THE CITIZENS’ INITIATIVE

Strengthening and sustaining healthcare funding

When you need emergency medical care, seconds can mean the difference between life and death. The ballot measure being put forth by the Citizens’ Initiative for adding a parcel tax to help fund Washington Hospital will ensure residents of Southern Alameda County have access to the most advanced life-saving medical care at one of the Bay Area’s best hospitals.

Washington Hospital opened over 60 years ago to serve a community of less than 18,000 people. Today, there are over 350,000 residents and the population of South County continues to grow. More doctors, nurses and specialized staff are needed to provide care for the community.

In the past 10 years, 29 hospitals in California have closed, and dozens more – one out of every five — are at risk of failing. Washington Hospital is an independent, community-owned hospital and its’ not-for-profit network of clinics serve everyone in our community who needs medical care regardless of income or insurance coverage. In addition, Washington Hospital is the only trauma hospital in Southern Alameda County and serves Kaiser patients as well as everyone else. If you are injured or in a car accident or suffer a stroke or heart attack, you will be taken there.

As other independent hospitals around the State close or are taken over by for-profit conglomerates, this measure will strengthen Washington Hospital and ensure that it is equipped and staffed to provide critical lifesaving medical care.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why is a parcel tax needed?

Revenue from a parcel tax will help Washington Hospital continue to provide excellent patient care by funding disaster preparedness and underwriting the cost of cutting-edge medical equipment and technology in operating rooms and other clinical areas. Funding will also be used to fund the Emergency Trauma Center that has saved the lives of over 1,000 people in the past year.

With government and insurance companies cutting back reimbursements, Washington Hospital and local clinics are experiencing challenging financial conditions. In the last five years, labor and drug costs have increased over 40%. This measure will strengthen Washington Hospital, ensuring that it remains among the best hospitals long into the future.

What is the process for qualifying the parcel tax measure for the ballot?

In order to qualify the measure for the November 8, 2025 ballot, the Citizens’ Committee must collect sufficient signatures by late June 2025. The County will then verify the signatures and determine if the measure has qualified for the ballot. If enough valid signatures are collected, the measure will be placed on the ballot in November.

If the measure is supported by voters, how much will the parcel tax cost me?

The measure will establish a modest 5 cents tax per square foot tax on property owners and will cost the average homeowner about $7.50 per month, or $89 per year. The tax is calculated on the size of the building on each residential and commercial property so businesses like Tesla and Home Depot will pay their fair share. The measure will generate between $12.7 million and $14.4 million annually. After 12 years, the parcel tax will sunset.

Do other public healthcare systems receive taxpayer support?

Most health care districts in California have already adopted this type of tax measure, recognizing its importance in addressing the unique financial challenges faced by independent hospitals today. A parcel tax represents a critical opportunity to ensure the future stability and sustainability of Washington Hospital.

By approving this measure, voters will not only protect the healthcare system in the short term but also help to secure its ability to serve future generations with the exceptional care that the community deserves. This is about preserving access to a full range of lifesaving services and maintaining the independence that allows Washington Hospital to put patients and community first.

How is this measure different from those previous measures that voters approved?

In the past, local voters have approved general obligation bonds that can only be used for construction projects, not for staffing, equipment or medical technology. However, parcel tax proceeds can be used to help sustain operations – purchase equipment for the trauma center and emergency department, prepare for disasters and public health emergencies, equip the operating rooms with state-of-the-art technology, provide needed outpatient services or underwrite ongoing clinical operating expenses.

Who can sign the petition?

Registered voters who live in Fremont, Newark, Union City, Sunol, and the portion of South Hayward that falls in the District can sign the petition.

Is there a senior exemption for the Washington Hospital parcel tax measure?

No. Unlike school districts, which can exempt seniors from paying parcel taxes, health care districts by law cannot offer a senior exemption.

Who is organizing this signature gathering effort?

A Citizens’ Committee has initiated a signature gathering drive to place a parcel tax measure on the November 2025 ballot. The co-chairs of the committee are Martha Guilbeaux, RN (retired Washington Hospital nurse) and Prasad Kilaru, MD (member of the Washington Hospital medical staff).

How can I volunteer or collect signatures?

Please contact Angus Cochran via the form below or by phone at 510-279-8625

THE CITIZENS’ INITIATIVE

Strengthening and sustaining healthcare funding

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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