Public Meetings - Oakland, California

The Oakland City Council Finance & Management Committee convened at 9:30 AM on March 10, 2026, with Chairperson Janani Ramachandran presiding and all four members present (Brown, Unger, Wang, Ramachandran). The committee heard two main informational reports: one on Measure Q oversight and another on OPD overtime spending, followed by open forum comments. Consent Calendar - Approval of Draft Minutes (Feb 24, 2026): Motion by Brown, seconded by Unger, carried 4-0. - Determination of Schedule of Outstanding Committee Items: Motion by Unger, seconded by Wang, carried 4-0 (no changes to pending list). Public Comments & Testimony - Measure Q (5 speakers): Brooke Levin (former public works director, co-chair of Measure Q) detailed that the extreme fiscal necessity clause was added without public discussion at the last moment in 2020, and no definition has ever been formalized. She stated the biennial audit is overdue (only one report in six years) and called for full funding of the city auditor. Mark Barish (chair of PRAC) echoed concerns about the lack of clear definition, the overdue audit, and reduced reporting frequency from monthly to five reports per year due to staffing shortages. A speaker from District 4 questioned whether Measure Q money had ever been used for the general fund. Another speaker criticized PRAC for overreach and noted no voice for the homeless under Measure Q. - OPD Overtime (4 speakers): Kevin Daly suggested moving accident reporting to OakDot to reduce overtime. David Boatwright (District 4) asked why reimbursements go to the general fund instead of OPD's budget, and requested data on special events. A speaker flagged that one officer received $490,000 in overtime without clear records, and called for civilianization of 38 sworn positions and action on auditor recommendations. Discussion Items - Informational Report on Measure Q (Item 3): Finance Director Brad Johnson provided an oral response to Councilmember Unger's questions. He stated the city disagrees with the grand jury finding that there was no public discussion, noting that the council had active debate and staff reports accompany each declaration. On the biennial audit, he confirmed the city auditor's office is responsible and that a contract for a more detailed audit is in progress. Regarding defining "extreme fiscal necessity," Johnson said a working definition exists in the consolidated fiscal policy, but formalization is planned for fall 2026 after budget preparation. Councilmembers discussed expediting definitions before the mid-cycle budget, the status of the city auditor's recommendations, and questioned specific expenses (police salaries, capital projects, homelessness commission reporting). The item was received and filed on a motion by Unger, seconded by Brown, carried 4-0. - OPD Overtime Report (Item 4): Laraja Marshall (Fiscal Services Manager) presented the FY 2025-26 second-quarter report. The adopted overtime budget was $33.6M (25% less than the previous year), with 615 sworn positions filled out of 678 authorized. Year-to-date overtime spending was $6.2M, $2.2M below the quarterly target. After factoring $7.5M in reimbursables and $17.3M in salary savings, the department projects an $8M under-spend (adjusted to $6M considering acting sworn costs). Chief Beer added that discretionary overtime was cut by 20% in November 2024, and that the department faces a 23% staffing reduction since 2009 while serving 53,000 more residents. A new digital tracking system (Telestaff) will be implemented in phases, with full rollout by December 2027. Councilmembers discussed the need for oversight, civilianization of positions, and reduction of administrative leave (from 38 to 18). Councilmember Ramachandran requested a supplemental report on the number of personnel exceeding overtime thresholds (16 hours/day, 60 hours/week) in the next quarterly report. The item was received and filed with that request, motion by Wang, seconded by Brown, carried 4-0. Key Outcomes - Measure Q Report: Received and filed. The committee will continue work on formal definitions for "extreme fiscal necessity" in fall 2026. The city auditor committed to launching the next biennial audit before end of FY 2025-26 and to publishing a semi-annual follow-up report on outstanding recommendations within the next week. - OPD Overtime Report: Received and filed with a directive to staff to provide additional information in the next quarterly report on the number of personnel exceeding specific overtime thresholds (based on International Association of Chiefs of Police guidelines or OPD's own general order). The City Administrator acknowledged possible requests for Oracle system improvements to support the new Telestaff module. - Open Forum: Two speakers raised concerns about unbudgeted overtime spending across all departments and requested a detailed report on homeless spending and allocation of funds from a proposed new parcel tax.

The Oakland City Council Public Safety Committee convened at 6:16 PM on March 10, 2026, and adjourned at 6:50 PM. The committee unanimously approved the draft minutes from the February 24, 2026 meeting, accepted the schedule of outstanding committee items, and voted to forward a resolution accepting a $900,000 grant from the Oakland Police Foundation to fund the OPD Cadet Program for fiscal years 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 to the March 16, 2026 Special City Council meeting on consent. Consent Calendar - Approval of Draft Minutes (February 24, 2026): Motion by Councilmember Brown, seconded by Councilmember Houston, passed 4-0. - Determination of Schedule of Outstanding Committee Items: Motion by Councilmember Brown, seconded by Chair Wang, passed 4-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Rajani Mundel (District 4): Expressed support for the cadet program, describing it as a strong recruitment pipeline. Noted that overtime transparency concerns are addressed by city budget reports showing staffing shortages, and that strengthening recruitment pipelines is a practical response to resident concerns. - David Boatright (District 4): Asked several questions about program details, including extensions beyond two years, age requirements for the academy, graduation rates, and whether the coordinator could be a sworn officer on medical leave. - Asada Olabala (District 4, via speaker card): Opposed reinstating the cadet program while the department remains under a Negotiated Settlement Agreement (NSA), citing concerns about discriminatory practices, the "blue wall of silence," and liability issues. Raised questions about citizenship requirements and medical/physical standards. - Jennifer Finley: Did not appear to speak despite signing up. Discussion Items - OPD Cadet Program Funding (Item 3): - Chief James Beer presented the program, noting that the $900,000 grant from the Oakland Police Foundation will fund cadet salaries, training, uniforms, and equipment. The program targets Oakland youth aged 15 and older, with a focus on high school students from underserved communities. Cadets will be unarmed but may carry handcuffs and pepper spray after training, and will be highly supervised. The program aims to build a pipeline to sworn officer positions, with a historical 90% success rate for cadets who enter the police academy. OPD currently has 615 sworn officers but only 499 operational strength. - Councilmember Houston expressed strong support and asked about advertising and council member participation. Chief Beer noted the program is advertised on the City website and applications are already being received. - Chair Wang asked about prioritization of underserved youth and clarified that the program is open to 15-year-olds (not just 17.5 as previously), though the website still states 17.5; this is being corrected. She also noted that cadets would not walk beats alone but could accompany officers. - Councilmember Fife shared personal support, referencing twin brothers from West Oakland who came through the cadet program, and emphasized the need for public safety in addressing crime. - Councilmember Brown asked about reporting mechanisms for success; Chief Beer cited historical data showing high retention and success rates, including officers who later became long-serving employees. Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve and Forward Item: Councilmember Houston moved, seconded by Councilmember Brown, to approve the staff recommendation and forward the resolution accepting the $900,000 grant from the Oakland Police Foundation to the March 16, 2026 Special City Council meeting on consent. The motion passed 4-0 (Brown, Fife, Houston, Wang all aye). Open Forum - One speaker (Asada Olabala) spoke during open forum, criticizing the police commission and privacy commission for overreach and hampering police effectiveness. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 PM in memory of Letitia Bobo and Markise Martin, victims of a mass shooting earlier that weekend.

