Measure W, a half-cent sales tax, generates up to $200 million annually for homelessness solutions in Alameda County. After legal challenges, courts determined that it is a general tax, allowing for flexible spending. Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas advocates allocating 90% of the funds towards homelessness initiatives including permanent housing and shelters. She emphasizes the commitment to fulfill promises made to voters, focusing resources on cities with significant homelessness challenges, particularly Oakland, which has over half of the county's homeless population.
"Voters were told this would support homelessness solutions," Bas said. "We want to make sure we deliver on that."
Measure W's margin of victory was far below two-thirds. It barely passed, with 50.09% of the vote.
At a community town hall on the measure in West Oakland on Monday night, Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas made a pitch for spending 90% of the revenue on homelessness.
County officials are free to use the money for purposes other than homelessness if they choose to. That's where the tension lies.
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