Public Meetings - Oakland, California

The Community and Economic Development Committee (CED) met on February 10, 2026, at 1:48 PM. Due to the presence of Councilmember Houston, the committee adjourned into a special full city council meeting, then proceeded with the CED agenda. The committee approved the draft minutes from December 9, 2025, and the pending list, and discussed three substantive items: a resolution to convert the Foreign Trade Zone to an Alternative Site Framework, the annual impact fee report for FY 2024‑2025, and an informational report on code enforcement activities. All votes were unanimous (4‑0) except where noted. Consent Calendar - Approval of Draft Minutes (December 9, 2025): Motion by Councilmember Fife, seconded by Chair Brown. Passed 4‑0. - Determination of Scheduled Outstanding Committee Items (Pending List): Motion by Councilmember Fife, seconded by Councilmember Unger. Passed 4‑0 to accept the pending list as presented. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 4 (Annual Impact Fee Report): Two speakers signed up. - Samuel Ramey spoke about mental health and housing needs, urging the committee to address homelessness and veterans’ housing. - Jeff Levin (East Bay Housing Organizations) requested an estimate of unpaid impact fees for projects under construction and asked for an earlier assessment of recent fee‑program changes, noting that a previous five‑year review was delayed. - Open Forum: Samuel Ramey again spoke about housing for seniors and veterans and criticized the city’s inaction. Discussion Items - Item 3 – Foreign Trade Zone Alternative Site Framework (ASF) Resolution: - Staff (Eric Simanzo, Economic and Workforce Development) presented a resolution to submit an application to the U.S. Foreign Trade Zone Board to convert FTZ 56 to the ASF model, streamlining site designation and expanding the zone’s capacity. Councilmember Unger asked about past delays; staff cited staff turnover. Councilmember Ramachandran asked about Contra Costa County’s request to opt out; staff responded that negotiations are ongoing. Motion to forward to the February 17 full council meeting passed 3‑1 (Councilmember Fife excused). - Item 4 – Annual Impact Fee Report (FY 2024‑2025): - Staff from Planning & Building, HCD, DOT, and Public Works presented. Collections declined significantly from previous years, but all existing projects are fully funded through multiple sources. Councilmember Ramachandran expressed concern about declining fee revenue, and staff confirmed that a five‑year review is due in 2026 and that changes (e.g., collecting fees at project completion) were made to stimulate development. Councilmember Fife and Chair Brown asked about specific projects and funding sources. Motion to forward to the February 17 council meeting on consent passed 4‑0. - Item 5 – Informational Report: Code Enforcement Activities (FY 2024‑25 Q3 & Q4): - Cecilia Muela (Building Official) presented data on blight, housing, and zoning enforcement, noting a 55% increase in cases closed year‑over‑year. A new inspector app improved efficiency. Staff reported 42 inspectors with 7 vacancies; continuous recruitment is underway. Councilmember Ramachandran asked about hiring and vacancy numbers. Councilmember Fife inquired about integration with the 311 system. Motion to receive and file passed 4‑0. Key Outcomes - Item 3 (FTZ ASF): Approved (3‑1) and forwarded to the February 17, 2026 City Council meeting. - Item 4 (Impact Fee Report): Approved (4‑0) and forwarded to the February 17, 2026 City Council meeting on the consent agenda. - Item 5 (Code Enforcement Report): Received and filed (4‑0). - Consent Calendar items: Approved unanimously.

