SEIU 1021

Alameda County Board of Supervisors unanimously approves Measure C 5-year plan
Landmark investment in early childhood education, child care workers, and family support services moves forward

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On Tuesday, June 10, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to adopt the 5-year plan for Measure C. The vote officially unlocks $209 million annually to expand child care access, boost pay for early educators, and support working families across the county.

Originally passed by voters in March 2020 with a 65% majority, Measure C is a 0.5% sales tax dedicated to child care, preschool, and early education. After years of legal delays, it was upheld by the California Supreme Court in 2024. The June 10 vote approves the roadmap to begin distributing funds, administered by First 5 Alameda County, which oversees 80% of Measure C revenue.

Key investments in the 5-year plan include:

  • Emergency stabilization grants of $40,000–$100,000 for ~80% of providers (over $80 million total; grants opened June 11)
  • A $25/hour wage floor and raises of up to $25,000/year for ~3,000 early educators
  • 2,400 new subsidized child care slots to expand access and boost provider income
  • Relief grants and voucher boosts for ~2,500 family, friend, and neighbor caregivers
  • Direct supports for families, including $1M for inclusion services, $5M for family resource centers, and $1.5M for service navigation

This plan reflects over 63 hours of community input, including meetings, surveys, and collaboration with workers, families, and advocates.

“This is a historic win,” said Jennifer Esteen, registered nurse and vice president of organizing for SEIU 1021. “The Board’s vote unlocks critical funding that will raise wages, expand care, and finally make early education accessible to more working families. I’m proud of the parents, providers, and community members who made this possible.”

“Measure C passing is going to benefit teachers because we’ll get better compensation. It will alleviate some of the financial stress that teachers often face,” said Esther Jimenez Ortiz, instructional aide at Arroyo Viejo School CDC and proud SEIU 1021 member. “It will help retain experienced educators and make this field more attractive.”

Congratulations to SEIU 1021’s childcare organizing team, whose tireless work helped secure this historic win and bring more childcare workers into our union family.