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.
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.
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.
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.