The Life Enrichment Committee of the Oakland City Council met on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:14 p.m. The committee approved several contracts, accepted and appropriated homelessness funding, and received the 2026 Homelessness Strategic Action Plan. Councilmembers present: Noel Gallo (D5), Ken Houston (D7), Charlene Wang (D2), and Chair Carroll Fife (D3). Councilmember Wang arrived at 4:03 p.m., excused initially. Consent Calendar - Approval of February 24, 2026 Minutes: Accepted unanimously (3-0-1, Wang excused). - Determination of Schedule of Outstanding Committee Items: Approved as amended, rescheduling two Library Agreement items (with Piedmont and Emeryville) from March 24 to April 21, 2026. Motion carried 4-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 3 (American Building Service): David Boatright and Ms. Sada spoke. Boatright criticized the lack of a formal performance matrix and questioned the contract extension timeline. Sada asked about cleaning frequency and oversight. - Item 4 (Atthowe Fine Arts): Boatright questioned the $60,000/year storage cost, access to materials, and the contingency clause. Sada expressed distrust regarding treatment of African American materials. - Item 5 (Innovative Interfaces): Sada raised concerns about overdue fees and replacement charges; criticized the library's handling of African American collections. - Item S7 (HHAP-6/Winter Relief/OPRI): Ms. Sada urged continued transparency and accountability, citing examples of fraud in San Francisco. - Item 6 (Homelessness Strategic Action Plan): Damian Scott (East Bay Housing Organizations) and Jeff Levin spoke. Scott praised the equity‑centered approach and noted that 60-70% of unhoused residents lost their last housing in Oakland. Levin emphasized balancing encampment management with dignity, and urged reliance on data rather than sweeps. - Open Forum: Jennifer Findley (D2) urged the same scrutiny applied to homelessness data to also be applied to police (OPD) data. Ms. Sada demanded the city disregard Proposition 209 when addressing racial disparities in homelessness. Discussion Items - Item 3 – American Building Service Janitorial Contract Amendment (26-0411): Staff requested a $750,000 increase on an existing $250,000 contract (new total $1,000,000) and term extension through June 2029 for nightly cleaning and pressure‑washing at 11 early childhood facilities. Councilmember Gallo emphasized local business (Oakland‑based) and no service complaints. Councilmember Houston asked about scope and how the original $250,000 was approved (by City Administrator for urgent need). The committee approved and forwarded to the March 16 Special Council meeting on consent (4-0). - Item 4 – Atthowe Fine Arts Services Contract (26-0408): Library Director Jamie Turback presented a five-year contract (not to exceed $300,000) to continue storing overflow archival materials from the African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AMLO) at the How Storage Facility. Councilmember Wong requested more written metrics and security protocols. The item was approved and forwarded to March 16 consent (4-0). - Item 5 – Innovative Interfaces Contract Renewal (26-0409): A five-year contract (not to exceed $2,000,000) for the library’s integrated system (catalog, circulation, patron records). Director Turback noted only three to four vendors exist globally; migration would cost over $1 million. Councilmember Houston questioned cost increases and the long tenure (21 years). Approved and forwarded to March 16 consent (4-0). - Item S7 – HHAP-6, Winter Relief, and OPRI Funding (26-0437): An urgency item (Friday notice, approved 4-0) due to April 1 start date for state funds. Shallan Keener (Manager, Community Homelessness Services) presented: accepting $23,029,455.86 in HHAP‑6, $441,350 in County Winter Relief through May 2028, and $4,209,693 from Oakland Housing Authority for the Oakland PATH Rehousing Initiative. These funds support 452 shelter and interim housing beds. During FY 2024-25, programs served 781 people, 70% Black/African American, 40% with behavioral health issues, 48% with chronic health/disabilities. Councilmember Wang introduced an amendment requiring six‑month performance reports including metrics: total funding, clients served, racial demographics, exits to permanent housing, housing retention (6&12 months), length of stay, occupancy rates, and Black client outcomes. The amendment also requires the City Administrator to impose remedies for failing to meet benchmarks and to incorporate performance into future funding recommendations. After debate (Chair Fife requested collaborative refinement, but accepted the amendment), the committee approved as amended and forwarded to March 16 Special Council on non‑consent (4-0). - Item 6 – City of Oakland 2026 Homelessness Strategic Action Plan (26-0476): Informational report presented by Sasha Housewold (Interim Chief Homelessness Solutions Officer). The 80‑page plan (plus 40‑page racial equity analysis) aims to reduce unsheltered homelessness by 50% over five years and targets functional zero in ten years (estimated $3.2 billion gap). Strategies include scaling targeted homelessness prevention, improving outreach coordination, creating priority no‑camping zones, adding up to 860 interim beds, and 730 permanent housing exits. Councilmembers posed questions: Councilmember Wang on diversion pilots, no‑camping zones, Oakland Glitter co‑managed pilot, county coordination; Councilmember Gallo on commission input, model cities, and church/school property use; Councilmember Houston on low/high sensitivity maps. Chair Fife forwarded with a supplemental report addressing her questions (excluding Prop 209 legal opinion, to be handled separately) and community feedback. Approved to March 16 Special Council on consent (4-0). Key Outcomes - Votes and Decisions: - Items 3, 4, 5 forwarded to March 16 Special Council on consent (all 4-0). - Item S7 (HHAP-6 bundle) approved as amended (4-0) and forwarded to March 16 Special Council on non‑consent. - Item 6 (Homelessness Strategic Action Plan) forwarded to March 16 Special Council on consent (4-0) with a supplemental report. - Amendments Added: - For HHAP‑6 bundle: three new resolved clauses mandating six‑month performance reports with 10 specific metrics, remedies for underperformance, and integration of performance into future funding decisions. - Directives: - Staff to provide supplemental reports for Item 6 including answers to Chair Fife’s six questions (excluding Prop 209 legal analysis). - Staff to incorporate results‑based accountability language into upcoming contract renewals (as per Councilmember Houston’s request). - Schedule Changes: - Library agreements with Piedmont and Emeryville moved from March 24 to April 21, 2026 Life Enrichment Committee agenda.

