Unincorporated Alameda County faces a growing housing crisis shaped by weak tenant protections, limited enforcement systems, and the absence of municipal governments. Measure W was meant to support housing stability, yet its programs have
not reached the communities that most heavily rely on county governance. This memo recommends two coordinated strategies to fill these structural gaps: establishing an Independent Rent Board with elected commissioners and launching a Measure W-funded Community Land Trust partnership for long-term affordability.

A new California law, AB 621, took effect Jan. 1 and expands civil protections against AI-generated sexual content amid a rise of nonconsensual deepfake pornography.

During its final meeting of the year, the Berkeley City Council capped off a packed legislative calendar that included developments on housing, public safety, infrastructure and immigrant protections. At the same time, the council navigated a projected $18 million budget deficit. Here’s a look at 10 of the most impactful city policies in 2025 — and what to expect in the new year.