Alameda County's Measure W Funds Finally Flowing to Housing After Delays

Lawsuit held up $1 billion in tax revenue for years, but money is now being used for homelessness services and new developments.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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After a five-year delay due to a lawsuit, Alameda County residents will finally see the $1 billion in tax revenue from Measure W being used to support homelessness services and new housing developments in the region.

Why it matters

The Measure W funds were approved by voters to address the growing homelessness crisis and housing shortage in Alameda County, but the legal challenges prevented the money from being put to use for several years, frustrating local officials and residents.

The details

Measure W, a 2021 ballot measure, was intended to generate nearly $1 billion over 20 years through a sales tax increase to fund homelessness services and new housing construction in Alameda County. However, a lawsuit filed shortly after the measure's passage delayed the use of these funds until it was recently resolved, allowing the money to start being allocated.

  • Measure W was approved by Alameda County voters in 2021.
  • A lawsuit was filed shortly after the measure's passage, delaying the use of the funds.
  • The lawsuit was recently resolved, allowing the Measure W funds to start being used.

The players

Charlene Wang

An Oakland city councilwoman who expressed frustration over the delays in releasing the Measure W funds.

Alameda County

The county that passed Measure W, a sales tax increase to fund homelessness services and new housing construction.

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What they’re saying

“I was hoping that the money would be released sooner than what we're seeing,”

— Charlene Wang, Oakland City Councilwoman (East Bay Times)

What’s next

With the lawsuit resolved, Alameda County officials are now able to begin allocating the Measure W funds to homelessness programs and new housing developments across the region.

The takeaway

The delayed release of Measure W funds highlights the challenges local governments can face in implementing new tax measures, even when they are approved by voters, due to legal obstacles. However, the eventual availability of this $1 billion in funding is a significant step forward in addressing the housing and homelessness crises in Alameda County.