The Community & Economic Development Committee met on March 10, 2026, from 1:33 PM to 3:18 PM. The committee considered four agenda items, including a $4.4 million federal lead hazard reduction grant, a $1.6 million state prohousing incentive grant application, and an informational report on the Housing and Community Development Department's Anti-Displacement Strategic Action Plan. All items were approved unanimously and forwarded to the March 16, 2026 Special City Council meeting on consent. Consent Calendar - Approval of Draft Minutes (February 24, 2026): Accepted unanimously (4-0). - Determination of Schedule of Outstanding Committee Items: Accepted unanimously (4-0) after one public speaker urged the committee to engage the Oakland Housing Authority on public housing issues. Public Comments & Testimony - Item S3 (Lead Hazard Reduction Grant): One speaker criticized the city's slow use of $4.8 million from a 2019 legal settlement with paint manufacturers, questioned coordination between the city and county, and noted that lead hazards persist in water (OUSD schools) and soil (McClymonds football field). Another speaker requested to speak on Item 4 instead. - Item S5 (Prohousing Incentive Pilot Program): One speaker questioned the program's pilot status and the small amount ($1.6 million), and asked how funds would be combined and where they would sit until used. Another speaker raised concerns about rushing the application (due March 31, 2026), compliance with federal housing laws, and geographic allocation of funds. - Item 4 (Anti-Displacement Strategic Action Plan): Nine speakers testified. Many called for a proactive rental inspection program (PRIP) to enforce habitability standards, citing mold, pests, unsafe conditions, and tenant retaliation fears. Speakers from ACE Oakland and other organizations shared personal stories of neglect and harassment. Jeff Levin (East Bay Housing Organizations) commended the plan's racial equity lens and urged using resources to fully implement strategies. One speaker criticized the plan for not addressing gentrification and the impact of immigration on Black displacement, arguing the city is not serious about Black displacement. Another speaker supported the plan and emphasized the need for scaled homelessness prevention. - Open Forum: Two speakers addressed the meeting. One speaker compared his stance on immigration to Cesar Chavez's opposition to undocumented workers. Another speaker asked about the status of the Dignity Village modular project on Eads Avenue and its cost per unit. Discussion Items - S3: Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program: Staff presented a $4.4 million HUD grant to remediate lead-based paint hazards and fund healthy home improvements, with Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley as subrecipient and $334,878 for workforce development. The committee discussed the difference between this grant and the earlier equitable lead hazard abatement program (expected in May 2026), and the need for a waiver of local business enterprise and apprenticeship requirements due to a limited pool of certified contractors. Councilmember Fife praised the workforce development component as a model for racial equity. - S5: Prohousing Incentive Pilot Program Grant Application (Round 4): Staff requested authorization to apply for up to $1.6 million from the state program for capitalized service reserves for affordable housing. The committee noted the city's Prohousing Designation unlocks scoring advantages for other grants. The funds would be flexible and used for deeply affordable housing projects. The committee approved the urgency finding and forwarded the item. - 4: Anti-Displacement Strategic Action Plan: Staff presented the plan, which focuses on protecting residents from displacement through three Ps (production, preservation, protection). Key data: Black population declined from 43% (1990) to 21% (2023); 62% of Black renter households are rent-burdened vs. 37% of white; 52% of unhoused individuals are Black. The equitable investment framework prioritizes homelessness prevention, then tenant support, small property owner assistance, and strengthening tenant protection policies. Implementation strategies include partnering with Alameda County (Measure W), scaling Keep Oakland Housed, and exploring a proactive rental inspection program. Councilmember Fife asked about social housing; Director Weinstein noted it largely falls under production and depends on funding and ownership structures. Chair Brown highlighted the need to address seniors on general assistance and the potential of neighborhood revitalization strategy areas (NRSAs) to increase CDBG funding for services. Key Outcomes - All four items were approved unanimously (4-0) and forwarded to the March 16, 2026 Special City Council meeting on consent. - Urgency findings were approved for Items S3 and S3 (both 4-0) to allow same-day consideration. - Staff will provide a follow-up email on how the first round of Prohousing funds were allocated. - HCD will prepare an annual anti-displacement report and continue to explore NRSAs, social housing, and partnerships with the Department of Violence Prevention.