The Rules and Legislation Committee met on February 5, 2026, to approve minutes, schedule legislation for upcoming council and committee meetings, and hear public testimony. The most contentious item was the proposed Encampment Abatement Policy (EAP), which was ultimately scheduled to the Life Enrichment Committee after debate. The committee also approved a series of scheduling requests and heard updates on OPD overtime and the police commission appointment. Consent Calendar - Approved the committee minutes from January 22, 2026 (3-0, with Councilmember Fyfe excused). Public Comments & Testimony - On the Encampment Abatement Policy (Item 3.5): Eleven speakers opposed scheduling the EAP, arguing it would criminalize unhoused residents (disproportionately Black, brown, and disabled), lacked fiscal and equity analyses, would waste millions during a budget crisis, and aligned with Trump-era policies. Speakers included Nita B, Mike Piatak, Nina Liz Schultz, Lily Robles (East Bay Community Law Center), Charlotte, Bridget Nicoletti (East Bay Community Law Center), Satya, Madeline Stacy, Armando, Delphine, and Samin. Several urged the committee to send it to the Life Enrichment Committee for further study, while others demanded it not be scheduled at all. - On OPD Overtime (Item 3.14): Rajne Mandal requested the report include clear explanations of overtime tracking, the difference between paid and comp time, structural drivers of overtime, and prior auditor recommendations; they also asked for context within citywide payroll. - On the Police Commission Appointment: Rajne Mandal asked for clarity on when Doug Wong's appointment would return to council, noting it was described in federal court as relevant to constitutional policing sustainability. - Open Forum: Rajne Mandal provided an update on a federal court hearing regarding the Negotiated Settlement Agreement (NSA), noting the judge acknowledged progress and emphasized local accountability after oversight ends. Discussion Items - Item 3.5 – Encampment Abatement Policy: Councilmember Houston argued the policy should go directly to the February 17 council meeting, citing a December 24 Cal ICH letter stating the draft meets state guidelines and that delaying it jeopardized $21 million in HAP funds. Other councilmembers (Ramachandran, Brown) favored sending it to the Life Enrichment Committee (LEC) first for proper review. After debate, the committee voted to schedule Item 3.5 to the February 24 LEC agenda. - Item 3.4 – Housing Board Reappointments: Moved to the February 19 Rules committee for discussion, per procedure. - Item 3.9 – Oakland Public Library Commission Report: Rescheduled from February 24 LEC to March 24 LEC at the administration's request. - Item 3.14 – OPD Overtime Report: Withdrawn at the administration's request, with plans to schedule under Item 4. - Item 3.15 – Vice Chair Designation: Withdrawn and placed on the Port Liaison Committee pending list with no date. - Item 3.16 – Business Closures Report: Placed on the CED pending list with no date. - Item 4 – Draft Agendas: The committee noted a quarterly report on public safety overtime would be added to the March 10 Finance and Management Committee agenda. Key Outcomes - Item 3.1 (Council travel to D.C.): Approved to go to the February 17 council consent calendar (Rule 24 waived). - Item 3.2 (Public Safety Oversight Commission reappointment): Approved to go to the February 17 council consent calendar (Rule 24 waived). - Item 3.3 (Head Start Advisory Board appointments): Approved to go to the February 17 council consent calendar (Rule 24 waived). - Item 3.4 (Housing Board appointments): Scheduled to the February 19 Rules and Legislation Committee for discussion. - Item 3.5 (Encampment Abatement Policy): Scheduled to the February 24 Life Enrichment Committee. - Item 3.9 (Library Commission report): Rescheduled to March 24 Life Enrichment Committee. - Item 3.14 (OPD overtime report): Withdrawn, to be rescheduled under Item 4. - Item 3.15 (Vice chair designation): Moved to Port Liaison Committee pending list. - Item 3.16 (Business closures report): Moved to CED pending list. - Item 4 (Draft agendas): Approved as amended; quarterly public safety overtime report added to March 10 Finance and Management Committee agenda. - All other scheduling items (3.6–3.8, 3.10–3.13, 3.17–3.18) were approved as presented to their respective committee dates.

