Vol. VI, No. 1,272
—Overall homelessness in Alameda County has declined 13 percent over the past two years, offering the strongest sign yet that local and countywide strategies to combat homelessness may be gaining traction.
More than 8,200 people remain homeless across Alameda County, including roughly 5,200 living unsheltered on the streets, according to the preliminary point-in-time count conducted in January.
Still, the latest numbers continue a positive trend after the county reported a 3 percent decline in homelessness in 2024.
Oakland, which still accounts for a slight majority of the county’s homeless population, posted one of the most notable improvements.
The city recorded a 20 percent reduction in homelessness, representing 1,075 fewer people in the latest count.
“Oakland is on the move,” said Mayor Barbara Lee during Tuesday’s press conference outside the county administration building in Oakland. “We worked together and today’s proof is that we are doing the right thing.”
The City of Alameda also reported a dramatic turnaround, with homelessness falling nearly 50 percent following a sizable increase recorded two years ago.
“This outcome shows what is possible when a city invests in compassionate, proactive programs and services to support residents in need,” said Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft.
Homelessness increased in Oakland, Hayward, Alameda; decreased in Berkeley, Fremont, San Leandro
Other cities posting significant declines included Hayward and Albany, while more modest reductions were reported in Union City, Newark, and Emeryville.
The picture was less encouraging in Livermore, Fremont, Berkeley, and Alameda County’s unincorporated areas, all of which saw increases in their homeless counts.
Tuesday’s announcement also highlighted the growing role of Measure W, the countywide half-cent sales tax approved by voters in 2020 to fund homelessness prevention, supportive services, and affordable housing.
The measure is expected to generate more than $1.8 billion before it sunsets in 2031.
Preliminary Alameda County Point-In Time Count
COUNTY NEWS: Oakland, Alameda, Hayward celebrate positive point-in-time homeless counts and posting poor numbers two years ago.
Wahab’s Alameda County transparency bill sails through State Senate.
Haubert assails SB 1193 for focusing the supervisors’ ‘tiny’ discretionary spending.
CITY NEWS: San Leandro Council is heading toward reaffirming intent for reopening damaged Lake Chabot Road.
Alameda sister city proposal with Palestinian village sparks new tensions at City Hall.
ELECTION 2026:
CAMPAIGN FINANCE: Form 497 large campaign contributions, and Form 6 federal 48-hour notices of contributions filed on May 19.