The Rules & Legislation Committee of the Oakland City Council convened at 10:34 AM on Thursday, March 5, 2026, in the City Council Chamber, with Council President Kevin Jenkins presiding. Members present: Councilmembers Rowena Brown, Carroll Fife, Janani Ramachandran, and Kevin Jenkins. The meeting focused on scheduling items for upcoming committee and council meetings, approving minutes, and addressing a special request regarding the Encampment Management Policy. Consent Calendar - Item 2: Approval of the draft minutes from the February 19, 2026, Committee meeting. Unanimously approved (4-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Rajani Mundal (District 4): Speaking on Item 3.2 (OPD NSA compliance report), urged that the upcoming report include updates on the 2024 AA discipline report disparities and the qualitative study connected to DGOM3, emphasizing that sustainable compliance requires understanding process, not just statistics. - Kevin Daly: Expressed support for learning more about OPD compliance and exiting the consent decree. Also commented on Item 4, looking forward to the BPAC annual report and requesting early release of the parking reorganization report. - Open Forum: Rajani Mundal raised a concern about the Oakland Police Commission's role in tracking NSA compliance, arguing that creating a parallel reporting structure would add administrative burden when the department should focus on sustainability and exit from the NSA. Discussion Items - Item 3.2 – OPD NSA Oral Report: Councilmember Wang's office requested an oral report on NSA compliance for the March 10 Public Safety Committee. The committee noted that a more comprehensive written report is already scheduled for April 21, 2026, and found no adverse impact from waiting. The motion to schedule was not taken; the item was withdrawn. - Items 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 – State and Federal Resolution Support: Rule 24 statements were read and accepted, bypassing committee. These resolutions (support of CA SB 959, support of H.R. 5356, and travel reimbursement for federal advocacy) were scheduled to the March 16 Special City Council agenda on consent. - Item 3.1 – Prohousing Incentive Grant: Urgency finding accepted; scheduled to March 10 Community and Economic Development (CED) Committee. - Items 3.6–3.13 – Various Scheduling Requests: Informational reports and resolutions scheduled to respective committees on dates ranging from March 10 to April 21, 2026. No debate recorded beyond scheduling. - Item 4 – Review of Draft Agendas and Pending Lists: Significant discussion ensued when Councilmember Houston requested scheduling the Encampment Management Policy (EAP) to full council or alongside the Mayor's Homeless Strategic Action Plan on March 10. After debate, the committee agreed to schedule a special city council meeting (date TBD) to hear both the EAP and the strategic action plan. Additional changes included: a title change and urgency finding for the Lead Hazard Reduction Grant (CED), scheduling of HHAP-6/Winter Relief/OPRI to March 10 Life Enrichment Committee with urgency, scheduling of BAC parcel tax report to April 21 Finance & Management, scheduling of BPAC annual report to March 24 Public Works & Transportation, scheduling of OPD staffing report to March 24 Public Safety, NSA report to April 21 Public Safety, and Head Start grant to March 16 Special Council with urgency. Key Outcomes - Vote on Item 2: Approved 4-0. - Vote on Item 3: Approved as amended (withdrawal of 3.2, rule 24 on 3.3-3.5, urgency on 3.1) 4-0. - Vote on Item 4: Approved as amended (including all scheduling changes and urgency findings) 4-0. - Special Meeting Scheduled: A special city council meeting (date to be determined) will be held to consider the Encampment Management Policy (EAP) and possibly the Mayor's Homeless Strategic Action Plan. - Meeting Canceled: The March 12, 2026, Rules & Legislation Committee meeting was canceled; a special Rules meeting is scheduled for March 12 at 9:00 AM. - Item Withdrawn: The planning appeal for 1205 Franklin Street (Item 4.1 on the March 17 agenda) was withdrawn by staff.

The meeting convened at 3:34 PM, chaired by Council President Kevin Jenkins, with all eight councilmembers present. Agenda modifications moved item S6.9 (initiative petition) to first, followed by Item 4.2 (SB 79 Planning Code) and then Item 4.1 (S‑14 Housing Sites amendments). Speaking time was reduced to one minute due to quorum concerns. The meeting adjourned at 7:33 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved the draft minutes of February 17, 2026. - Renewed declarations of local emergencies: AIDS/HIV epidemic, medical cannabis health emergency, and homelessness crisis. - Authorized settlement with Oakland Unified School District for $860,000 covering the full cost of the 2022 school board election and a commitment by OUSD to pay for future elections. - Called a special municipal election on June 2, 2026, consolidating with the statewide direct primary, and added the ballot question for the “Oakland Public Safety, Cleanliness and Community Accountability Act of 2026” (parcel tax of $192 annually for single‑family parcels, raising approximately $34 million annually for nine years, with exemptions for low‑income and senior households). - Approved contracts: Allstar Fire Equipment (firefighter turnouts, $2.5 million total), Stryker Sales LLC (emergency medical equipment, $3.4 million over five years), ImageTrend LLC (records management software, $1.37 million), Adeline Street Bridge seismic retrofit construction contract with Bay Line Cutting & Coring Inc. ($3.33 million), design and inspection amendments with Biggs Cardosa Associates (total $918,000 and $200,000 respectively), and an unconditional certificate of completion for 4430–4448 Howe Street public improvements. - Authorized acquisition of property rights from Home Depot U.S.A., Inc. for the 42nd Avenue and High Street Access Improvement Project (total not to exceed $975,659). - Accepted the OPD Surveillance Technology 2024 Annual Reports (automated license plate readers, DNA analysis, FLIR, live stream transmitter, drone, Coplink/Crimetracer, pen register) and continued their use. - Confirmed reappointments to the Housing, Residential Rent, and Relocation Board: Kara Brodfuehrer (landlord representative), Cinthya Munoz Ramos (tenant representative), and Deseanna Williams (alternate tenant representative). - Received and filed informational reports: Department of Race and Equity update and Black New Deal Racial Impact Study. All consent items were approved with a vote of 5 ayes (Fife, Houston, Unger, Wang, Jenkins) and 3 excused (Brown, Gallo, Ramachandran). Public Comments & Testimony - Item S6.9 (Initiative Petition): Eight speakers. SEIU 1021 President