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Board approves HAP 6 application but asks Oakland to amend encampment policy to meet state guidance
Summary
The board authorized a joint HAP 6 grant application totaling about $44 million (Oakland and county portions) and directed staff to send a letter asking the City of Oakland to amend encampment-removal policy language flagged by the state to avoid jeopardizing regional funding.
Alameda County supervisors voted Sept. 9 to approve a joint application for HAP 6 funding and authorized county staff to work with the City of Oakland to amend the city’s encampment-removal policy so the region remains compliant with state guidance.
County staff said the HAP 6 round totals roughly $44 million across the region — about $23 million administered by Oakland and approximately $22 million for the rest of the county. State reviewers (Cal ICH/HCD) identified clarity issues in Oakland’s proposed encampment policy, specifically around identifying interim shelter capacity before removal, handling of belongings and providing meaningful advance notice where possible.
Jonathan Russell, AC Health director for housing and homelessness services, said the state offered technical assistance and that county staff would send a letter requesting Oakland align its policy with state redlines so both the city’s and county’s allocations are not put at risk. “With a non-compliant policy, you risk not only Oakland’s $23 million but also the county’s $22 million,” Russell said.
Supervisor Tam and others said the county should help the city revise policy language quickly to protect regional funding; the motion authorized retroactive application submission and direction for staff to pursue revisions and coordination with Oakland and Sacramento. The motion passed on a roll call vote.
Staff emphasized that the grant funding would support interim shelter and a continuum of care across cities — navigation centers and pandemic-era shelters were cited as examples of programs that would receive allocations.
The board asked staff to follow up and said the county would continue discussions with state officials and Oakland city staff to find a compliance path while preserving the region’s ability to use the funds.