The Oakland Planning Commission convened on February 4, 2026, to consider a continuance of an appeal regarding 3320 Grand Avenue and a citywide proposal for Senate Bill 79 (SB 79) planning code and zoning map amendments. The meeting also included public comments on a proposed senior housing project at 6230 Claremont Avenue. The Commission voted unanimously to continue the appeal to March 4, 2026, and recommended approval of the SB 79 amendments with modifications, including removal of three BART station areas from one exclusion category and a revised expiration tied to adoption of a local alternative plan. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were presented. Public Comments & Testimony - Speaker on Appeal (Item 2): James Christopher Rochelle, the applicant/business owner, expressed opposition to the continuance, stating the matter has been pending since 2022 and he wanted resolution to protect his business and jobs. The Commission granted the continuance to a date certain (March 4, 2026). - Open Forum – 6230 Claremont Avenue Senior Housing: Eight speakers voiced concerns about the proposed seven-story, 93-foot, 203-unit senior housing facility at 6230 Claremont Avenue. Key points included: - Safety: Narrow streets (Florio, Auburn) unsuitable for large delivery and service vehicles; emergency vehicle access; pedestrian and cyclist risks. - Scale and Density: The building is out of scale with the neighborhood (currently proposed at 93 feet, exceeding the four- to five-story Red Cross building height). - Affordability: No affordable units; projected rents of $10,000–$12,000 per month (requiring annual income over $400,000), well beyond the median income of Oakland seniors ($60,000 for age 65+). - Seismic Risk: The project sits near the Hayward Fault; a 93-foot building poses life safety risks for seniors with mobility challenges in a major earthquake. - Environmental Impact: Loss of trees, increased heat island effect, shadow casting on public spaces. - SB 79 Public Hearing: Three speakers addressed the Commission: - Raul Maldonado (East Bay YIMBY) urged support for SB 79 implementation without unnecessary exclusions, emphasizing the need for housing near transit. - Ali Sapirman (Housing Action Coalition) recommended not adopting carve‑outs that delay housing production and urged staying true to SB 79’s intent. - Naomi Schiff (Oakland Heritage Alliance) supported the staff approach and encouraged innovative reuse of existing buildings. - Aaron Eckhouse (California YIMBY) opposed Exclusion 1 (50% density/ FAR exclusion) because it would remove key corridors (College Ave, Telegraph) in high-resource areas from SB 79 benefits. Discussion Items - Item 2: Appeal of 3320 Grand Avenue – Continuance Request - The appellant requested a continuance due to a family emergency. The applicant opposed, citing the prolonged legal process (since 2022). The Commission voted to continue the appeal to March 4, 2026, to allow the appellant an opportunity to present their case. - Item 1: SB 79 Citywide Planning Code and Zoning Map Amendments - Staff Presentation: Laura Kaminsky, Strategic Planning Manager, explained that SB 79 (effective July 1, 2026) requires higher heights and densities within half‑mile of transit stops (BART and BRT). The city proposed three exclusions allowed by state law: (1) sites where existing zoning allows at least 50% of SB 79 density/FAR; (2) sites in low‑resource areas where aggregate density meets 40% of SB 79 standards; (3) historic resources. The intent is to use exclusions temporarily while developing an alternative plan through the General Plan Update Phase 2 (expected late spring 2027). - Commission Questions and Deliberation: - Vice Chair Sandoval and Commissioners expressed concerns about Exclusion 1, particularly for high-resource areas (Rockridge, MacArthur, Ashby BART stations) where SB 79 could increase housing capacity. - Commissioner Randolph noted West Oakland BART as a missed opportunity for housing but acknowledged it qualifies under Exclusion 2 (low‑resource area). - The Commission debated the expiration date of exclusions and the timeline for an alternative plan. Staff preferred tying expiration to adoption of an alternative plan rather than a fixed date. - Vote: The Commission approved a motion (5–0) to recommend the SB 79 amendments to the City Council with the following modifications: - Remove Maps 1, 2, and 3 (Attachment D) from Exclusion 1 (sites within half‑mile of Ashby, MacArthur, and Rockridge BART stations). - Revise Section 17.86.010 of the Planning Code to state that exclusions are valid until January 31, 2032, or one year following adoption of the seventh housing element revision, or upon adoption of a local transit‑oriented development alternative plan, whichever occurs first. - Recommend that the City Council direct the City Administrator to present a local alternative plan within one year of adoption of a comprehensive amendment to the land use and transportation element. Key Outcomes - Appeal Continuance (Item 2): The appeal of 3320 Grand Avenue was continued to March 4, 2026, to allow the appellant to present their case. - SB 79 Amendments: The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the SB 79 zoning amendments with the modifications noted above. The item will go to the City Council’s Community and Economic Development Committee on February 24, 2026, and first reading on March 3, 2026. - Minutes Approval: The minutes from the January 21, 2026, meeting were approved unanimously.

