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Alameda council votes to send $300 million infrastructure bond to voters
Summary
On a 4–1 vote the Alameda City Council moved to place a $300 million infrastructure bond on the November 2026 ballot after staff and consultants presented polling that showed majority support; the measure would levy roughly $49 per $100,000 of assessed value and fund priorities including flood adaptation, fire facilities and roads.
The Alameda City Council voted July 7 to introduce an ordinance and adopt a resolution to place a $300 million infrastructure bond measure on the November 2026 ballot, advancing the proposal to a required second reading and final adoption. Vice Mayor Michelle Pryor moved to advance the measure and Councilmember Greg Bowler seconded; the motion passed 4–1 with Councilmember Desogues opposing.
Staff and consultants described a multistep outreach program and scientific polling that tested multiple bond amounts and financing approaches. Sustainability and Resilience Manager Danielle Mueller told the council the city has identified well over $800 million in infrastructure needs and recommended a focused $300 million measure tied to voters’ top priorities. "If approved by voters, property owners would pay approximately $49 per year for every $100,000 of assessed value," Danielle Mueller said during the presentation. Consultants with Team CivX and FM3 Research reported baseline support around 62% that increased to about 66% after arguments in favor during testing; the consultants recommended a narrow project list and a citizen oversight committee and noted the city cannot use staff or city funds to advocate for passage.
Council discussion centered on Exhibit A (the draft project list), the bond’s levy structure versus alternatives (parcel tax), and whether the city should include more prescriptive line-item percentages. Public comments were largely supportive, including firefighters, building trades and climate advocacy groups; some speakers urged a more progressive revenue model or demanded greater specificity. The council set deadlines for direct ballot arguments (due July 23) and rebuttals (due August 3) and directed staff to return on July 21 for final adoption actions and to meet county ballot-filing deadlines.
