Critical services preserved, including $138M for Alameda Health System
The Alameda County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted the Fiscal Year 2026-27 final budget, according to an announcement issued by the county on Monday, June 29. The budget includes a $6.7 billion spending plan proposed in May 2026 by County Administrator Susan S. Muranishi, which closes a projected $184.8 million funding gap while preserving critical services for county residents.
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The adopted budget supports nearly 10,500 full-time equivalent positions and “reflects the Board’s commitment to equity, fiscal responsibility, and the County’s long-term Vision 2036 [2] goals,” the announcement stated. It includes more than $138 million for the Alameda Health System.
The 2026-27 final budget represents a 10% increase over the prior year’s $6.1 billion budget across all funds. Despite significant fiscal pressures at the state and federal level, the budget was balanced without major program reductions or layoffs, an achievement Muranishi credited to strong collaboration across county agencies, departments, and the budget workgroup.
“Alameda County is facing fiscal challenges from federal budget cuts. Closing a significant funding gap and long-standing commitment to developing a balanced budget without major program reductions or layoffs is a major achievement and team effort,” Muranishi said. “Together, these efforts have produced a balanced budget that reflects our shared values, and positions Alameda County to continue serving residents with innovation, equity and integrity.”
Services supported by new budget
The budget includes the following investments in key county services:
- $2.2 billion for salaries and employee benefits supporting a diverse workforce of nearly 10,500 employees.
- More than $1.25 billion in contracts for direct services delivered through over 271 community-based organizations, including more than $138 million for Alameda Health System.
- More than $800 million for behavioral health services.
- More than $440 million for housing and homelessness programs.
- $476.9 million in direct assistance payments to residents.
- $347 million in Measure W investments across Home Together and Essential County Services.
- $386.5 million for direct municipal services in the unincorporated areas.
“This budget reflects our collective resolve to serve every community member in Alameda County—today and for generations to come,” said Supervisor Haubert. “Vision 2036 is our north star, and even in a challenging fiscal environment, we are making investments that move us closer to a county where all people can live, work and thrive in prosperous communities. Closing this gap without cutting essential programs or laying off workers is proof that disciplined governance delivers real results for real people.”
State and federal uncertainty
The budget was adopted amid significant uncertainty at both the state and federal levels. Ongoing state budget negotiations have deferred many proposed changes affecting health and social services, while anticipated federal reductions under H.R. 1 (also known as the Trump administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill”) and related legislation could have substantial downstream impacts on county revenues.
Meanwhile, behavioral health and housing instability demands on county departments show no signs of abating, even as state mandates and unfunded mandates continue to expand, according to the announcement, which noted that navigating this landscape will require county leaders to make difficult prioritization decisions in the coming years. County leadership will continue to closely monitor developments in Sacramento and Washington D.C. while actively advocating for resources the community depends on.
“Our county’s long-standing commitment to responsible financial planning has once again proven its value, allowing us to balance this budget without resorting to major cuts to the services our community depends on,” Muranishi stated.
For more information about the Alameda County 2026-27 Final Budget, visit the interactive digital budget book [3] online.