The Oakland City Council met on February 3, 2026, starting at 3:31 PM. The primary agenda item was an ordinance to amend the municipal code to repeal loitering for prostitution, add loitering for purchasing commercial sex, impose administrative fines on sex purchasers and traffickers, and create a survivor support fund. The council also considered a consent calendar with multiple items including appointments, emergency declarations, settlements, and resolutions. Modifications to the Agenda - Councilmember Houston requested that staff remain to answer questions on consent item 6.14 (consultant contract amendment for a fire station project) regarding local participation. Staff were directed to be available. Discussion Item: Ordinance on Sex Trafficking (Item 5.1) - Proposal: Councilmember Charlene Wong introduced an ordinance that repeals the offense of loitering for prostitution and replaces it with loitering for the purpose of purchasing commercial sex. It establishes administrative fines: up to $4,000 for first offense (sex purchasers), up to $8,000 for subsequent; up to $10,000 for traffickers (first), $20,000 for subsequent; fines tripled for minors; and $2,500 per day for property owners and business proprietors facilitating the activity. All fines are deposited into a restricted fund for survivor services (housing, mental health, job training, legal support, street outreach). The ordinance includes an affirmative defense for trafficking victims. - Councilmember Wong's presentation included a video about human trafficking in Oakland, noting that Oakland is a top-three California hot spot, 55% of trafficking victims are foster youth, the average entry age is 12–14, and Black women/girls represent 61% of recovered victims though only 20% of the population. She stated that 70% of sex buyers are from outside Oakland. - Discussion: - Councilmember Brown supported the ordinance and asked about allocation of funds. Wong responded that she will conduct focus groups with workers and convene service providers to determine needs, and that an RFP process will be used. - Councilmember Fyfe asked about enforcement resources. Lt. Marcos Campos of OPD's vice unit said enforcement will use existing patrol officers trained to issue citations, with no additional staff required. - Councilmember Gallo emphasized enforcement and called for FBI involvement. Lt. Campos noted a 26-year partnership with the FBI. - Councilmember Houston raised concerns about enforcement, transportation, and repeat offenders. He cited 51 arrests last year with only one charged. He asked about the 70% outsider statistic; Lt. Campos noted that as of January, 65% of arrestees were from outside Oakland. Brown also mentioned working with AC Transit on transportation issues. - Councilmember Ramachandran asked about interaction with criminal justice: civil fines provide accountability when the DA declines to prosecute. The DA's office is supportive. - Councilmember Fyfe referenced the 2015–2016 OPD sex trafficking scandal involving 28 officers and asked whether those officers would be liable under the ordinance. Councilmember Wong confirmed that any sex buyer, regardless of status, is subject to fines. - Public Comments: 13 speakers testified, mostly in strong support. Survivors (Annabelle Velasquez, Brianna Price, Davina Curilola) shared personal experiences. Representatives from Love Never Fails, OUSD, and community organizations urged passage. A few speakers raised concerns about police discretion, racial equity, and the need for survivor-led governance. Several called for making sex purchasing a felony at the state level. - Vote: Motion by Councilmember Houston, seconded by Councilmember Wong. Passed 6–0 (Councilmembers Gallo and Jenkins excused). The ordinance was approved on first reading; final passage is scheduled for February 17, 2026. Consent Calendar (Items 6.1–6.16) The consent calendar included: approval of minutes; declarations of emergencies (AIDS, medical cannabis health, homelessness); mayor's appointments to commissions (homelessness, cultural affairs, aging); settlements (Tiffany Nault, State Farm, Miriam Hernandez); resolution supporting AB 1537 (prohibiting peace officers from secondary employment with DHS); appointment to the Cannabis Regulatory Commission (Ashutay Milhouse); consultant contract amendment for Fire Station 6; resolution honoring Michael Ford; and the Samson Oakland recast program. Items Pulled or Discussed: - Item 6.14 (Fire Station Contract): Councilmember