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Board approves Measure W advance planning for homelessness funds amid litigation concerns
Summary
With roughly $559 million in Measure W receipts held in escrow while litigation proceeds, the board approved a phased advance planning approach to prioritize homelessness responses; President Miley abstained over process and legal caution.
The Alameda County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 17 approved staff direction to begin advance planning for Measure W revenue that is currently in escrow pending litigation. County counsel explained that the collection agreement with state tax authorities prevents the county from spending measure proceeds until litigation is finally resolved, but recommended that the county prepare phased plans in anticipation of eventual release.
President Miley voiced caution about committing a large portion of potential Measure W funds to homelessness planning while litigation remains unresolved and said that other county needs should be assessed before designating revenue. “It’s premature to set aside this amount of money at this point in time,” he said, citing the need to hear from other county departments about competing priorities.
Supporters of the planning approach said the county faces an immediate unsheltered crisis and noted community expectations that Measure W would fund homelessness responses. County staff described a phased plan that would initially staff up administrative capacity and then scale acquisition and shelter investments when funds are available; staff referenced an estimated $559 million currently in reserve. The board approved the direction (Supervisor Marquez Aye; Supervisor Tam Aye; Supervisor Carson Yes; President Miley Abstain; Supervisor Halbert excused).
County counsel and staff said the plan is intended to be measured and phased, not to commit the full reserve immediately. The board’s action directs staff to return with more detailed budget and annual expenditure plans once litigation resolves and more information is available.
