Alameda is an island city, and its City Council is asking voters to pay to keep it dry and running. Measure L on the Nov. 3 ballot, branded the SAFER Alameda Act, would authorize $300 million in general obligation bonds for infrastructure and emergency preparedness.

What the bond would pay for

The ballot question lists five categories: preventing flooding and sea-level rise, including keeping the Posey and Webster Tubes from flooding; preparing for earthquakes and emergencies; maintaining response to fires, accidents and medical calls; repairing potholes and keeping streets safe and accessible; and keeping pollution out of the Bay. The League of Women Voters of Alameda notes the measure lists possible projects in each category, but the council would decide how the money is divided.

City staff identified at least $800 million in unfunded infrastructure and resilience needs, according to the city's announcement. The bond would cover roughly $300 million of that, so it would not close the whole gap.

What it would cost property owners

The ballot language estimates a levy of $49 per $100,000 of assessed value per year, raising about $19 million annually while the bonds are outstanding. Assessed value is usually well below market value for longtime owners, because of Proposition 13. The League's analysis says the levy would last at least 30 years and the bonds could carry a maximum interest rate of 12% a year. Ordinance 3408 caps the principal at $300 million.

Bond money is restricted to capital projects. It cannot pay for city operations, salaries or pensions. A council-appointed oversight committee would review spending, and the city promises annual audits.

How it got here and what it takes to pass

The council voted July 21, 2026, to place the bond on the ballot after staff cited community outreach and polling. As a general obligation bond backed by property taxes, Measure L needs a two-thirds supermajority, a much higher bar than the simple majority some other local tax measures need this fall.

What your vote means

  • Yes: Alameda may issue up to $300 million in bonds, repaid by a new property tax of about $49 per $100,000 of assessed value.
  • No: no bond and no new levy. The city would have to find other ways to pay for the projects or put them off.

Alameda voters will also see two charter amendments, Measures M and N, on the same ballot. Full measure text and arguments are in the Alameda County voter guide.