City Council Staff Report Page 1 of 2 April 14, 2026
Staff Report
Agenda Item No. 3.4
DATE: April 14, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Joan Malloy, City Manager
SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution Approving Participation in the Alameda County Operational Area Emergency Management Organization
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution approving participation in the Alameda County Operational Area Emergency Management Organization, as prescribed under the Agreement as adopted by the County of Alameda (Exhibit A).
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
This report is in alignment with the following City Council priority:
Goal C: Economic, Community Development, and Public Safety Strategy 12: Provide training for emergency preparedness, conduct disaster response drills, ensure all employees fully understand their responsibilities in an emergency, and assess the City’s emergency operations center for adequacy.
BACKGROUND
California’s Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS) establish a framework for coordination among local, operational area, regional, state, and federal agencies during emergencies. The Alameda County Operational Area serves as the intermediate level of the State’s emergency services organization and facilitates communication, resource coordination, and mutual aid among jurisdictions within Alameda County.
The Alameda County Operational Area Emergency Management Organization formalizes the cooperative relationship among cities, special districts, and the County to support preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts. Participation ensures alignment with the Alameda County Operational Area Emergency Operations Plan and maintains compliance with State and Federal emergency management requirements.
Agenda Item No. 3.4
City Council Staff Report Page 2 of 2 April 14, 2026
Union City has historically participated in the Operational Area structure to strengthen regional collaboration and enhance the City’s emergency management capabilities.
DISCUSSION
Execution of the Agreement formalizes Union City’s continued participation in the Alameda County Operational Area Emergency Management Organization and affirms the City’s commitment to coordinated emergency management practices. Through participation, the City will:
Coordinate disaster response and recovery activities with the Operational Area. Access mutual aid resources and regional coordination systems. Participate in Operational Area planning, training, and exercises. Ensure consistency with SEMS, NIMS, and California Emergency Services Act requirements.
Enhance eligibility for state and federal disaster reimbursement and grant funding.
Participation strengthens regional situational awareness and resource sharing during emergencies such as earthquakes, flooding, severe weather, public health incidents, and other disasters. The Agreement does not alter the City’s authority to manage its own emergency operations but reinforces collaboration and interoperability across jurisdictions.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with the execution of the Agreement.
Participation in the Operational Area supports continued eligibility for state and federal disaster recovery and emergency management grant funding, which may provide significant financial benefit to the City following a declared disaster.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached resolution approving participation in the Alameda County Operational Area Emergency Management Organization to ensure continued coordination of emergency management planning, response, recovery, and mitigation activities within the Operational Area.
Prepared by: Ricardo Martinez, Emergency Services Coordinator Submitted by: Jennifer Phan, Deputy City Manager
Attachments
1. Draft Resolution
2. Exhibit A - Approved Alameda County Operational Area Agreement