Public Meetings - Oakland, California

The Life Enrichment Committee met on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 4:02 PM in open session. Chair Fife presided, with Councilmembers Guyo, Houston, Wong, and Fife present. The committee approved previous minutes, adjusted the agenda, and received two major informational reports: an update from the Department of Race and Equity (DRE) and the Black New Deal racial impact study. Both items were forwarded to the March 3, 2026 City Council meeting. Consent Calendar - Approval of Draft Minutes (Feb 10, 2026): Unanimously approved (4-0). - Determination of Schedule and Outstanding Committee Items: Adopted as amended. Item 3 (HHAP Winter Relief and Operation Resolution) was withdrawn from the agenda and placed on the pending list for a future date, pending state indication. Motion passed 4-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Ms. Asada (speaker on multiple items): Criticized the city's sanctuary status for not addressing its economic and housing impacts on African Americans. Questioned the effectiveness of homeless services, noting 781 persons served out of an estimated 5,071 homeless (70% Black). Raised concerns about a 101-unit low-income housing facility completed in November 2025 but not yet opened due to contractor payment issues. Alleged issues with the Head Start director's departure. Also commented on the Black New Deal report, pointing to disparities in OUSD expulsions, dual-language mandates, and police discipline/promotion issues affecting African Americans. - Derek Barnes (public speaker on Item 4): Argued that the city should ignore Proposition 209 if it ignores federal immigration law. Called for a breakdown of marginalization by race and gender in workforce, housing, and education. Criticized the DRE report for lacking specific data on racial disparities. - Additional speaker (Open Forum): Acknowledged the Ohlone people and emphasized African American resilience and cultural contributions. Discussion Items - Item 4: Informational Report on Department of Race and Equity (DRE) – Director Dr. Flynn presented the department's history, strategies, and accomplishments since its 2015 ordinance. Key accomplishments included: digital equity partnership (generating $12-15 million), safe streets planning, general plan updates, lead-based paint hazard program (doubled settlement share to $X from county), gender equity audit follow-up, and workforce equity pipeline study with OakDOT. DRE operates with a team of three (reduced from four in 2025; one position restored FY25-26). Director Flynn noted that prior equity work in Seattle informed Oakland's approach, and that Proposition 209 prevents affirmative action but allows barrier removal (curb cut effect). Councilmember Brown requested the presentation be heard by full council due to its importance. - Councilmember Wong questioned workforce gender/racial pay disparities; Director Flynn explained differences are rooted in job classifications and culture, and deeper work on discipline and promotion patterns is needed. - Councilmember Brown asked about future priorities (contracting, workforce equity, community engagement) and need for a data analyst position (lost in budget cuts). - Councilmember Guyo requested population data by council district and departmental workforce demographics; DRE committed to providing available data. - Councilmember Houston asked about Proposition 209's impact; Director Flynn clarified barrier-removal approach. - Item 5: Informational Report on Black New Deal Racial Impact Study – Dr. Brandy Summers (via Zoom) presented findings from a comprehensive study commissioned by District 3. Key findings: Oakland lost nearly 25% of its Black population since 2010; over 70% of homeless residents are Black despite being <20% of the population; Black homeowners face declining property values; ongoing effects of redlining, urban renewal, and gentrification. Eight recommendations included: (1) invest in distressed neighborhoods (2-year pilot, $3.2M for 60-75 homes), (2) long-term residence bill (3-year pilot, $25M for 700-1000 participants in education/training, 150-200 households, 130-180 businesses), (3) participatory budgeting, (4) civilian conservation corps for previously incarcerated and long-term unemployed, (5-8 others in report). Councilmember Wong noted that 37 of 66 survey respondents had incomes over $100k, potentially skewing representation; Dr. Summers acknowledged but said data also covered family members and was supplemented by census/historical data. Key Outcomes - Item 4 (DRE Report): Motion to receive and forward to the March 3, 2026 City Council meeting on non-consent passed 4-0 (Guyo aye, Houston aye, Wong aye, Fife aye). Direction to staff to work with Councilmember Brown's office to shorten presentation for full council. - Item 5 (Black New Deal Study): Motion to receive and forward to the March 3, 2026 City Council meeting on consent passed 4-0 (Guyo aye, Houston aye, Wong aye, Fife aye). - Agenda Adjustment: Item 3 (HHAP Winter Relief) removed from agenda, placed on pending list without a specific date. - Adjournment: The committee adjourned into a special full council meeting at 4:13 PM due to the presence of Councilmember Brown (quorum noted). The open forum ended the committee portion at approximately 5:34 PM.