Antoinette Blue and Oakland Firefighters Local 55 President Seth Oyer expressed full support for the revenue measure, citing the need to fund 911, fire stations, and core city services. Several other residents also spoke in favor. One speaker (Mr. Hazard) opposed, arguing the city fails to comply with existing measures and that voters are misled. - Item 4.2 (SB 79): Eight speakers. Supporters (Paul Maldonado of East Bay YIMBY, Sarah Rowley of San Antonio Station Alliance, Gordon Douglas, Kevin Dowley) urged full implementation of SB 79 and adoption of amendments by Councilmembers Unger and Wong, stating that exclusions delay housing production. Opponents (Jennifer McElrath of Upper Broadway Advocates, Naomi Schiff of Oakland Heritage Alliance) backed the staff proposal for exclusions, arguing that a one‑size‑fits‑all approach ignores local conditions and that the city should use the time to develop a tailored alternative plan. - Item 5.2 (Disparity Study): Fourteen speakers. Many small business owners (Kathy Adams, Roxanne Mosley, Annabelle Goodrich, Lynn Turner, Paul Cobb, and others) expressed frustration with systemic discrimination and demanded immediate action. They called for formal acceptance of the study findings, creation of a business‑led task force, and a 60‑day implementation roadmap. Speakers also highlighted the loss of generational wealth, economic leakage, and the need to enforce prompt payment and eliminate waivers. - Consent Calendar: Six speakers. Rajni Mandal and Chris Moore spoke on the OPD surveillance reports and reappointment to the rent board, respectively. Others commented on the settlement with OUSD and the cost of the special election. - Open Forum: Four speakers, including comments on a community garden citation and opposition to the upcoming ballot measures. Discussion Items - Item S6.9 – Oakland Public Safety, Cleanliness and Community Accountability Act of 2026: The city clerk certified that the initiative petition contained 887 valid signatures (113.47% of the required number). An urgency finding was approved (8‑0). The council adopted a resolution accepting the certification, calling a special election on June 2, 2026, and placing the measure on the ballot. The ballot language was amended to read: “Shall the measure to prevent increased 911 response times; maintain fire stations, fire protection services, police patrols and investigations, and gun‑violence and crime prevention services; address homelessness; and remove illegal dumping and trash by imposing a parcel tax of $192 annually for single‑family parcels, and other parcels as specified, exempting certain low‑income and senior households and others, raising approximately $34,000,000 annually for nine years, with oversight, audits and public disclosure, be adopted?” The motion passed 8‑0. - Item 4.2 – Senate Bill 79 Planning Code Implementation Ordinance: Staff presented an ordinance to add Chapter 17.86 (S‑8 Combining Zone) and make zoning map amendments to designate parcels eligible or excluded from SB 79 property development standards. The ordinance allows temporary exclusions (until 2032 or adoption of an alternative plan) for sites meeting at least 50% of SB 79 density, for low‑resource areas meeting 40% aggregate density, and for historic resources. The Planning Commission recommended exclusions. After debate, first motion (Unger and Wong amendments) failed on a 4‑4 tie (4 ayes, 1 abstention, 2 absent, 1 no). Mayor Lee declined to break the tie. A second motion by Councilmember Ramachandran, seconded by Councilmember Wang, included the Unger and Wong amendments plus a friendly amendment by Councilmember Houston removing Coliseum BART Station and certain AC Transit stops from exclusion lists. The motion passed 6‑1‑1 (Fife abstained, Gallo absent). The ordinance was approved on introduction, with final passage scheduled for March 16, 2026. - Item 4.1 – Amendments to Planning Code Chapter 17.96 (S‑14 Housing Sites Combining Zone): Staff proposed clarifying the definition of “development project,” adding a conditional use permit procedure for non‑housing developments, and updating “work/live” and “live/work” unit area definitions to align with state building codes. Two speakers commented. The council approved the ordinance 7‑0‑1 (Jenkins absent) on introduction, with final passage set for March 16, 2026. - Item 5.2 – 2024 City of Oakland Disparity Study Final Report: Dr. Eleanor Mason Ramsey of Mason Tillman Associates presented the study, covering the period 2016–2021. Key findings: $486 million in prime contracts; 71% of contracts under $100,000; 59 businesses received 50% of all dollars; systemic discrimination in informal (no‑bid) contracts, waiver practices, and lack of enforcement of the Local/Small Local Business Enterprise (LBE/SLBE) program. Disparity was highest where oversight was weakest – informal contracts under $50,000 produced the highest disparity rates. Non‑minority males received 82% of dollars while representing 68% of available firms. The study also found the city failed to meet federal DBE goals (2.1% vs. 17.06% goal). Recommendations included increasing accountability, eliminating waivers, requiring prompt payment, publishing quarterly reports, and establishing a business‑led task force. Council received and filed the report (7‑0‑1). Councilmember Fife announced a March 17 roundtable and a March 24 Life Enrichment Committee meeting to develop an implementation roadmap within 60–90 days. Key Outcomes - June 2, 2026 Special Election: The city will place the “Oakland Public Safety, Cleanliness and Community Accountability Act of 2026” on the ballot – a parcel tax of $192/year for single‑family parcels, raising $34 million annually for nine years, with exemptions for low‑income and senior households. - SB 79 Implementation: Approved an ordinance that temporarily excludes certain parcels from SB 79 density standards while the city develops an alternative plan through the General Plan update. Exclusions are removed for Coliseum BART Station and specific AC Transit stops, and for parcels zoned to exceed 50% of SB 79 density between specified boundaries. Final passage March 16. - S‑14 Housing Sites Amendments: Adopted changes to permit conditional use permits for non‑housing development on housing sites, and updated work/live definitions. Final passage March 16. - Disparity Study: Received and filed; immediate next steps include a March 17 roundtable and a March 24 Life Enrichment Committee meeting to produce a 60‑ to 90‑day implementation roadmap focusing on low‑hanging fruit (e.g., prompt payment enforcement, elimination of waivers, enhanced LBE/SLBE oversight). - Consent Calendar: All items approved with amendments, including the ballot question for the initiative petition. - Meeting adjourned at 7:33 PM.

