Contra Costa County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Contra Costa County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Basic Health Care Program Expansion
The county is expanding its Basic Health Care program to provide a safety net for thousands of residents expected to lose Medi-Cal coverage due to upcoming federal and state policy changes. The program bridges coverage gaps for low-income residents who do not qualify for other insurance.
Head Start Program Continuation and Grant Funding
The county's Head Start program continues to navigate federal regulatory shifts while expanding child development services and accepting a supplemental nutrition grant.
View Preservation, Setbacks, and Geotechnical Safety in Kensington
Neighbors on Willamette Avenue fought the Rangr-designed home over blocked Golden Gate Bridge views, lost kitchen and study sunlight, a narrow street, and a state-designated earthquake-induced landslide zone. The commission approved the project but kept a condition requiring a county-peer-reviewed supplemental geotechnical report before any permits.
Holistic Intervention Partnership (HIP) Funding and Services
The Board extended contract support for Support4Recovery's Spanish-language sober living program and directed health officials to utilize opioid settlement funds to prevent the program from hitting a fiscal cliff.
Contra Costa Health Long-Term Fiscal Outlook and Deficit
The county is facing severe financial operating losses in its commercial health plan, prompting significant premium rate increases that will impact county employees and retirees. Officials balance the necessity of maintaining state regulatory compliance against the heavy cost burdens placed on workers.
Truth Act Forum and Immigration Enforcement Communications
The county debated whether to adopt a policy or ordinance to limit local cooperation with federal immigration authorities under Senate Bill 580. Community members strongly urged the board to pass a binding ordinance with contractor compliance, while the board ultimately approved a comprehensive non-cooperation policy incorporating state guidelines.
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 County Budget
County finance officials presented a sobering budget outlook for fiscal year 2026-2027, highlighting slowing revenue growth, compounding labor costs, and significant future deficits driven by federal and state policy shifts.
Medi-Cal and CalFresh Annual Update and HR.1 Impacts
The Employment and Human Services Department outlined the massive administrative and financial challenges posed by 18 new state and federal mandates under H.R.1, including work requirements and frequent renewals. Officials warned of increased workloads and potential coverage loss for residents.
Homeless Services Data and Federal Funding Landscape
Contra Costa Health presented data showing extensive outreach and supportive housing services, while warning of severe impending funding cuts from HUD and state budgets. Officials emphasized the critical need for continued local investment to prevent spikes in homelessness.
Restructuring and Potential Layoffs in Enhanced Care Management (ECM)
Dozens of county healthcare workers, public health nurses, and union representatives protested proposed restructuring and potential layoffs within the Enhanced Care Management program. Speakers urged the board to explore internal cost-saving alternatives, implement hiring freezes, and protect veteran frontline staff who serve vulnerable populations.
Proposed General Sales Tax Measure for County Services
The county is placing a 0.625% temporary sales tax on the June ballot to offset major federal funding cuts and prevent severe deficits in health and social services.
Proposed Temporary Sales Tax Measure
The county is placing a 0.625% temporary sales tax on the June ballot to offset major federal funding cuts and prevent severe deficits in health and social services.