About the Board - Board of Supervisors

Alameda County is governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors, each of whom is elected on a non-partisan basis from a separate district where he/she lives. Within the broad limits established by the State Constitution, State General Law, and the Alameda County Charter, the Board exercises both the legislative and the executive functions of government. The Board of Supervisors is also the governing body for a number of "special districts" within Alameda County.

To make the supervisorial districts equal in population, the boundaries are adjusted every ten years through the process called "redistricting." That process was completed in 2001. Terms of office for the Supervisors are four years. Alternate elections are held every two years for three supervisors and then for two supervisors. The salary of the Board members is fixed by the Board itself. A President of the Board, chosen from the membership of the Board every two years, presides at all meetings of the Board and appoints committees to handle work involving the major programs of the County.

As defined by the Alameda County Charter, the duties of the Board of Supervisors are as follows:

Appoint most County officers and employees, except elected officials
Provide for the compensation of all County officials and employees
Create officers, boards, and commissions as needed, appointing the members and fixing the terms of office
Award all contracts for public works.
Adopt an annual budget.
Provide, publish, and enforce a complete code of rules prescribing the duties and the systems of office and management, accounts, and reports for each County department.
Have an annual audit made of all County accounts, books, and records.
Supervise the operations of departments and exercise executive and administrative authority throughout County government.
Serve as appellate body for employee grievances, planning and zoning.

The Board of Supervisors meets at 9:00 a.m. for closed sessions and at 10:00 a.m. for regular calendar on Tuesday mornings at the County Administration Building, 1221 Oak Street, Oakland, in the 5th Floor Board Chambers. All meetings are open to the public, and residents are encouraged to attend. Click here for specific agenda information, or contact the Clerk, Board of Supervisors, at (510) 272-6347.

The Board of Supervisor's mailing address: 1221 Oak Street, Suite 536, Oakland, CA 94612