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.
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.
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.