Dear Friends,
As my time on the Alameda County Board of Supervisors comes to an end, I want to express my gratitude for the privilege of serving District 5 and Alameda County for the past 32 years. It has been an honor to represent nearly 340,000 residents across 14 cities and unincorporated areas.
Being one of California’s longest-serving County Supervisors, I’ve had the opportunity to adapt to changing political and social landscapes while advocating for District 5’s needs. My tenure has given me valuable institutional knowledge, allowing me to navigate state and federal constraints.
Over the years, Alameda County’s demographics have shifted. What was once a predominantly white county is now more diverse, but this change has come with challenges. While communities are more integrated, schools are more segregated, with disparities in resources and teacher shortages exacerbated by housing costs.
The county also faces the growing challenge of an aging population, with insufficient support systems despite long-predicted needs. Our infrastructure struggles to meet these demands, leaving many without adequate support.
Many policies in place today were shaped by laws created centuries ago, often to protect property at the expense of marginalized groups. These outdated systems affect issues such as mental wellness and education, where new societal needs are still being addressed in an evolving landscape.
While decision-making is slowly diversifying, local, state, and national leadership remains largely dominated by a group of mostly white men; slowly, white women are joining that historical club, with just a few people of color and those with lived experience at the table of information gathering or actual decision making. which slows necessary changes, especially in addressing systemic inequalities.
Serving on the Board has been a tremendous responsibility. Despite the numerous challenges, the county has worked tirelessly to support its residents, with dedicated employees ensuring essential services are provided year-round, and I am particularly proud of what my staff and I have been able to accomplish. Some of the highlights include:
- As Chair of Alameda County’s Budget Committee, I led efforts to manage multi-billion-dollar budgets during many fiscally challenged years. As one example, the 2024-25 budget of $4.6 billion prioritized safety net services, mental health funding, and affordable housing, all while balancing a $68 million deficit.
- For 30 years, I chaired the largest regional business group – East Bay EDA – bringing together companies, unions, government, academia, philanthropic, and community-based organizations from both Alameda and Contra Costa Counties to foster economic development. During his leadership, East Bay EDA brought over $7 billion dollars of economic activity to the East Bay in the areas of bio science, health, construction, and worked to locate businesses in the East Bay, including Tesla, PG&E, and Blue Cross.
- In 2018, I convened the first countywide summit on homelessness with all 14 cities, which provided the foundation for ongoing collaboration.
- Under my oversight, funding was expanded for mental health services, community-based programs, and affordable housing addressing critical needs in the region.
- In December 2002, my office established the Asian Pacific Islander Community Collaborative (APICC), a collection of over 30 Asian and Asian Pacific Islander (API) community-based organizations that provide services to District 5. APICC advocates for and promotes linguistically and culturally accessible County services for Asian and Asian Pacific Islander Americans. The focus is on language access, employment, and social services issues, and works with community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and businesses that serve API communities.
- Let’s Work initiative was started in May 2014 to recognize the importance of a diverse workforce in Alameda County. The initiative celebrates employers who demonstrate leadership by hiring individuals with barriers to employment, such as the formerly incarcerated, lower skilled people or those who encounter barriers while receiving CalWORKS.
As the new presidential administration takes power, there will undoubtedly be more challenges ahead for our county. Many in our community are understandably fearful and deeply concerned. While we may not know exactly what lies ahead, I sincerely hope that my work over the years as your Supervisor has contributed to strengthening our local safety net, ensuring that we are better equipped to face these challenges and protect everyone in our beloved Alameda County.
Once again, thank you for the privilege of allowing me to serve. I wish you all a blessed holiday season, and may the new year bring you peace and good health.
-Keith Carson