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.
Sanctuary City Policy Statement
Hayward is reminding residents that local police don’t do immigration enforcement and city workers don’t track immigration status. It’s a reassurance for immigrant residents and anyone who cares how local cops interact with federal immigration authorities.
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.
Heat pump water heater program expansion
The city expanded its heat pump water heater direct installation program from select neighborhoods to the whole city, with installation cost help available by phone or text.
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.
Data center moratorium referral
Staff proposes requiring conditional use permits for data centers and limiting them to the general industrial district. Prologis and several commissioners say that's too restrictive and could cost Hayward major investment; staff cites diesel generators and environmental impacts.
FY 2026-27 Operating Budget and $30M Structural Deficit
Hayward burned through roughly $30 million in reserves and is balancing this year's budget with layoffs, cuts, and one-time fixes. The city still needs $2-4 million more in cushion, and 94% of general fund revenue goes to salaries and benefits. The February 28 retreat is where the council will tackle long-term structural solutions.
Road Construction
Hayward is launching a $10 million street repair project starting with night repaving on A Street and Hathaway Avenue this late October. If you live or drive in those areas, expect some overnight noise and detours while the work gets done.
Election Information
Election Day is just around the corner, and Hayward's City Clerk is reminding everyone to check their registration and find their local drop box. Voters will be casting ballots for mayor and specific council districts, so it's time to make a plan to vote.
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.
Downtown density increase via General Plan amendments
The commission recommended raising downtown density limits to 40–210 units per acre and remapping 130 parcels to match the Downtown Specific Plan. Consistency makes Hayward more competitive for One Bay Area Grant and transit-oriented community funding — potentially millions in state and regional money.
Business Friendly Hayward regulatory overhaul
Councilmembers Syrop and Andrews heard from developers that Hayward's permitting takes too many rounds of comments and drives up costs — like requiring separate water meters for each of 13 units. They want a coordinated push to make Hayward 'open for business.'
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.
$1.5 million settlement of Costa v. City of Hayward
The council settled a lawsuit against the city for $1.5 million in closed session. Hayward's $800,000 share is already budgeted in the risk fund; insurance picks up the rest.
Shelter crisis declaration and tiny homes for domestic violence survivors
The council extended legal authorization for tiny homes on Huntwood Avenue that shelter survivors of domestic violence through 2036. A public commenter urged the city to also plan winter shelter for the city's 400-plus unhoused residents.