Hayward · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hayward public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Business license tax modernization
The city is quietly moving toward a November 2026 ballot measure to modernize the business license tax, untouched for nearly 50 years. A consultant is being hired to build a fiscal model, and a community poll could happen within weeks. Estimates discussed ranged from $13-21 million (union estimate) to a prior assessment well below a $28 million figure.
Russell City Redress Fund
Philanthropic Ventures Foundation was approved as fiscal sponsor for the Russell City Redress Fund, moving the redress effort forward.
CDBG Funding and the Future of the Community Services Commission
With the community agency funding cycle canceled due to budget shortfalls, about $1.5 million in federal CDBG money is going to one-time internal projects instead of nonprofits. Commissioners told the council they felt shut out of the process, and the council directed staff to expand the commission into an advisory role with a community needs assessment.
FY27-FY36 Capital Improvement Program
Public Works launched an online dashboard letting residents track 100+ city construction projects, with council members asking for maps, renderings, and clearer status descriptions.
Library budget cuts reducing hours and services
Hayward libraries got their state grants this year, but the state may cut about $130,000 in ESL funding next year, a program serving roughly 300 residents. The council authorized accepting up to $350,000 annually in state and donated library funding through FY 2028-29.
Federal funding risks: ACA subsidies and homelessness grants
The city accepted $1.9 million in Prop 47 grant funds, most of it going to Bay Area Community Services for enhanced services at the Hayward Navigation Center. Andrews asked for crime-stat updates on safety around the Navigation Center and Regis Village.
Affordable Housing In-Lieu Fees and Housing Trust Fund
Commissioners discussed Hayward's struggle to meet state housing targets for very low, low, and moderate income households — the city is at only 30-40% on those categories while exceeding 120% on market-rate. Staff and the developer discussed in-lieu fees, density bonus incentives, and state funding scarcity for 100% affordable projects.
Rent stabilization program cost recovery
The council formally adopted the rent stabilization and tenant protection ordinance, locking in protections for renters in Hayward.
Sales tax decline from BART car contract
Hayward's recent strong sales tax years were largely a one-time boost from the BART car contract, and about $7.7 million is coming out of the forecast. Council wants a policy so one-time windfalls go to reserves instead of funding ongoing positions.