Date: February 24, 2026, 1:33 PM – adjourned after Open Forum Present: Councilmembers Fife, Ramachandran, Unger, and Chair Brown (4 members present) The committee met to consider two ordinances related to housing and zoning, a speaker card process, and public comments. After discussion and votes, both ordinances were forwarded to the March 3, 2026 City Council meeting as public hearings. Consent Calendar - Item 1 – Approval of Draft Minutes (February 10, 2026): Approved unanimously (4-0) by motion of Councilmember Fife, seconded by Chair Brown. - Item 2 – Determination of Scheduled Outstanding Committee Items: Approved as presented (4-0) by motion of Chair Brown, seconded by Councilmember Fife. One speaker (Sada Olabala) spoke on this item prior to the vote. Public Comments & Testimony - On Item 2 (Outstanding Items): Sada Olabala criticized the city’s sanctuary city status, asserting it has a negative economic impact on African Americans. She demanded a report and corrective actions, stating that the city imposes studies on African American issues while acting without studies on other matters (e.g., non-citizen small business grants, sanctuary city designation, privacy commission). She also referenced a 1994 investigative report by Barbara Jordan. - On Item 3 (S-14 / Work-Live Amendments): Public speakers included Kevin Daly, Sada Olabala, Derek Barnes, and Jennifer Corey (via Zoom, but audio was not heard). Mr. Daly noted the city loses 70–80 businesses monthly and urged focus on retention, not just new business creation. He also listed city-owned vacant parcels suitable for housing (e.g., 1911 Telegraph, 1100 San Pablo Ave, MacArthur Blvd lots, etc.). - On Item 4 (SB 79 / S-8 Combining Zone): Five speakers signed up. - Kevin Daly (Transport Oakland) praised staff effort but suggested Oakland should go beyond state requirements, e.g., consider high-density housing near any AC Transit stop with 15-minute frequency, not just the designated transit stops. - Naomi Schiff (Oakland Heritage Alliance) thanked staff for thorough work and supported the staff recommendation to adopt exclusions for all three high-resource areas (Rockridge, MacArthur, Ashby) to allow time for a comprehensive alternative plan. She emphasized that zoning alone does not guarantee construction; financial feasibility matters. - Jennifer McElrath urged adoption of staff’s recommendation (delay via exclusions until 2032) to allow community input. She noted Rockridge residents are unaware of the issue and concerned about height, not use, along corridors. - Sada Olabala read several state bills (AB 1870, AB 2216, AB 2498) and criticized the discussion as irrelevant to District 6 and 7 residents, suggesting it only affects “rich white folks.” - Steve Cook (not on original sign-up list but spoke after) opposed Councilmember Unger’s amendment, supporting staff’s request for time to plan properly. He cited prior Rockridge studies showing infeasibility of high-density development outside corridors and noted market changes (remote work, AI) may reduce demand. - Open Forum: Sada Olabala raised concerns about a proposed HUD rule requiring citizenship verification for rental assistance and HUD withholding funds, calling for more focus on the Oakland Housing Authority’s role. Discussion Items Item 3 – Ordinance Amending S-14 Housing Sites Combining Zone & Work-Live/Live-Work Definitions - Presentation: Laura Kaminsky (Strategic Planning Manager) explained amendments to Chapter 17.96. Key changes: (1) Clarify that development projects do not include improvements/renovations to existing buildings occupied by businesses before Jan 1, 2026, or temporary structures; they do include adding floor area to buildings occupied after that date if square footage increases by ≥50% or ≥30,000 sq ft (whichever less). (2) Add a conditional use permit (CUP) option for non-housing developments on S-14 sites if the project provides substantial community/economic benefit and the city’s remaining RHNA allocation is adequate (no-net-loss finding). (3) Update work-live/live-work definitions to align with California Building Code (non-residential cannot exceed 50%). - Committee Questions: Councilmember Fife asked about SB 79 (the next item) but was redirected; no substantive questions on Item 3. Councilmember Unger made a motion to approve staff recommendations and forward to March 3 City Council as a public hearing. - Vote: Motion by Councilmember Fife, seconded by Councilmember Unger, passed 4-0. Item 4 – Ordinance Implementing SB 79 (Abundant Affordable Homes Near Transit Act) – S-8 Combining Zone - Presentation: Laura Kaminsky detailed SB 79 requirements (effective July 1, 2026). Provides higher density/height within ½ mile of BART (tier 1) and AC Transit Tempo (tier 2) stops. Staff proposed adopting exclusions allowed by state law for sites that meet certain criteria, to give the city time to develop an alternative plan as part of the General Plan Update (Land Use & Transportation Element, adoption targeted late spring 2027). Exclusions: (1) Sites where existing zoning allows ≥50% of SB 79 density; (2) Whole TOD zones in low-resource areas where aggregate zoning density ≥40% of SB 79 aggregate; (3) Designated historic resources. Staff analysis found all TOD zones in low-resource areas exceed 40% (e.g., 12th St BART 307%, West Oakland 70%). For high-resource areas (Rockridge, Ashby, MacArthur BART stations), only commercial zones meet the 50% threshold; residential zones do not. Staff recommended excluding those parcels via exclusion 1 as well. Planning Commission recommended NOT taking exclusion 1 for the three high-resource stations, but staff disagreed, citing need for comprehensive planning and community engagement. - Councilmember Unger Amendment: He proposed not taking exclusion 1 in District 1 (Rockridge, MacArthur, Ashby) to allow SB 79 densities to apply along commercial corridors, preventing development from being pushed into interior residential neighborhoods. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Ramachandran. - Debate: Councilmember Fife asked about staff’s view on the amendment. Staff (Kaminsky, Director Gilchrist, ACA Baker) acknowledged the amendment would allow SB 79 vesting for a small number of parcels along corridors in the interim (until an alternative plan is adopted, likely 1–2 years), but could not be undone after development vests. They preferred excluding all to allow more time for community input. Deputy City Attorney Branson noted that the long-term difference is minimal because an alternative plan would eventually replace SB 79, but the short-term effect of the amendment would give developers the option to use SB 79 heights (slightly higher than local zoning) on excluded parcels. - Vote on Unger Amendment: Failed 2-2 (Fife and Brown opposed; Ramachandran and Unger in favor). - Subsequent Motion: Chair Brown moved to adopt staff recommendation as is and forward to March 3 City Council as a public hearing. Seconded by Councilmember Fife. Passed 4-0. Key Outcomes - Item 1: Approved minutes of February 10, 2026 (4-0). - Item 2: Approved determination of outstanding committee items (4-0). - Item 3: Recommended adoption of ordinance (as presented by staff) and forwarded to the March 3, 2026 City Council meeting as a public hearing (4-0). - Item 4: Recommended adoption of the SB 79 implementing ordinance (S-8 combining zone) with staff’s proposed exclusions (including exclusion 1 for all three high-resource BART station areas) and forwarded to the March 3, 2026 City Council meeting as a public hearing (4-0). Councilmember Unger’s amendment to exclude Rockridge, MacArthur, and Ashby from exclusion 1 was defeated 2-2. - Schedule: The next committee meeting (or full Council meeting) on March 3, 2026 will include these items as public hearings.

The Rules and Legislation Committee met on Thursday, February 19, 2026, to address scheduling, draft agendas, and a mayoral appointment resolution. Councilmembers Brown, Ramachandran, and Chair Fife were present; Council President Jenkins was excused. All motions passed with a vote of three ayes. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (February 5, 2026): Moved by Councilmember Fife, seconded by Councilmember Ramachandran, and approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Rajni Mandal (District 4): Expressed concern about item 3.2 (Measure Q), arguing that "extreme fiscal necessity" cannot become a routine bypass for voter-approved parcel taxes. Stated that definitions, thresholds, and processes must be transparent and consistently applied. Also flagged structural concerns about the upcoming Skelly item, noting that the CIPRA Director has objected to nearly every Skelly decision and that the Inspector General’s presence may blur the lines between investigation and independent review. Urged council to ensure neutrality. - Open Forum – Rajni Mandal: Commented on the recent security lapse at City Hall, stating it feeds a negative perception of safety that discourages public participation in evening meetings. Urged action to address perceptions and ensure safety for employees and the public. Discussion Items - 3.1 – Disparity Study Report: Scheduled for the March 3, 2026 City Council meeting on the non-consent calendar. - 3.2 – Information Report on Measure Q: Amended from an information report to an oral report from staff. Councilmember Brown was removed as a co-sponsor. Scheduled for the March 10, 2026 Finance and Management Committee. - 3.3 – Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Resolution: Scheduled for the March 10, 2026 Community and Economic Development Committee. The resolution authorizes acceptance of up to $4.4 million in federal grant funds, a professional services agreement with Habitat for Humanity (up to $3,886,283), waivers of local contracting requirements, and grants for lead-paint remediation. - 4 – Review of Draft Agendas: The February 24, 2026 Public Safety Committee’s item 7 was moved to pending with no specific date. Draft agendas for March 3 City Council and March 5 Rules Committee were reviewed. - 5 – Resolution Confirming Mayoral Reappointments to the Housing Residential Rent and Relocation Board: Continued to the February 26, 2026 Rules Committee to allow completion of the legislative file and to hear all three appointments together. Key Outcomes - All votes were unanimous (3-0) with Council President Jenkins excused. - Item 3.1: Scheduled to March 3 (non-consent). - Item 3.2: Changed to oral report, removed co-sponsor, scheduled to March 10 Finance Committee. - Item 3.3: Scheduled to March 10 CED Committee. - Item 4: Approved pending list with removal of item 7 from Feb 24 Public Safety. - Item 5: Continued to February 26, 2026 Rules Committee.

