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Board approves 'Alameda County Together for All' ad hoc committee to coordinate immigrant and refugee response
Summary
The Alameda County Board of Supervisors voted to create an ad hoc committee, Alameda County Together for All (ACT), to coordinate rapid response, public education and support services for residents affected by federal immigration and funding actions. The motion passed by roll call; the committee will recommend actions to standing committees or the full board.
Supervisor Supervisor Fortunato Bass introduced a motion to create the Alameda County Together for All (ACT) ad hoc committee to coordinate county and community responses to federal policies affecting immigrants, refugees and other vulnerable groups. "As the daughter of Filipino immigrants and a lifelong advocate for marginalized communities, I'm deeply concerned about the federal policies and budget decisions on Alameda County's most vulnerable residents," Supervisor Fortunato Bass said.
The Board debated the committee's scope, jurisdiction, and relationship with standing committees. Several supervisors, including Supervisor Miley and Supervisor Marquez, requested clarity on how policy or budget items would be channeled from the ad hoc committee to standing committees and to the full board. County counsel and staff clarified that ad hoc committees are Brown Act‑noticed bodies that can make recommendations, but that formal policy and appropriation decisions must come to the full board.
Public commenters and community organizations strongly supported the committee, urging immediate action to provide a coordinated rapid‑response hotline and to backfill services for refugees and immigrants. Community speakers asked for a county fund to support deportation defense, legal services and Know‑Your‑Rights outreach.
Supervisor Fortunato Bass moved to create the ad hoc committee; the motion was seconded and the board approved the measure by roll call: Supervisor Marquez — Aye; Supervisor Tam — Excused; Supervisor Meili — Aye; Supervisor Fortunato Bass — Aye; President Halbert — Aye. The board directed staff to schedule the committee, noted it would meet regularly and to return implementing details (including any budgetary requests) through the established committee and budget processes. The board also agreed the committee would initially meet twice a month and that county staff and community partners would help scope a rapid response hotline expected to launch in mid‑February.