The Rules & Legislation Committee met on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 10:33 AM in the City Council Chamber to schedule items for upcoming City Council and committee meetings, review recommendations from subcommittees, and approve reappointments. The meeting lasted approximately 51 minutes, adjourning at 11:24 AM. The committee addressed 30 agenda items, including new scheduling requests, recommendations from five standing committees, and a reappointment to the Housing, Residential Rent, and Relocation Board. All votes were 4-0 except where noted. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (February 12, 2026): Accepted 3-0-1 (Jenkins abstained). - Item 3.0 (Oakland Public Safety, Cleanliness and Community Accountability Act): Resolution accepting certification of the initiative petition, calling a special election on June 2, 2026, consolidated with the statewide primary, and directing the City Clerk. An urgency finding was read into record. Scheduled to the March 3, 2026 City Council agenda on consent. - Item 3.5 (Gender-Affirming Care): Resolution reaffirming Oakland’s commitment to transgender, gender-nonconforming, intersex, and two-spirit residents’ right to gender-affirming care; demanding healthcare providers and insurers comply with state and local laws. Councilmember Brown added as co-sponsor. A Rule 24 (waiving committee referral) was read. Scheduled to the March 16, 2026 Special City Council meeting on consent. - Item 3.8 (International Day of Happiness): Resolution recognizing March 20, 2026 as International Day of Happiness. A Rule 24 was read. Scheduled to the March 16, 2026 Special City Council meeting on consent. - Item 3.14 (Citywide Cooperative Agreements FY 2026-27): Resolution approving cooperative purchase agreements exceeding $250,000, up to $8,040,000. Originally forwarded on non-consent with a request for supplemental information, but after discussion, the committee moved it to the March 16, 2026 Special City Council meeting on consent. - Item 3.18 (Howe Street Certificate of Completion): Resolution accepting public improvements and filing an unconditional certificate of completion. Scheduled to March 3, 2026 City Council on consent. - Item 3.19 (Adeline Street Bridge Seismic Retrofit): Three resolutions for construction contract, design amendment, and inspection services. Scheduled to March 3, 2026 City Council on consent. - Item 3.20 (Home Depot Property Rights for 42nd Ave/High St): Resolution amending Resolution 89703 to acquire property rights. Scheduled to March 3, 2026 City Council on consent. - Item 3.24 (Department of Race and Equity Update): Informational report. Originally forwarded on non-consent, but moved to consent after discussion. Scheduled to March 3, 2026 City Council on consent. - Item 3.25 (Black New Deal Report): Informational report on the Black New Deal Racial Impact Study. Scheduled to March 3, 2026 City Council on consent. - Item 3.26 (Stryker Sales LLC Emergency Medical Equipment): Cooperative purchasing agreement up to $3,409,389 over five years. Scheduled to March 3, 2026 City Council on consent. - Item 3.27 (ImageTrend Emergency Management Software): Agreement for AI-powered fire and EMS records management system, total up to $1,369,243. Scheduled to March 3, 2026 City Council on consent. - Item 3.28 (OPD Surveillance Tech 2024 Annual Reports): Resolution accepting annual reports for seven surveillance technologies and determining continued use. Scheduled to March 3, 2026 City Council on consent. - Item S5 (Reappointments to Rent Board): Confirmed reappointment of Kara Brodfuehrer (landlord rep), Cinthya Munoz Ramos (tenant rep), and Deseanna Williams (alternate tenant rep). Scheduled to March 3, 2026 City Council on consent. Public Comments & Testimony - Michael Ford (Local 21 member, Oakland resident): Spoke on Item 3.10 (Parking Administrator exemption) expressing deep concern that the city is using limited resources to fix something that is not broken, noting the current parking organization has a proven track record and recently received a national award. In open forum, he reiterated his opposition to replacing an established lower-cost protected position with an at-will position, and supported postponing the supplemental report to allow data-informed public process. - Rajni Mandal (District 4): Spoke on Item 3.10 supporting the maintenance and strengthening of the constitutional policing administrator role, calling it a linchpin in Oakland’s effort to exit NSA oversight. She noted the role provides coordination, accountability, and continuity across departments, and that without it, compliance becomes fragmented. In open forum, she urged the committee to establish uniform transparency and reporting expectations for CIPRA equal to other departments, and asked that the mayor’s appointment of Doug Wong to the Police Commission be scheduled as soon as possible due to quorum needs. - Cinthya Munoz Ramos (appointee): Thanked the council and expressed excitement to serve on the Rent Board, noting she has learned a lot and is grateful for the reappointment. - Kara Brodfuehrer (appointee): Expressed commitment to continuing Rent Board service and strong tenant protections. - Deseanna Williams (appointee): Expressed excitement to continue serving, bringing social and resident justice experience. Discussion Items - Item 3.0 (Initiative Petition): The committee approved an urgency finding and scheduled the resolution to the March 3 City Council on consent. No debate recorded. - Item 3.3 (Head Start Grant): Staff requested withdrawal to the pending list (no date specific); committee agreed. - Item 3.5 (Gender-Affirming Care): Councilmember Brown requested to be added as co-author and to move the item to the March 16 special meeting on consent, citing urgent federal rules. Rule 24 was accepted. - Item 3.6 (OPD Cadet Program): Mayor’s office requested to be added as co-sponsor; committee agreed. - Item 3.7 (LETS Throw Phone Contract): Police Department requested rescheduling to March 24 Public Safety Committee to revise resolution; committee agreed. - Item 3.12 (Rent Adjustment Ordinance Amendments): Staff read a title change (adding “tenant appeal” clarification). Scheduled to March 24 Community and Economic Development Committee. - Item 3.13 (OFCY Evaluation): Staff requested rescheduling to April 21 Life Enrichment Committee due to impacted March 24 agenda; committee agreed. - Item 3.14 (Cooperative Agreements): Discussion on whether to move to March 16 special meeting on consent. Councilmember Jenkins initially questioned the need for a supplemental report, urging staff to be available for questions. Councilmember Brown and Ramachandran preferred the supplemental report in writing. Committee ultimately moved the item to March 16 on consent. - Item 3.15 (BAC Parcel Tax): Scheduled to Finance and Management Committee pending list; staff to coordinate with BAC on availability. - Item 3.16 (Cash Management Report): Received and filed. - Item 3.17 (OAAP Maintenance Agreement): Continued to March 10 PW&T with supplemental report on numbers, timelines, Caltrans responsibilities, and homelessness encampment policy. - Item 3.21 (S-14 Housing Sites Zone): Forwarded as public hearing to March 3 City Council. - Item 3.22 (SB 79 Planning Code Implementation): Forwarded as public hearing to March 3 City Council. Note: Minutes show a motion to amend (excluding sites near Ashby, MacArthur, Rockridge BART) failed 2-2, then original motion passed 4-0. - Item 3.24 (Race and Equity Update): Originally non-consent, but Chair Jenkins and Councilmember Fife argued it could be moved to consent or another date. After discussion, moved to March 3 City Council on consent. - Item 4 (Review of Draft Agendas): Changes approved: Item 5.1 (reorganization of Parking Division) moved to March 10 PW&T; title change for lead hazard item on March 10 CED. March 17 City Council meeting cancelled; special meeting March 16 at 3:30 PM. Key Outcomes - All votes were unanimous (4-0) except the approval of minutes (3-0-1) and the failed SB 79 amendment (2-2). - Items scheduled to March 3, 2026 City Council: 3.0 (consent), 3.18 (consent), 3.19 (consent), 3.20 (consent), 3.21 (public hearing), 3.22 (public hearing), 3.24 (consent), 3.25 (consent), 3.26 (consent), 3.27 (consent), 3.28 (consent), S5 (consent). - Items scheduled to March 10, 2026 committee meetings: 3.1 (PW&T), 3.2 (PW&T, oral report), 3.4 (Life Enrichment), 3.6 (Public Safety), 4.0 (PW&T item 5.1), and a new lead hazard item (CED). - Items scheduled to March 16, 2026 Special City Council: 3.5 (consent), 3.8 (consent), 3.14 (consent). - Items rescheduled to later dates: 3.3 (pending list), 3.7 (March 24 Public Safety), 3.9 (March 24 Finance & Management), 3.10 (March 24 Finance & Management), 3.11 (March 24 Finance & Management), 3.12 (March 24 CED), 3.13 (April 21 Life Enrichment), 3.15 (pending list), 3.17 (March 10 PW&T), 3.23 (pending list). - Other actions: 3.16 received and filed; 3.29 received and filed. Note: The agenda listed 3.2 as an informational report from BART, but the minutes and transcript indicate it was presented as an oral report. The committee did not receive a written report.

The Public Works and Transportation Committee of the Oakland City Council met on February 24, 2026, at 11:34 a.m. to consider six agenda items. Four members were present (Gaio, Houston, Wong, Unger). The committee approved minutes from February 10, adopted the pending list, moved several resolutions forward to the March 3 City Council meeting, and continued one item to March 10 due to unresolved concerns about encampment management. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved the draft minutes of the February 10, 2026 committee meeting (4-0). - Unanimously accepted the schedule of outstanding committee items (pending list) as presented, with a public comment from a speaker (4-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Item 2: Ms. Asada requested reports on white line markings (tape vs. paint), stolen vehicle ticketing, illegal dumping storage, park usage (specifically Buck Halter Park), protected bike lanes, and turf installation by Oakland School of the Arts. - Item 3: Ms. Asada argued the item was incomplete, questioned the race equity statement, and urged the city to require Caltrans to handle encampments on its property. - Item 4: Ms. Asada questioned the equity statement, noting that the new homes (listed on Zillow at $1.82M to $2.1M) would not benefit low-income or disabled seniors. - Item 5: Kevin Dolly (Transport Oakland) requested an ADA review for the Adeline Street Bridge; Ms. Asada asked about contingency plans for freight movement during construction, seismic collapse risk, and alternate routes. He also criticized delays on the police administrative building. - Item 6: Kevin Dolly cited six years of advocacy for pedestrian/cyclist improvements; he noted that bike lanes dead-end and crosswalks do not meet current OakDOT guidelines. Ms. Asada questioned the funding source, soil contamination remediation, and why this project was prioritized over others. - Open Forum: Ms. Asada urged the encampment abatement policy to move forward with solid recommendations. Councilmember Houston responded that the policy is coming soon after coordination with the mayor, city attorney, and city administrator. Discussion Items - Item 3: Resolution for Caltrans Maintenance Agreement Amendment (Oakland Alameda Access Project) – Staff presented the amendment for reimbursement of city maintenance on a new pedestrian/bike path and encampment removal. Councilmember Wong (district member) moved to continue to March 10, citing lack of a clear plan for 20–30 people under a freeway, limited shelter beds, and insufficient Caltrans partnership. Councilmember Gaio expressed frustration with Caltrans’ larger budget and the city’s inability to maintain its own property. Councilmember Houston agreed, noting Caltrans has more resources. The motion passed 4-0 with a request for a supplemental report showing numbers, timelines, and Caltrans’ commitments on encampments. - Item 4: Resolution for Howe Street Public Improvements – Staff reported the developer completed curb, gutter, sidewalk, paving, and sewer upgrades. The $200,000 bond would be released, retaining $32,000 for a two-year maintenance guarantee. Councilmember