The Oakland Planning Commission convened on February 18, 2026, with a quorum present (Commissioner Rob absent). The meeting included an informational presentation from the Economic and Workforce Development Department on downtown activation and the city's economic development action plan, followed by a public hearing on an appeal regarding a property at 966 81st Avenue. The commission also heard public comments on a non-agendized project (6230 Claremont Avenue) and approved the minutes from the February 4, 2026 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Five members of the public spoke during open forum regarding the proposed development at 6230 Claremont Avenue. They expressed concerns about traffic safety (citing fatalities on Claremont Avenue), insufficient shadow and sunlight studies, fire code compliance, and the building's scale relative to the neighborhood. Speakers urged the commission to require comprehensive traffic studies, health impact assessments, and adherence to fire safety codes before any approval. Staff clarified that no application for that site has been accepted for review and no formal action was taken. Discussion Items - Informational Report: Downtown Activation and Economic Development Action Plan – Christy Johnston Limon (Deputy Director, EWD) presented the city's five-year economic development strategy. Key statistics: 40% of Oakland's 54,000 business license holders are residential landlords; 94% of businesses earn less than $250,000/year and employ fewer than 5 people; the business community is racially diverse. The plan focuses on five goals: attract key sectors, sustain businesses, build workforce, invest in places, and support arts/culture. EWD offers technical assistance, façade grants, ambassador programs, revolving loans, and BID support. Commissioners discussed barriers such as conditional use permit (CUP) requirements, zoning flexibility, and the need for permit reform. Staff noted recent zoning changes (effective January 2026) that streamline CUPs and create performance standards. Coordination between EWD and Planning on the General Plan Phase 2 was highlighted. - Appeal of Determination – 966 81st Avenue – Staff (Neil Gray) presented the appeal: the property owner (Neil Johnson) contested staff's determination that the general outdoor storage use was purposefully abandoned and requires a CUP. The use ceased in November 2024 when tenant AJW Construction vacated. Under the 2023 code, truck-intensive activities lose legal nonconforming status immediately if purposefully abandoned. Staff argued that the owner took affirmative steps (clearing the site, marketing without specifying outdoor storage, seeking zoning clearances for other uses) indicating abandonment. The appellant (Annie Mudge) countered that the owner actively marketed the site through Colliers, maintained improvements (wall, gate, building), and that cessation alone does not prove abandonment. She cited a similar 2025 case at 727 Kennedy where staff found no abandonment due to active marketing. Commissioners questioned the definition of “purposeful abandonment” and whether third-party inquiries or zoning clearances constitute abandonment. The owner stated they continued to seek tenants for outdoor storage, but market conditions made it difficult. Key Outcomes - Appeal Uphold – The commission voted unanimously (5-0) to uphold the appeal of the determination at 966 81st Avenue, finding that the owner did not purposefully abandon the general outdoor storage use. The legal nonconforming use is therefore preserved, though staff noted that proactive marketing must continue to avoid future abandonment claims. The commission acknowledged the tension between environmental justice goals and the ambiguous code language and requested that staff consider revising the definition of “purposeful abandonment” for clarity. - Minutes Approved – The commission unanimously approved the minutes from February 4, 2026. - The chair indicated that staff will provide a summary of the city council's recent approval of impact fee updates, including affordable housing impact fees, at a future meeting.

The Oakland City Council met on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 3:31 PM. Six members were present (Brown, Fife excused, Houston excused, Ramachandran, Unger, Wong, Chair Jenkins). The council pulled item 5.1 (disparity study) from the consent calendar for rescheduling, adopted the consent calendar with an 8-0 vote, honored NBA slam dunk champion Keishawn Johnson with a proclamation, and paid tribute to the late Reverend Jesse Jackson. Consent Calendar - 6.1: Approval of draft minutes from February 3, 2026. - 6.2-6.4: Resolutions declaring local emergencies due to AIDS epidemic, medical cannabis health, and homelessness. - 6.5: Ordinance amending municipal code to prohibit prostitution (final passage). Councilmember Wong noted this legislation could serve as a national model. - 6.6: Resolution confirming mayor's appointment to Head Start Advisory Board. - 6.7: Appointment to Public Safety Planning and Oversight Commission. - 6.8: (Not listed in transcript but on agenda). - 6.9: Information report on multi-year plan for voter-mandated staffing/service levels; library advocates urged concrete maintenance-of-effort funding. - 6.10: Construction contract amendment for citywide pavement rehab. - 6.11: Resolution for Measure DD grant to Segoria Tay Land Trust for watershed acquisition. - 6.12: Resolution for Foreign Trade Zone alternative site framework. - 6.13: Resolution accepting impact fees annual report for FY 2024-25. - 6.14: Resolution for sugar-sweetened beverage distribution tax community grants for FY 2025-27. - 6.15: Resolution for FY 2025-27 biennial grants. Public Comments & Testimony - On Item 5.1 (Disparity Study): Multiple speakers accused the council of ignoring Black contractors and failing to act on known disparities. Blair Beekman, Derek Barnes, Kevin Daly, Ada Olabala, Edda Johnson, and Mr. Hazard spoke. Olabala criticized the city for prioritizing immigrant issues over Black economic needs. Johnson claimed civil rights violations and filed a claim for $2.5 billion. Hazard argued the study should have been on consent calendar and called for immediate action. - On Consent Calendar Items: - 6.5 (Prostitution ordinance): Vanessa Russell (Love Never Fails), Janice Jacobs, Maribel Tadeo, and others expressed strong gratitude, stating the law holds sex buyers accountable and protects survivors. Mr. Hazard countered that bail schedules still allow traffickers to be released. - 6.9 (Library funding): Stephen Cole, Mary Kane Simon, Chia Azuma, Fatima Yusuf, and Catherine Sternbeck (all library advocates) warned that the city's plan to restore maintenance of effort (MOE) lacks specifics, risking legal challenges to Measure C parcel tax collection. - 6.11 (Watershed acquisition): Tim Venderlinsky (Friends of Sausal Creek) and Karina Gould (Confederated Villages of Lashan Nation) supported the measure, citing ecological and cultural restoration. - 6.14 (Sugar-sweetened beverage grants): Kim Olson (SOS Meals on Wheels) urged approval, noting funds provide nutrition to 5,000+ seniors. - Open Forum: Speakers included Mr. Hazard (challenging special election legality), Inezi Skierda (supporting land rematriation), Rainetta Hall (thanking Councilmember Houston for humane encampment removal), Paul Hall (expressing general support), and Blair Beekman (disappointed with one-minute open forum limit). Ada Olabala criticized delays in occupying new supportive housing. Discussion Items - Item 5.1 Rescheduling: Councilmember Fife explained the disparity study report was pulled from the consent calendar because Dr. Ramsey (Mason Tillman) could not attend. The item was rescheduled to March 3 (though earlier the chair stated March 2; discrepancy noted). Public speakers were heard as planned. - Proclamation for Keishawn Johnson: Mayor Sheng Thao and Councilmember Brown honored Johnson for winning the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Johnson spoke, thanking the city and encouraging youth. The mayor presented a proclamation. - Tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson: Mayor Thao delivered a 15-minute tribute after Jackson's death earlier that day, recalling his civil rights work, his connections to Oakland, and his role as a mentor. The meeting adjourned in his memory. - Councilmember Announcements: Councilmember Unger noted the Fire Horse Lunar New Year (every 60 years, associated with revolution). Councilmember Houston noted Huey Newton's birthday and expressed disappointment over street conditions and delayed EAP funding. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar Adopted: Unanimous vote (8-0). - Item 5.1 Rescheduled: To March 3, 2026 (with possible scheduling discrepancy noted for March 2). - Library Funding Concerns: Multiple speakers and advocates called for a more concrete plan to restore Measure C maintenance of effort; no formal action taken. - Human Trafficking Ordinance (6.5): Final passage; praised by advocates as a model for other cities. - Watershed Acquisition (6.11): Approved; land to be rematriated to Lashan Nation. - Future Sessions: Councilmember Houston requested public works connect with District 7 on watershed restoration.

The Rules and Legislation Committee of the Oakland City Council met on Thursday, February 12, 2026, beginning at approximately 10:30 a.m. Four members were present: Councilmembers Brown, Fyfe, Ramachandran, and Chair Jenkins. The committee approved a large slate of scheduling items, received a public comment on parking policy, and amended agenda titles for a future public safety committee meeting. Consent Calendar - Approval of January 29, 2026 Minutes: Approved 3–1 (Councilmember Fyfe abstained). - New Scheduling Items (3.1–3.24): The committee advanced all listed items to their respective committee or full council agendas. Notable items include: - 3.1: Property acquisition from Home Depot for the 42nd Avenue and High Street Access Improvement Project (total not to exceed $975,659). - 3.2: Acceptance of up to $23,029,455.86 in homeless housing assistance and prevention funds and other grant agreements. - 3.3: Information report on the Black New Deal Racial Impact Development. - 3.4: Settlement with Oakland Unified School District for $860,000 (Rule 24, direct to council consent). - 3.5: Call for special municipal election on June 2, 2026 (Rule 24, direct to council consent). - 3.6: Purchasing agreement with All-Star Fire Equipment for firefighter PPE (total $2.5 million over five years). - 3.7 & 3.8: Library service agreements with Piedmont and Emeryville. - 3.9–3.12: Finance and management committee recommendations (audit reports, revenue/expenditure, multi-year staffing plan). - 3.13–3.18: Public Works and Transportation committee recommendations (pavement rehab, Measure DD grant, parking division reorganization – noted as non-consent for full council, foreign trade zone, impact fees, code enforcement update). - 3.19–3.22: Life Enrichment committee recommendations (sugar-sweetened beverage tax grants, biennial grants, official newspapers report moved to pending list, disparity study). - 3.23–3.24: Public Safety committee recommendations (PSA with Evergreen Counseling, vice chairman appointment). - Pending List Amendments: The committee approved title changes for item 4 on the February 24 Public Safety Committee agenda (Oakland Fire Department records management system replacement, total contract not to exceed $1,369,243) and noted that the Encampment Abatement Policy remains on the pending list per Councilmember Houston. Public Comments & Testimony - Kevin Daly spoke on Item 3.15 (Parking Division Reorganization). He urged that the item go to full council on non-consent due to controversy, requested additional data on sales tax revenue with dynamic versus non-dynamic pricing, and asked for updates on meetings with business groups, traffic safety organizations, and advisory commissions. Discussion Items - Item 3.15 – Parking Division Reorganization: Following the public comment, the committee confirmed the item will appear on the March 3, 2026 City Council agenda on non-consent to allow full discussion. Councilmember Wong’s questions regarding data broken down by meters/garages, parking tax and fines, abandoned vehicle tows, and collections timing were noted, and other council members were encouraged to submit additional questions for the supplemental report. - Pending List Discussion: Committee members and administration provided updates on agenda title changes for the February 24 Public Safety Committee and the status of the Encampment Abatement Policy. Key Outcomes - Approval of minutes (3–1). - Approval of all new scheduling items (items 3.1–3.24) as presented, with the following adjustments: - Item 3.4 and 3.5 granted Rule 24 waivers to go directly to the March 3 council consent agenda. - Item 3.15 placed on non-consent for the March 3 full council meeting. - Item 3.21 (official newspapers report) moved to pending list with a supplemental request. - Pending list for February 24 Public Safety Committee amended: Title of item 4 changed to reflect the new contract details for the fire department records management system. - Encampment Abatement Policy kept on the pending list; Councilmember Houston will schedule it to Life Enrichment after a meeting with the mayor’s office and Brown Act team. - Motion to accept items as amended passed unanimously (4–0).

