Hayward City Council seeks staff input for enhancing community services and engagement

In the heart of Hayward City Hall, council members gathered on May 13, 2025, to discuss pressing community issues and innovative strategies for improvement. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of collaboration as officials emphasized the importance of engaging city staff in the decision-making process.

Council Member Bonillas sparked a lively discussion about the value of input from those who work on the front lines of city services. “The people that are on the ground... probably have the best perspectives on programs,” he noted, advocating for a creative approach to gather ideas from all staff members. This sentiment resonated throughout the meeting, with members expressing a desire to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels part of the solution.

To facilitate this engagement, plans were unveiled for an email system to collect staff suggestions and the establishment of ideation sessions. These sessions aim to create a space for brainstorming, allowing staff to contribute innovative ideas that could lead to significant improvements in city operations. “We want to make them feel like they’re a part of what’s happening,” Bonillas added, highlighting the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of Hayward.

The conversation then shifted to the city’s core priorities, as Assistant City Manager Regina Youngblood presented key findings from a recent resident satisfaction survey. Council members underscored the need to focus on critical issues such as housing, homelessness, crime, and infrastructure maintenance. “These are the things that people are looking for us to fix,” one council member remarked, reinforcing the council's commitment to addressing community needs.

Mayor Alvarez took the opportunity to reassure residents about the management of funds from Measures C and K1, which are vital revenue sources for the city. He emphasized that these funds would continue to support the city’s priorities, ensuring that promises made to the community are honored. “Those are two very significant revenue streams,” he stated, aiming to alleviate any concerns regarding financial transparency and accountability.

As the meeting drew to a close, the council members reflected on the challenges ahead, particularly the rising costs associated with addressing homelessness—a pressing issue faced by many cities in the Bay Area. The discussions highlighted a collective determination to navigate these challenges while maintaining a focus on community satisfaction and effective service delivery.

With a renewed commitment to collaboration and innovation, the Hayward City Council is poised to tackle the pressing issues facing its residents, ensuring that every voice is heard in the journey toward a better future.