Houston asked for staff explanation on local participation. Staff were present to answer. - Item 6.3 (Medical Cannabis Health Emergency): Councilmember Houston questioned why the emergency declaration remains, noting that cannabis operators are not meeting beautification obligations. City Attorney advised that council can remove such declarations. - Item 6.12 (Cannabis Commission Appointment): Required an urgency finding due to lack of quorum. Councilmember Brown made the motion, seconded by Ramachandran. Urgency vote passed 5–0 (Gallo, Fyfe, Jenkins excused). Appointment of Ashutay Milhouse approved. - Item 6.11 (AB 1537 Support): Councilmember Brown urged support, noting recent ICE-related incidents and Mayor Lee's executive orders. - Public Comments on Consent: Several speakers addressed cannabis enforcement, homelessness, and the need for ambassadorship programs. Mr. Hazard criticized the city's focus on human trafficking over fentanyl deaths and alleged the April 2025 ballot measure was illegal. - Vote on Consent Calendar: Motion by Brown, seconded by Unger. Passed 5–0 (Fyfe, Gallo, Jenkins excused). Open Forum - Speakers included Mr. Hazard (arguing against ballot measure legality) and Dominic Ware (reporting on the 40 by 40 People's Advisory Council in Deep East Oakland). Key Outcomes - Ordinance on Sex Trafficking (Item 5.1): Approved 6–0 on first reading. Final adoption February 17, 2026. - Urgency Finding and Appointment (Item 6.12): Approved 5–0 to allow Cannabis Regulatory Commission to meet. - Consent Calendar: Approved 5–0, including support for AB 1537, appointments, settlements, and resolutions. - Announcements: Councilmember Wong announced a February 4 forum on the Costco effort in West Oakland. Councilmember Houston adjourned the meeting in memory of Bridget Cook. Attendance - Present: Councilmembers Brown, Fyfe, Houston, Unger, Wong, Ramachandran (Chair). - Excused: Gallo, Jenkins. - Meeting adjourned at approximately [time not recorded in transcript].

January 29, 2026 | 10:31 AM The Rules and Legislation Committee met on January 29, 2026, to review and schedule items for upcoming City Council and committee meetings. Four members were present: President Jenkins (Chair), Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Fyfe, and Councilmember Ramachandran. The committee approved the draft minutes from January 15, approved a slate of scheduling items (Item 3) with amendments, and modified the draft agendas for the week of February 9 (Item 4). Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: Unanimous vote (4-0) to approve the draft minutes from the January 15, 2026, committee meeting. - Item 3 (New Scheduling) Approved as Amended: Unanimous vote (4-0) to approve the following: - 3.1 (Cannabis Commission Appointment): Urgency finding approved; item sent directly to the February 5 City Council consent agenda to ensure quorum for the commission's February meeting. - 3.2 (Disparity Study Report): Item to proceed to the February 10 Life Enrichment Committee agenda without co-sponsors after Councilmember Fyfe expressed concerns and requested that she and other council members remove their names as co-sponsors. The report comes from the City Administrator's office. - 3.3 (Public Safety Vice Chair): Title changed to "Motion to designate council member Houston as vice chair of the Public Safety Committee." - 3.16 (OMC Section Amendment): Moved from consent to non-consent on the February 3 City Council agenda at the request of Councilmember Wong's office, who wishes to give the issue full attention and will bring amendments. Councilmember Ramachandran noted that the committee has authority over consent designations. - Item 4 (Draft Agendas & Pending List) Approved as Amended: Unanimous vote (4-0) to approve the following scheduling changes: - February 3 Council meeting, Item 4.1 (Protected Tree Ordinance): Rescheduled to April 14 Council meeting (non-consent) to allow more time for document review. - February 10 Public Works & Transportation Committee, Item 3 (Pavement Rehabilitation): Title changed to reflect a requested increase in the change order limit with McGuire and Huster from 25% to 27.5%, for a total contract not to exceed $19,230,418.75. - February 10 Public Safety Committee, Item 4 (ITPSA with Image Trend LLC): Rescheduled to February 24 Public Safety Committee. - February 10 CED Committee, Item 3 (Anti-Displacement Strategic Action Plan): Rescheduled to March 10 CED Committee to allow more time for