The City Council of Oakland held a special full council meeting on February 10, 2026, initially convened as the Public Works and Transportation Committee and then adjourned into a full council session. The meeting focused on three primary agenda items: a proposed reorganization of the Department of Transportation's Parking Division, a contract change order for citywide pavement rehabilitation, and a Measure DD grant for land acquisition by the Sogorea Te' Land Trust. Public comment was extensive, particularly regarding the parking reorg, with 40 speakers signed up. Consent Calendar - Approval of draft minutes from the January 27, 2026 committee meeting (accepted with three ayes, one excused). - Determination schedule of outstanding committee items (pending list) accepted with four ayes. Public Comments & Testimony - Parking Reorganization (Item 5): 40 speakers addressed the item. Key themes included: - Brooke Levin (former Public Works Director) questioned why the reorganization was happening outside the budget process and requested cost details. - Savlan Hauser (Oakland BID Alliance) warned that splitting functions would undermine commercial district stewardship and noted DOT had achieved record revenue. - Michael Ford (DOT Parking Manager) argued the division is the "closest thing to a perfect organization" and that the proposal would delete his protected position, making future parking decisions vulnerable to political pressure. He highlighted DOT's success in recovering stolen vehicles. - Sha'ala Azimi (DOT) stated there is no performance problem to fix and that the move would reverse hard-earned progress. - Ruth Meza and Keith Sherholtz (DOT employees) requested a pause, stating parking revenue grew 30-50% under OakDOT leadership. - Kirby Olson (Local 21) presented an analysis claiming the reorganization would cost $1.42 million annually in added staff, contrary to the administration's claim of minimal cost. - Dante Hollowell (SEIU steward) raised safety concerns, noting parking technicians face physical attacks due to perceived revenue generation. - Chanelle Smith (35-year employee) described improved morale and career growth under DOT, citing an employee recognized for towing 500 stolen vehicles. - Brian Colbertson and Robert Prince (traffic safety advocates) argued that moving abandoned auto functions back to OPD would reverse progress made under DOT. - Pavement Rehabilitation Change Order (Item 3): One speaker (Mrs. Asada) made a general request for reports on various parking and street cleaning issues. - Measure DD Grant (Item 4): Five speakers (Frances Ranstead, Ariel Lucky, Nikki Alexander, Brady Moss, and Mrs. Asada) voiced strong support. They emphasized the conservation value of the 16-acre property, its headwaters protection, and the alignment with Indigenous land-back principles. Discussion Items Item 5 – Proposed Reorganization of the Parking Division - Administration Presentation: City Administrator Johnson and Finance Director Bradley Johnson explained the proposal: move day-to-day parking enforcement, collections, and the Citation Assistance Center to the Finance Department, and move abandoned auto operations to OPD. DOT would retain parking policy and curb management. Justifications included aligning collections with best practices, addressing delays (e.g., collection timeline target of three months vs. current six or seven months), and leveraging existing OPD abandoned auto work (70% already handled by OPD). Two new positions were cited: a bureau administrator for the parking division ($16,000 cost delta) and a supervisor for the citation center (recommended regardless of reorg). - Councilmember Questions: - Chair Unger questioned the problem being solved, noting parking revenues had declined but attributed partly to economic factors. She expressed concern about added costs, adequate staffing in OPD and Finance, and lack of engagement with business and bike/ped communities. She asked how success would be measured (not just revenue). - Councilmember Brown asked about collection timeline inefficiencies and historical context of the division's moves. She noted council investments in hiring more parking technicians and sought clarity on joint responsibilities between DOT and Finance. - Councilmember Wong criticized the report as inadequate, requesting detailed historical data on parking revenue (by meter, garage, fines), collection times, abandoned vehicles towed, and sales tax trends. She stressed data-driven decision-making. - Councilmember Houston strongly opposed moving abandoned auto to OPD, citing personal experience removing 38 stolen vehicles with DOT coordination. He argued DOT provides non-intimidating service, while OPD is understaffed (dropped from 850 to 500 officers). - Councilmember Gallo emphasized service delivery over revenue collection, recalling past successes when parking was moved out of OPD. He warned that OPD would not have capacity to respond to parking issues. - Administration Responses: City Administrator acknowledged lack of external engagement but committed to discussions now that the proposal is public. Finance Director Bradley confirmed openness to exploring other structures but stated current plan is what was presented. He also noted that the department previously ran parking for 23 years and has boots-on-the-ground experience. Item 3 – Change Order Limit for McGuire & Hester Contract - DOT Director Josh Rowan presented a request to increase the change order limit from 25% to 27.5% (additional $300,000) for the citywide pavement rehabilitation contract due to unforeseen conditions (high groundwater, excess rails). The contract total would not exceed $19,232,418.75. - Councilmember Houston asked about SLBE participation in change orders; staff responded that participation levels don't change with change orders but offered to provide a breakdown. - Councilmember Wong inquired about contractor performance metrics; staff stated they use basic performance measures (schedule, safety, traffic control) and that McGuire & Hester has an acceptable track record. - The item was approved with four ayes and forwarded to the February 17 council agenda on consent. Item 4 – Measure DD Grant to Sogorea Te' Land Trust - Staff (Mike Perlmutter) recommended awarding $843,875 to the Sogorea Te' Land Trust to acquire a 16-acre property at 2 Blatchford Court (headwaters of Cobbledick Creek, tributary to Sausal Creek). The property is valued at $1.295 million; owners are willing to sell under market for $800,000. The land trust would own and steward the land in perpetuity, with a conservation easement ensuring use only for watershed restoration. This aligns with Measure DD acquisition funds and Oakland's race and equity goals by returning land to Indigenous stewards. - A clerical error in the first whereas clause was corrected: Measure DD amount changed from $192 million to $198 million. - Councilmember Houston requested similar attention to District 7 creeks. - The resolution was approved as amended with four ayes and forwarded to the February 17 council agenda on consent. Key Outcomes - Item 5 (Parking Reorganization): Motion to forward to the March 3, 2026 full council meeting on non-consent, with a supplemental report requested by Councilmember Wong containing historic parking revenue data (by meter, garage, tax, fines), sales tax trends, abandoned vehicle tow counts, collection timing data, and unpaid fines data. The motion passed 4-0. - Item 3 (Pavement Rehabilitation Change Order): Approved with 4-0 vote, forwarded to February 17 council consent calendar. - Item 4 (Measure DD Grant): Approved as amended (clerical correction) with 4-0 vote, forwarded to February 17 council consent calendar. - Open Forum: Kevin Dolly requested a verbal guarantee from the city administrator that the parking reorganization would not be implemented before the council meeting. The city administrator had previously delayed the effective date. The meeting adjourned after open forum.

The Oakland City Council Finance and Management Committee met on February 10, 2026, at 9:30 AM. Members present: Councilmembers Brown, Unger, Wong, and Chair Ramachandran (4 members). The committee reviewed five items: approval of prior minutes, a pending list, the Oakland Redevelopment Successor Agency audit, fiscal year 2024-25 fourth quarter audited results, the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, and a roadmap to fiscal health addressing voter-mandated spending. All items were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (January 27, 2026): Motion by Brown, seconded by Unger, passed 4-0. - Determination of Scheduled Outstanding Committee Items: Motion by Unger, seconded by Wong, passed 4-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 4 (Q4 Results): Asada Olabala noted uncollected street vendor permit fees and questioned $490,000 police overtime without documentation. Kevin Daly (Transport Oakland) warned that deferred street paving increases crash-related litigation costs. - Item 6 (Roadmap to Fiscal Health): Kevin Daly proposed moving crash investigations from OPD to OakDot to reduce overtime and legal settlements. John Bliss (Measure Q co-chair) urged restoring parks funding per voter promises. Brooke Levin (advocate) called for a clear definition of "extreme fiscal necessity" in the consolidated fiscal policy. Catherine Sturbance (Friends of the Oakland Public Library) requested full library MOE funding, calling the current plan aspirational. Fatima Yousaf echoed support for libraries. - Open Forum: Kevin Daly encouraged attending the public works session. Asada Olabala criticized sanctuary city policies for negatively impacting African American workers economically. Discussion Items - Item 3 – ORSA Audit Report: Controller Pooja Shrestha presented the audit for the year ended June 30, 2025. Auditors (MGO) issued an unmodified opinion. As of June 30, 2025, ORSA liabilities exceeded assets by $137.8 million (net deficit), an improvement of $11.8 million from the prior year. Final debt payment is scheduled for 2041. The committee received and filed the report (4-0). - Item 4 – FY 2024-25 Q4 Audited Results: Finance Director Brad Johnson, Revenue Analyst Jose Segura, and Acting Budget Administrator Rena Stabler reported general purpose fund (GPF) revenues of $815 million ($68 million over budget) and expenditures of $742 million ($47 million under budget), producing an operating surplus of $73 million. The ending GPF fund balance was $16.87 million. One-time items included $24.6 million from the PG&E building sale, $7.5 million from delinquent business tax recovery, and $7.5 million in legal settlements. The city’s mandatory emergency reserve of $73 million (7.5% of GPF appropriations) was met, but the vital services stabilization fund stood at $0. Other funds: Measure HH ended barely positive ($0.1M), affordable housing trust fund negative ($8M), Measure Q positive ($6.5M). Councilmembers questioned fund balance dynamics, parking revenue trends, and OPD overtime reduction. Received and filed (4-0). - Item 5 – Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR): Controller Shrestha presented the audited financial statements. The city