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.