Measure W Moves Forward — A Milestone for Housing in Alameda County
In a major step toward addressing homelessness and strengthening social services, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors has approved a long-awaited plan to allocate the $810 million generated by Measure W, the half-cent sales tax passed by voters in 2020.
Community Shows Up on July 22
At a special Board meeting on July 22, the community showed powerful support for long-term housing solutions. East Bay Housing Organizations (EBHO) mobilized hundreds of advocates for permanent supportive housing, filling the chambers and spilling into three overflow rooms.
Firm Foundation Community Housing’s full staff, Executive Director, and Board Member Pastor Michael Kim-Eubanks were present, alongside faith leaders like Rev. Erina Kim-Eubanks of Bethel Community Presbyterian Church. The collective message was clear: invest boldly in housing-first strategies.
Board Votes on July 30
On July 30, the Board unanimously approved a framework that includes:
80% (~$585 million) for a new Home Together Fund supporting homelessness services
20% (~$54 million) for essential services like food assistance and senior care
$170 million held in reserve for future needs
A proposed $15 million nonprofit stabilization fund was deferred for later consideration
Looking Ahead
Alameda County Staff were directed to bring program priorities back at the Board Work Session on September 30, 2025. The County’s roadmap for how it will solicit, evaluate, and award contracts or grants funded by the measure have yet to be published.
Firm Foundation has several permanent supportive housing projects in the pipeline, including two with full planning approvals that could move forward with Measure W awards. As the County moves into implementation, we are hopeful that these investments will turn bold commitments into real homes and lasting stability for our neighbors across Alameda County.