received a clean opinion. Net position has been positive since fiscal year 2021 and improved further. Unfunded pension and retiree health care (OPEB) liabilities totaled approximately $2 billion. General fund balance increased 44% but 31% reflected an accounting reclassification; the unassigned balance grew 13% from higher revenues and lower expenditures. Total reserves (GPF emergency reserve plus unassigned balance) were $98.4 million, above the 7.5% policy minimum. The vital services stabilization reserve target of 15% of GPF revenues remains unmet ($0 balance). Discussion ensued on reserve policies and long-term obligations. Received and filed (4-0). - Item 6 – Roadmap to Fiscal Health: Multi-Year Plan for Ballot Measure Compliance: Director Johnson presented a framework addressing a $38.8 million gap in meeting voter-adopted spending mandates (Measure NN $18M, Measure Q $2M, Measures C/D $3M, affordable housing trust fund $6M, democracy dollars $5M, and others). A phased approach was illustrated with scenarios (front-loaded, back-loaded, balanced) over five years. For Measure NN, the plan assumed seven police academies per biennium with 38 recruits each to reach compliance; Councilmember Brown noted that assumption may be optimistic. The report noted key risks: rising PERS/healthcare costs, federal funding uncertainty, and cost inflation. Public speakers expressed concerns about the lack of specificity and urged faster action. Councilmembers discussed park hiring challenges, the affordable housing trust fund deficit, and MOE suspension rules. The committee voted to forward the report to the February 17, 2026 City Council meeting on the consent calendar (motion by Wong, seconded Brown, 4-0). Key Outcomes - All five agenda items passed unanimously (4-0) as receive/file or approve. - Item 6 was forwarded to the full City Council meeting on February 17, 2026, on consent. - No policy votes were taken; all items were informational. - Next steps: The mid-cycle budget process will incorporate phased compliance with ballot measures, and the administration will continue engaging with advocates.

The Public Safety Committee of the City Council met on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 6:08 PM in the council chambers. Chair Wong presided with Councilmembers Brown, Fife, Houston, and Wong present (four members). The meeting covered approval of minutes, a determination of schedule, a resolution for firefighter mental health services, the appointment of a vice chair, and public comment on various safety issues. Consent Calendar - Item 1: Approval of Draft Minutes – Approved minutes from the January 13 and January 27, 2026 committee meetings. Motion by Councilmember Brown, second by Chair Wong, passed 4-0. - Item 2: Determination of Schedule (Pending List) – Accepted the pending list as presented. Motion by Councilmember Houston, second by Councilmember Brown, passed 4-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Open Forum (16 speakers) – Residents and members of ACE raised concerns about the Flock surveillance contract, urging cancellation after Santa Cruz, Los Altos Hills, Mountain View, and Richmond canceled theirs due to ICE access despite state law. Multiple speakers called for a proactive rental inspection program, citing mold, pests, and landlord retaliation. Others highlighted illegal dumping, abandoned vehicles, and lack of street lighting, especially affecting seniors. One speaker, Paula Hawthorne, distributed copies of Darwin BondGraham's book "The Writers Come Out at Night" and urged support for the Police Commission. - Public Comment on Item 4 – Paula Hawthorne spoke in support of Councilmember Houston's appointment, citing his integrity and work ethic. Discussion Items - Item 3: Evergreen Counseling Contract for Oakland Fire Department – Assistant Chief Chris Foley presented a resolution to authorize a professional services agreement with Evergreen Counseling to provide behavioral health services for OFD from February 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028, at a cost not to exceed $450,000, with two one-year extension options at up to $150,000 per year, for a total contract amount not to exceed $700,000. The contract is funded through 1010 (Measure Z). Four respondents were received in the RFQ process; Evergreen was the only local provider. The department reported 744 clinical visits through the existing contract. Councilmembers questioned the funding source and raised concerns about the lack of diversity among Evergreen's clinicians (98% female, no persons of color). Chair Wong requested a conversation with Evergreen about clinician diversity. The item was approved and forwarded to the February 17, 2026 City Council consent agenda. - Item 4: Motion to Designate Councilmember Houston as Vice Chair – Councilmember Houston spoke about his long-standing commitment to public safety, including graffiti abatement, illegal dumping, and encampment policies. Councilmember Fife expressed concerns about the rule change creating vice chairs, stating the chair could already designate a presider. Chair Wong requested that if appointed, Houston attend meetings in person rather than remotely. The motion was approved 4-0. Key Outcomes - Item 3: Approved to forward the Evergreen Counseling contract to the February 17, 2026 City Council consent agenda (4-0). - Item 4: Appointed Councilmember Houston as Vice Chair of the Public Safety Committee (4-0). - The meeting was dismissed after public comment. Chair Wong noted an upcoming report on overtime at the March 10, 2026 Finance and Management Committee meeting.