On July 21, the Alameda City Council will vote on whether to place on the November ballot a City Charter amendment that would eliminate the elected auditor and treasurer positions—two of the only independent financial watchdogs the public can hold directly accountable. If this amendment moves forward, Alameda will lose critical checks and balances at a moment when government transparency is already under strain.
This proposal is not new. In 2019, the Council formed a subcommittee, held public workshops, gathered community input, and interviewed the Auditor and Treasurer. After a thorough, transparent process, the idea was rejected. This time, none of that happened. No outreach. No public discussion. No analysis. The community learned of the proposal only when it appeared on the Council agenda—an unmistakable sign that this process is being rushed and shielded from public scrutiny.
Eliminating these elected offices would strip Alameda of the independent oversight that has repeatedly protected residents from financial mismanagement. Over our decades of service, we have raised alarms about serious problems in the utility’s telecom division, exposed massive unfunded pension and retiree healthcare liabilities, and produced the City’s first comprehensive long-term financial forecast. We have provided emergency budget projections during COVID, contributed to pension-reform task forces, and worked with Council and staff to craft responsible solutions for Alameda’s deteriorating infrastructure.
These are not ceremonial roles. They are essential safeguards. Removing them would concentrate financial authority within City administration, reducing accountability and weakening the public’s ability to monitor how taxpayer dollars are managed.
At a time when trust in government is at historic lows—and when voters overwhelmingly demand more transparency, not less—this Charter amendment is a direct step backward for Alameda. It undermines independent oversight, bypasses public engagement, and erodes the democratic principle that financial watchdogs should answer to the people, not to City Hall.
If you believe Alameda deserves open government, independent oversight, and honest process, now is the time to speak up. Contact your Councilmembers and the Mayor. Attend the July 21 meeting. Make your voice heard before a cornerstone of local accountability is quietly dismantled.
Kevin Kearney is the elected Auditor and Kevin Kennedy is the elected Treasurer for the City of Alameda.
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