Supervisors back a countywide small‑business relief program and debate adding matching funds and technical assistance

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors debated how best to distribute limited CARES Act funds to small businesses and whether to attach matching requirements or carve geographic allocations by supervisorial district.

Supervisor Keith Carson supported a $5 million program administered by the East Bay Economic Development Alliance (EBEDA) to get funds out quickly and reach small, underserved businesses. "There's a desperate need," he said, urging countywide outreach and assistance for businesses that lack internet access or application capacity.

Supervisor Haggerty proposed adding $3 million that cities could match to expand the program's reach; he said a 100% city match would unlock additional local funds and speed distribution. Supervisor Carson agreed and offered a friendly amendment that the program also include a modest technical/linguistic assistance fund (discussed at about $125,000) to help very small, non‑English‑speaking businesses apply.

Mayors and community representatives testified in support of rapid distribution, linguistic outreach and hands‑on assistance. Fremont Mayor Lily Mei said her city had already dedicated $400,000 in local small‑business grants and offered to help with outreach. Community leaders from the Oakland Latino and Chinatown chambers emphasized language access and local partnerships with community‑based organizations to reach businesses that may not trust government programs.

The board debated whether to divide funds by supervisorial district for geographic equity or to leave the allocation countywide for speed and administrative efficiency; several supervisors favored rapid countywide distribution given the short CARES Act spending window. After discussion the board proceeded with a motion that combined the original $5 million EBEDA program, an additional $3 million subject to city matches, and set aside funds for technical/linguistic assistance and separate allocations for the unincorporated area and an arts relief program. A roll call recorded the motion (Haggerty: yes; Chan: no; Miley: yes; Carson: yes; President Valle: no).

Board members and staff emphasized that outreach to ethnic chambers, community‑based organizations and city partners would be required so funds reach very small, non‑English‑speaking and otherwise hard‑to‑reach businesses in the limited time available.