modifications. - February 10 CED Committee, Item 6 (Advertising Signs Relocation Agreement): Rescheduled to March 24 CED Committee. Public Comments & Testimony - Blair Beekman spoke on Items 3.8 (Sanctuary City Policy), 3.11, and 3.12, advocating for dialogue with the federal administration and highlighting best practices in social services. They also commended the SAMHSA program discussed in the Life Enrichment Committee. - Kevin Daly (Transport Oakland) spoke on Item 3.7 (SB 79/Abundant Affordable Homes Near Transit), noting that while SB 79 excludes bus service, Oakland is not required to limit itself and could push for more housing near buses. He also expressed concern about the City's plan to move parking division positions to other departments on February 7, three days before a scheduled February 10 Public Works hearing on the matter, urging council members to attend. - Councilmember Houston briefly commented on his work clearing an automobile graveyard and expressed appreciation for his new vice chair role on Public Safety. - Councilmember Fyfe spoke extensively on Item 3.2, asserting she has worked on the disparity study process for six years and requesting she and other co-sponsors be removed to let the item proceed directly from the City Administrator's office without council co-sponsorship. Open Forum - Kevin Daly noted that the most complex council items often have speaking time shortened to 60 seconds, making it difficult to present complex statements. - Blair Beekman, attending their last meeting before leaving Oakland, advocated for the use of 90-second speaking limits (as used in San Diego) as a more effective middle ground than the typical 60 or 120 seconds.

The Public Works and Transportation Committee of the Oakland City Council met on January 27, 2026, at 11:31 AM. The meeting covered four agenda items, including approvals of minutes, scheduling of outstanding items, a contract amendment for Fire Station 4 design, and a resolution honoring Dr. Michael Ford. Public comments were heard on multiple items, and the committee forwarded two items to the full City Council on consent. Consent Calendar - Item 1 – Approval of Minutes (January 13, 2026): Moved by Chair Unger, seconded by Councilmember Houston, and approved unanimously (4-0). - Item 2 – Determination to Schedule Outstanding Committee Items (Pending List): Accepted with a motion by Chair Unger, seconded by Councilmember Houston, passed 4-0. Councilmember Wong thanked the chair for scheduling an informational report on parking reorganization for the next committee meeting. Discussion Items - Item 3 – Resolution to Increase Professional Services Agreement for Fire Station 4: Staff presented a resolution to increase the design contract with Loving Campos Associates Architects from $1.5 million to $4.2 million, waiving competitive bidding and adopting CEQA findings. The new site at 1745 14th Avenue requires hazardous materials remediation because of a shallow groundwater table and a leaking underground storage tank. The total design fee is approximately 25% of construction cost, below the statewide average of 40–50%. Councilmember Wong (in whose district the station lies) supported the motion, noting the critical need and that the cost is standard. Councilmember Houston asked about pre-purchase inspections and subcontractor details; staff promised to provide a list of local firms meeting LSOB requirements. Public comment from Ms. Asada criticized the use of eminent domain and the additional cost after abandoning the park location. The committee voted 4-0 to approve staff recommendations and forward the item to the February 3, 2026 City Council meeting on consent. - Item 4 – Resolution Honoring Dr. Michael Ford (National Parking Association Innovator of the Year): Chair Unger introduced the resolution. Director Josh Rowan praised Dr. Ford’s leadership, noting his team-oriented approach. Dr. Ford gave remarks emphasizing public service and credited his Parking and Mobility Division staff. Councilmember Wong and Gallo offered thanks. The public comment period attracted 14 speakers, including representatives from BART, a parking technology partner, and the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce. Many speakers celebrated Dr. Ford’s work but also expressed strong concern about the proposed reorganization moving parking functions to the Finance Department, calling it unjustified and potentially damaging to morale and efficiency. Councilmember Houston acknowledged these concerns and stated he would revisit the issue. The committee voted 3-0 (Councilmember Gallo excused) to approve the resolution and forward it to the February 3, 2026 City Council meeting on consent. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 3 Public Comment: One speaker (Ms. Asada) opposed the fire station location change and eminent domain, and noted the cost increase from $1.5 million to $4.2 million. - Item 4 Public Comment: Multiple speakers praised Dr. Ford’s leadership, innovation, and dedication; several also criticized the plan to split the Parking and Mobility Division, arguing it would undermine the department’s recent successes. Specific speakers: Henry Simmons (BART) highlighted partnership; Shalini Abbé Gunasekhar (Trelland) noted data-driven innovations; George Spees called the reorganization unjustified; Doug Mount and Shala Azimi lauded Dr. Ford’s hands-on leadership; Kirby Olson (Local 21) warned that replacing Dr. Ford with two new positions would cost nearly $1 million per year; Craig Raphael (OakDOT) cited speed camera collaboration; Savlan Hauser (Oakland BID) praised strategic parking management; Kevin Daly and Razu Engen echoed concerns about the timing of the reorganization. - Open Forum: Speakers addressed tree-cutting fines, local crime trends, and federal immigration policies. Blair Beekman urged balanced approaches to public safety and technology. Key Outcomes - Approved: Minutes from January 13, 2026 (4-0). - Approved: Outstanding committee items/pending list (4-0). - Approved: Fire Station 4 design contract increase to $4.2 million, forwarded to full council on consent (4-0). - Approved: Resolution honoring Dr. Michael Ford, forwarded to full council on consent (3-0, with one excused). - Adjourned: The meeting adjourned at approximately 12:30 PM after a moment of silence for community member Bridget Cook, requested by Councilmember Houston.

The Finance and Management Committee of the Oakland City Council met on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 9:30 AM to discuss items including the Police and Fire Retirement System (PIFRS) investment portfolio, credit ratings for Measure U bonds, and a six-month update on the citywide strategic plan. The meeting featured presentations from city staff and external consultants, public comments, and votes to receive and file reports. Consent Calendar - Approved draft minutes from the December 9, 2025 committee meeting (4-0 vote). - Accepted the determination of schedule of outstanding committee items as-is (4-0 vote). Public Comments & Testimony - Item 2 (Outstanding Committee Items): Ms. Sato-Olobala requested a city administrator's annual report on spending contracts up to $250,000 (not done since 2023), reports on business closures impact on revenue, democracy dollars, homelessness grant exclusion, outstanding invoices, and fiscal spending related to the NSA. - Item 3 (PIFRS Portfolio): Ms. Otola-Olabala expressed confusion about a ballot measure changing board membership, questioning the validity of the age component argument and suggesting many beneficiaries may not live in Oakland, making in-person service inconvenient. - Item 4 (Bond Ratings): Ms. Olabala criticized the timing of applying for bonds before receiving a credit rating report and urged immediate budget reductions rather than waiting until 2027, cautioning against cutting investments in affordable housing, public safety infrastructure, parks, libraries, and senior centers. - Item 5 (Strategic Plan Update): - Ms. Olabala questioned the city's ability to achieve racial equity for African Americans, expressed concerns about fraud, nonprofit evaluation, lack of housing authority oversight, grant credibility, gentrification, sanctuary city planning, NSA sustainability, and OUSD partnership. - David Boatwright (District 4) advocated for authorizing only balanced-budget spending, emphasizing more manpower for project oversight to limit over-expenditures, citing past missteps on the tiny homes project and Fire Station 4. - Kevin Daly (Bicyclist and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, speaking personally) expressed concern that dismantling the Department of Transportation and moving parking to Finance would harm transportation decision-making, noting the city failed to provide information to BPAC and may violate MTC 4108, risking funding. - Blair Beekman commended the city's three-year budget deficit plan, suggesting comparison with San Diego, and emphasized not slashing social