Oakland Housing Projects Receive $23 Million from Alameda County's Measure W Sales Tax Fund

Six Oakland affordable housing projects will receive a combined $23.39 million from Alameda County’s Measure W sales tax revenue, according to a Board of Supervisors vote this week that distributed $53 million across 10 developments throughout the county.

The funding comes from Measure W, a half-percent sales tax increase approved by voters in 2020 that was tied up in litigation for years. The Alameda County Taxpayers Association filed a lawsuit seeking to void the measure and prevent the county from collecting the tax money, according to county records. After resolving the legal challenge, officials decided last summer to allocate 80% of funds to homeless programs and housing, with the remainder going to other essential services.

During the court battle, Measure W generated $810 million that the county held in escrow, according to supervisors.

The Oakland projects receiving funding include the Liberation Park development by Eden Housing and Black Cultural Zone Community Development Corporation, which received the largest city allocation at $6.75 million. The 3135 San Pablo project by Satellite Affordable Housing Associates secured $5.63 million, while the Brighter Bancroft Senior project earned $4.38 million.

Three additional Oakland developments received smaller awards: 500 Lake Park by EAH Housing got $3.65 million, East 12th Circle by Unity Council and Self Help Ventures Fund received $2.98 million. In January, the board also approved $18.73 million for an East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation project on county property.

All selected projects are considered “shovel-ready” or close to breaking ground, positioning them to apply for state money or tax credits soon, according to county officials.

The county’s funding framework prioritizes areas with concentrated homeless populations while spreading resources across different regions. Oakland leaders have consistently argued the city deserves a larger share of county resources, citing disproportionate homelessness numbers. While Oakland houses 22% of all county residents, it’s home to 58% of the county’s homeless population, according to officials.

“Oakland is the epicenter of this crisis, and it’s not by coincidence,” Mayor Barbara Lee said at a Wednesday press conference, referencing the city’s history of redlining and disinvestment. Lee noted that Oakland has 74% of the county’s Black homeless residents and emphasized that funding decisions should prioritize racial equity.

Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas, who represents parts of Oakland, described the homelessness fund as “a timely resource we have locally to ensure people don’t lose housing that might be funded by federal sources.”

Beyond Oakland, the county awarded significant funding to projects in Berkeley, including $8.1 million for the People’s Park Supportive project and $7 million for Ephesian Legacy Court. Other recipients include developments in Livermore ($6.1 million), Alameda ($5.5 million), and Newark ($2.92 million).

The complete funding package supports 946 new affordable housing units across the county, including 310 specifically designated for formerly homeless individuals. An additional $3.7 million will cover administrative costs, according to county records.

At Wednesday’s press conference, elected officials and people who have experienced homelessness praised Measure W as crucial support during a period of funding uncertainty and shortfalls.

“Measure W is a lifeline for our town,” Lee said.

The sales tax increase runs for 10 years, providing ongoing revenue for the county’s affordable housing and homelessness initiatives as the region continues grappling with a housing crisis that has left thousands without shelter.