Gaio moved approval. A speaker questioned affordability; staff noted the public infrastructure improvements save the city capital and maintenance dollars elsewhere. Approved 4-0, forwarded to council on consent. - Item 5: Resolutions for Adeline Street Bridge Seismic Retrofit – Staff presented a $3.33M construction contract (lowest bidder, $572K below next bid), design amendment ($200K), and inspection services ($200K). The project is federally funded (88.53% federal, 11.47% local match). The low bidder’s 9% mobilization (exceeding 5% cap) was waived as minor. Councilmember Gaio moved approval. Discussion included change-order limits (25% triggers council return). Approved 4-0, forwarded to council on consent. - Item 6: Resolution for 42nd Avenue and High Street Access Improvement – Staff requested up to $975,659 to acquire property rights from Home Depot (permanent parcel, temporary easement, access control, water pump compensation). Councilmember Gaio noted the project’s long history and importance for retaining Home Depot and supporting nearby development. Councilmember Wong questioned giving a million dollars to a large corporation; staff explained two-thirds covers a temporary water pump to address liability during construction. Approved 4-0, forwarded to council on consent. Key Outcomes - Item 3 continued to March 10, 2026 Public Works and Transportation Committee meeting; staff to provide a supplemental report clarifying Caltrans’ role, reimbursement numbers, timelines, and encampment handling. - Items 4, 5, and 6 approved and forwarded to the March 3, 2026 City Council meeting on the consent calendar. - Minutes and pending list approved as presented.

The Finance and Management Committee met on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. to consider five agenda items. The committee approved minutes from the prior meeting, adjusted the schedule of outstanding items, debated a resolution for cooperative purchasing agreements, and received an informational cash management report. One item was withdrawn to the pending list. Public speakers addressed multiple agenda items and open forum. Consent Calendar - Approval of Draft Minutes (Item 1): The committee unanimously approved the draft minutes from the committee meeting held on February 10, 2026. Motion by Councilmember Brown, seconded by Councilmember Unger. Passed 4-0. - Determination of Schedule of Outstanding Committee Items (Item 2): The committee accepted the schedule as amended, which included the withdrawal of Item 4 (informational report on a proposed parcel tax measure) to the pending list with no date specified. Motion by Chair Ramachandran, seconded by Councilmember Brown. Passed 4-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 3 (Cooperative Purchasing Agreements): Two speakers addressed the item. Ms. Sada Olabala criticized the city's past practice of unlimited spending on piggyback contracts and urged the committee to focus on limiting the city administrator's authority to $250,000. Kevin Daly expressed support for contract reform and requested that the upcoming disparity study be discussed alongside this item. - Item 4 (Parcel Tax Informational Report): Although the item was withdrawn before the staff presentation, the committee heard public speakers. Ms. Sada Olabala argued against a new parcel tax, detailing the heavy existing tax burdens on Oakland property owners. Two other speakers were called but did not appear. - Item 5 (Cash Management Report): No public speakers appeared for this item. - Open Forum: Kevin Daly spoke about redirecting sugar-sweetened beverage tax revenue to its original purposes and using street parking revenue for traffic services as recommended by the Reimagining Public Safety Task Force. Ms. Sada Olabala argued against the city's sanctuary city status, citing economic costs and claiming negative impacts on African American residents. Discussion Items - Item 3 – Resolution for Cooperative Purchase Agreements (Citywide Goods and Services): Staff presented a resolution to approve ongoing cooperative agreements exceeding $250,000 and authorize an additional amount not to exceed $8,040,000 for office/school supplies, hardware/industrial supplies, janitorial supplies, and paper products. Councilmembers Brown and Wong raised concerns about the steep increase in contract amounts (e.g., janitorial supplies from $250,000 to $1.2 million) and the lack of detailed spending data. Staff noted that a comprehensive report on the city administrator’s contract authority is expected in spring 2026. Councilmember Brown requested a supplemental report identifying which city departments use each contract and a sampling of products purchased. Councilmember Wong requested similar information and asked for itemized catalog samples. The committee voted 3-1 to forward the item to the full City Council on the March 3, 2026 agenda as a non-consent item, with the requested supplemental information. Councilmember Wong voted no, citing insufficient data. - Item 4 – Informational Report on Proposed Parcel Tax Measure: This item was withdrawn to the pending list before discussion. No staff report was delivered. - Item 5 – Cash Management Report for Q2 FY2025-26: David Jones of the Treasury Bureau presented the quarterly report. The portfolio balance was approximately $2.17 billion as of December 31, 2025, up from $2.09 billion in September. Portfolio yield was 3.68% (down from 3.98% in September), days to maturity 244, daily liquidity 20%, and 100-day liquidity 66%. The portfolio is fully compliant with the city’s investment policy. Councilmember Wong asked about seasonality of cash flows; staff explained that large inflows occur in mid-April (property tax), mid-December, and mid-January through early March (business tax). The committee received and filed the report unanimously. Key Outcomes - Item 1: Approved unanimously (4-0). - Item 2: Approved as amended (4-0) – Item 4 moved to pending list. - Item 3: Forwarded to City Council on March 3, 2026 as a non-consent item with supplemental information requested. Vote: 3-1 (Wong no). - Item 4: Withdrawn to pending list; no vote needed. - Item 5: Received and filed unanimously (4-0).