Measure C: A local effort to strengthen the early learning and care system
Measure C is a 0.5% sales tax that was approved by voters in March 2020 to generate approximately $150 million annually for expanding access to early childhood education in Alameda County.
First 5 Alameda County is the administrator of the child care, preschool, and early education portion of Measure C’s revenue: 80 percent of the generated funds.
Though the measure faced legal delays, it was upheld by the California Supreme Court in 2024. and the final step that enables us to begin distribution of funding is the Board of Supervisors approval of the 5-Year Plan and Budget.
On June 10, 2025 the Alameda County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to adopt the Measure C 5-Year Plan, unlocking urgently needed investments for families, caregivers, and early educators. This plan was shaped by community voice at every step, and its impact will be felt across every corner of the county:
~80% of providers are eligible to receive one-time Emergency Grants between $40,000 – $100,000 for a total investment of over $80 million. (Grants open June 11)
A wage floor of at least $25/hour in Year 2 and wage raises for an estimated 3,000 early educators (estimated annual wage increases up to $25,000)
2,400 new subsidized child care slots to expand access to care for families and provide new income for local providers
Increased funding for Family, Friend, and Neighbor caregivers, including $4,000
Relief Grants in Year 1 and a ~$500 monthly voucher enhancement in Year 2 for an estimated 2,500 caregivers
Significant family-serving investments, including $1 million for inclusion supports, $5 million for community-based Family Resource Centers and $1.5 million for navigation to connect families to services
This was the result of 63+ hours of public meetings, surveys, design team convenings, and written comments—an extraordinary, collaborative act of public planning.