The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR–SFBA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today commended the City of Albany for unanimously adopting Resolution 2025-71 and amending the City’s Investment Policy to prohibit investments in companies that facilitate or profit from war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other severe human rights violations.
SEE: Albany Ethical Investment Policy Resolution
Albany’s action follows Alameda County’s recent adoption of an Ethical Investment Policy and demonstrates how countywide leadership can be translated into concrete, values-driven action at the municipal level. By embedding human rights standards directly into its investment framework, Albany has taken a principled stand to ensure public funds align with justice, accountability, and human dignity.
The City’s decision to divest from corporations complicit in war crimes, such as Lockheed Martin and Caterpillar, reflects the power of sustained grassroots organizing and a clear moral commitment to ethical governance. CAIR–SFBA commended Albany residents for their persistence and leadership in organizing for over two years to advance this policy.
In a statement, CAIR–SFBA Policy Coordinator Musa Tariq said:
“Alameda County helped set the tone with its Ethical Investment Policy, and Albany has now shown what it looks like to carry those values forward at the city level. This policy affirms that local governments have both the authority and the responsibility to ensure taxpayer dollars are not used to fuel violence, repression, or human rights abuses.”
CAIR–SFBA Executive Director Zahra Billoo added:
“This is a historic and courageous step. By centering human rights in its investment policy, Albany is helping build a growing countywide movement for responsible, ethical investments. At a time of ongoing mass civilian suffering in Gaza, Sudan, and elsewhere, Albany’s action sends a powerful message that public institutions must not be complicit in genocide.”
CAIR-SFBA emphasized that Albany’s policy strengthens a broader effort across Alameda County to align public resources with international law and human rights principles and sets an important example for other municipalities across the Bay Area and beyond.
CAIR-SFBA congratulates the City of Albany and its residents for this landmark achievement and encourages other cities to follow Albany’s example by ensuring public investments advance human rights, uphold international law, and protect the dignity of all people.
CAIR-SFBA is an office of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-SFBA Communications Manager Lorrie Adam, 408.498.5779, ladam@cair.com