Alameda County board introduces mandatory rental mediation ordinance after broad public comment

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 22 voted to introduce for first reading a rental housing dispute resolution ordinance that would create a county-run mediation program for tenant–landlord disputes in the unincorporated areas.

The ordinance, presented by Sandy Rivera, Community Development Agency director, and Deputy Housing Director Jennifer Pierce, responds to prior board direction to shorten several timeline elements. Pierce told the board that under the draft “a mediator is assigned within 10 days, needs to notify the parties within 2 days, and mediation needs to take no more than 30 days unless the parties request more time.” The first reading was introduced after public comment and a roll call vote; staff said they will return with implementation details and a contract for mediation services.

Why it matters: County staff and tenant advocates said the new process could keep disputes out of court and reduce displacement by offering an early, formal mediation path and by coordinating rental-assistance referrals. Tenants and tenant-rights groups urged complementary support services; small landlords and trade groups sought operational clarity and safeguards against unintended consequences.

What staff and speakers said: Sandy Rivera summarized staff work and stakeholder engagement in preparing the ordinance. Maria Miranda, speaking for unincorporated-area renters, told the board: “Over 82 percent of the cases that we’ve referred were actually rental assistance or had some sort of instability with paying rent for one reason or another,” arguing mediation could prevent many disputes from progressing into eviction filings. David Stark of the Bay East Association of Realtors said his group was “generally supportive of a public policy that brings people together” and offered to help with implementation.

Implementation and funding: Staff said they are running a request for proposals for mediation contractors, with ARPA and regional funding expected to cover initial costs; staff anticipated bringing a contract to the board by late November or early December to meet federal ARPA deadlines. The ordinance’s introduction starts a timeline that—if adopted at second reading—would make the ordinance effective 30 days after adoption.

Next steps: The board introduced the ordinance and waived formal reading. Staff will return with contractor agreements and implementation guidelines, and the board will take up the second reading and final adoption timetable in the coming weeks.

All quotes and attributions are taken directly from the board meeting transcript and public comment recorded Oct. 22, 2024.