Board approves Measure A1 PLA template, side letter; stakeholders call it a test to boost inclusion

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors approved an amendment to Measure A1 implementation policies that explicitly approves a Measure A1 template private project labor agreement (PLA) and a side letter attached as Addendum B.

Staff described the resolution as reconciling county policy with negotiated private agreements for covered rental housing development projects. Supervisor Chan introduced an amendment to add a clause stating that the Measure A1 template PLA, including the side letter, "is hereby approved for use on covered projects." The board approved the amendment and adopted the item 5‑0.

Representatives of building trades and nonprofit housing organizations urged the board to adopt the change as a tested step to link affordable housing funding with community benefits and inclusive hiring. "We are in full support of the resolution with the amendment as proposed by Supervisor Chan," said a building‑trades representative. Joshua Simon, president of the Nonprofit Housing Association and executive director of East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation, described extensive negotiations and called the agreement an 18‑month test that all parties agreed to "jump together" to refine over time.

Speakers noted that most crafts had signed the agreement; carpenters were still negotiating and had not yet signed but attendees said a side letter addressed outstanding issues. Small contractor representatives said they had been included in the process and will receive technical assistance to comply with PLA requirements.

Outcome: the board moved, seconded and approved the amended resolution on a 5‑0 vote. The resolution authorizes using the Measure A1 template PLA and attached side letter for covered Measure A1 projects and directs staff to proceed under the amended policy framework.