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Alameda board reviews 2026 community survey finding gaps in awareness of affordable housing
Summary
Staff presented a 2026 community needs survey (328 respondents) showing 84% live in Alameda, 26% are cost-burden renters, 10% reported food insecurity, and 42% disagree they can find affordable housing options. Members urged more targeted outreach and presentations to increase awareness.
Staff presented findings from a 2026 community needs survey that will help shape the board’s 2026–27 SMART goals. The presenter said there were 328 respondents, of whom 84% live in Alameda; 26% are cost‑burden renters (paying 30% or more of income on rent), 25% work in Alameda, 16% have used social services, and 10% reported food insecurity. The presenter also said the survey skews older and overrepresents women compared with city census data.
Board members focused discussion on two priorities emerging from the survey: increasing awareness of affordable-housing options and expanding outreach. “Awareness of affordable housing is one of the big things to me,” the acting president said, citing that 42% of respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed that they know where to find affordable housing. Members suggested partnering with other boards, tabling at local events, and arranging guest speakers (rent-control staff or program representatives) to explain resources and eligibility.
Members flagged cost‑burdened renters as a high‑priority impact group and discussed how outreach might reach people who fall outside current service networks. Suggestions included making resources more "Googleable," tracking engagement via QR codes or dedicated links, and tabling at community events to build relationships with under‑reached residents.
