Alameda County Approves Reparations Plan Amid Budget Shortfall, Focusing on Institutional Changes
Alameda County, California, has approved a comprehensive reparations plan for black residents, despite facing a $91 million budget shortfall. The plan, passed unanimously by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, emphasizes institutional and policy changes in housing, education, healthcare, and criminal justice, while leaving open the possibility of cash payments. The initiative follows more than two years of research and community engagement. Supervisor Nate Miley, a key proponent of the plan, highlighted the importance of addressing economic opportunity and criminal justice reform. The county has also partnered with the City of Hayward on a separate effort providing direct financial redress to descendants of Russell City, a community displaced in the mid-20th century.