue if projects are not completed.

Will this funding be used for sewer infrastructure?

Sewer infrastructure is funded through its own funding source. While the City currently has more than $800 million in unfunded infrastructure needs, the sewer system is already sufficiently funded. However, current funding sources are not sufficient to meet stormwater need and many of our storm drains are too small for today’s conditions, which leads to more frequent flooding during storms and high tides. If the measure were to be approved, funds could be used to maintain and repair our stormwater infrastructure to keep pollution out of the Bay and prevent flooding on city streets, shorelines, and in the Tubes.

How can I provide input and feedback?

To learn more about the measure, visit alamedaca.gov/StrongerTogether. If you have questions or would like to share feedback, we invite you to join the conversation by emailing strongertogether@alamedaca.gov.

 

 

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