Hayward

Hayward is a vibrant and diverse city in Alameda County, located in the East Bay within the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Home to about 159,000 residents, Hayward’s population is one of California’s most diverse cities.  

Air pollution in Hayward is a persistent concern, with levels of particulate matter and ozone that often exceed health guidelines. This is largely due to freeway traffic, local industry, and regional smog. These conditions contribute to elevated risks of asthma and other respiratory illnesses, especially in neighborhoods near major transportation corridors.

The district has teamed up with Aclima and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to launch a community air monitoring project guiding future actions as a part of SMMI. Using Aclima’s advanced sensors, the project collects detailed, block-by-block data on air quality throughout the community. This provides residents with clear information about local pollution and helps guide actions to improve air quality, focusing on the areas and people most affected.

In April 2025, Hayward residents and stakeholders met at a City Council meeting to discuss local air quality challenges and explore solutions for a healthier community