Hayward · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hayward public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
General Municipal Election — City Hall Vote Center
The November 3 council meeting was canceled so City Hall can serve as a vote center for the General Municipal Election. Residents can vote in person on Election Day from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, or early from October 31 through November 2. The next regular council meeting is November 17, 2026.
Unarmed security services contract increase
The council quietly added $356,000 to the First Shield security contract covering city locations and the Hayward Executive Airport, bringing the total to about $5.18 million.
Tobacco retailer license enforcement and youth protection
The city is cracking down on tobacco shops that repeatedly sold flavored products, vapes, and items appealing to youth. Four licenses were revoked, and residents — including students and a prevention professional — urged the commission to hold violators accountable.
Invasive mosquito detected in Hayward
The mosquito abatement district found the invasive Aedes aegypti — an ankle-biting, disease-carrying species — downtown and near Hesperian. Residents are asked to dump standing water weekly and report dead birds; the service is already paid for through property taxes.
Care facility funding concerns raised in public comment
BACS will build an 83-bed locked mental health treatment center on the former Navigation Center site in West Hayward. The use is allowed by right under state law; the commission weighed only variances for building size, setbacks, and a 14-foot security fence driven by the parcels' odd shapes and easements.
Police surveillance technology expansion (Axon DFR and ALPR)
The council approved a five-year, up-to-$2.9M Axon package including drone-as-first-responder equipment and 64 license plate reader cameras, replacing expiring Flock cameras. Supporters point to solved abduction cases; critics worry about mass surveillance, data misuse, and ICE access.
Police Department Service Impacts and New Programs
A police department scandal involving a $1,000 bribe to cover a massage parlor was acknowledged; the implicated individual has pled not guilty and an investigation is underway.
Code Enforcement Liens and Assessments
The council confirmed liens and sent past-due code enforcement penalties to the county for collection. Several property owners objected, including an attorney who said a $14.5 million penalty against his client — nearly four times the property's value — was unconstitutional, and a resident who cited medical hardship.
Nighttime Safety Enhancement Plan
The $1.93 million federal grant for Regis Village came with a discussion about the facility's strain on police and fire services in District 1. A fire engine there was shut down to save overtime, and council wants state and county help to restore it.
Homelessness Down 21% in Hayward
The latest county point-in-time count shows Hayward's homeless population dropped 21% — from 512 to 404 people — better than the countywide 13% decline. The mayor credited regional collaboration and housing investments.
Fire Department Staffing and Response Capacity
Hayward has about 100 trained CERT volunteers ready to deploy in a disaster, with a goal of adding 50-100 per year. Council members discussed recruiting more, partnering with Cal State East Bay, and whether council members should take the training themselves.
Public Safety Center Siting
The current police station no longer meets the department's needs, and the former Air National Guard site is now the preferred location for a new Public Safety Center. Staff is exploring phased approaches and possible public-private partnerships since the city can't fund full construction now.
Emergency Operations Center training for elected officials
The council got trained on its role during a major disaster — relaying verified info, routing resident reports to an EOC liaison, and avoiding unverified social media posts. A condensed emergency handbook for council members is expected by May.
Massage business regulation
New rules will make more people legally responsible for massage establishments, ban sexually suggestive advertising, and require annual permit renewals — aimed at problem operations while protecting legitimate businesses.
Tennyson Road rail crossing safety
The city accepted $300,000 in state funding to design safety improvements at the Tennyson Road railroad crossing.
Police and fire labor agreements
The council approved updated contract side letters with the city's police and firefighter unions.
Hillside Emergency Evacuation and Egress
Commissioners pressed staff on emergency evacuation from the hills, especially with Walpert Street prone to backups. Staff noted the project meets the fire code and the city's stricter Appendix D egress standards, and pointed residents to the Zone Haven evacuation map online.
Pedestrian fatalities and street safety
Three pedestrians were killed on Hayward streets in ten days, all on the high-injury network. Residents demanded quick-build safety fixes and accountability; the city manager announced a fatal crash response program, quick-build improvements at Tennyson and Baldwin within weeks, and a street safety work session in March.
Massage business moratorium extension
The council extended its temporary ban on new massage businesses while staff drafts permanent rules requiring CUPs citywide, responding to reports of commercial sex work and human trafficking concerns.