services. - Open Forum: - Ms. Olabala cited a 1994 Barbara Jordan report that recommended cutting immigration by one-third to protect low-skilled African-American workers, which was ignored. - Kevin Daly noted the city administrator announced moving parking from transportation to finance effective February 7, 2026, requesting postponement of a council report; he urged the council to act. - Blair Beekman asked for six-month updates on ALPR vendor procurement, suggesting reduced surveillance placement can maintain public safety, and urged community involvement beyond OPD. Discussion Items - Item 3 (PIFRS Investment Report): Taylor Jenkins (PIFRS investment/operations manager) and David Sandwich (Makeda Investments) reported the fund had $498 million in investments as of September 30, 2025 (preliminarily $500 million as of December 31), with a 12.4% return. The fund is 100% funded per the July 1, 2025 actuarial evaluation. The portfolio has been de-risked to over 60% fixed income. Councilmember Wong asked about comparisons to East Bay MUD; Sandwich explained that an open, active pension system takes on more equity risk, while PIFRS is closed with 585 members (average age 80s) and will continue de-risking. - Item 4 (Bond Ratings for Measure U): Jaime Trejo (PFM Financial Advisors) presented the city's credit ratings (Moody's: AA2; S&P: AA-; Fitch: A) with negative outlooks due to structural budget imbalance, declining reserves, and high fixed costs. He outlined a roadmap to improve ratings: increase general fund reserves (currently 7.5% versus GFOA-recommended 17%), eliminate deficit spending, and achieve positive operating performance. The December 2025 bond sale was 2x oversubscribed ($638M orders for $335M offered), achieving a TIC below 4% for tax-exempt bonds, and a refunding saved taxpayers $4.7 million. Bradley Johnson (Finance Director) emphasized that budget decisions will directly impact future ratings. - Item 5 (Strategic Plan Six-Month Update): Monica Davis (Deputy City Administrator) reported on progress on five strategic priorities: streamlining operations, cross-departmental collaboration, enhancing communication, optimizing workforce management, and aligning budget with citywide priorities. Teams presented updates: - Streamline Operations Team: Working with HR and contracts to improve efficiency, including acting on external contract audit recommendations. - Cross-Collaboration Team: Progress on working groups (community engagement, data collaboration, housing plans) and public safety coordination (AC Alert updates, disaster council). - Communication Team: Developing a monthly interdepartmental newsletter; midway through action items. - Workforce Management Team: Focusing on the employee lifecycle (recruitment, onboarding, career growth, performance management, succession) and resource access, with exploration of core leadership development and workload management. - Budget Alignment Team: Launched an evaluation criteria tool to be piloted with DOT, DVP, Fire, and IT during the mid-cycle budget, integrating equity impact statements. Councilmembers emphasized fixing hiring practices (Councilmember Unger noted 30-year issues) and using technology (Councilmember Wong suggested bias risks in criteria). Key Outcomes - Item 3 (PIFRS): Motion to receive and file the informational report passed 4-0. - Item 4 (Bond Ratings): Motion to receive and file the informational report passed 4-0. - Item 5 (Strategic Plan Update): Motion to approve staff recommendations and forward the report to the February 3, 2026 City Council consent agenda passed 4-0. - Tribute: David Jones (Treasury Administrator) announced the passing of John Speakman, a long-standing PIFRS board member of 20 years and 25-year firefighter; a resolution will be presented at the next board meeting.

The Life Enrichment Committee of the Oakland City Council met on January 27, 2026, at 4:05 PM. The meeting lasted approximately 30 minutes and included approval of prior minutes, a schedule of outstanding committee items, and a major action item to award SAMHSA-funded grants for trauma-informed behavioral health services. Three council members were present; one was excused. Consent Calendar - Approval of Draft Minutes (Jan 13, 2026) – Motion by Councilmember Wong, seconded by Chair Fife. Passed 3-0 (Gallio excused). - Determination of Schedule of Outstanding Committee Items – Motion by Councilmember Houston, seconded by Councilmember Wong. Passed 3-0. Public Comments & Testimony - David Boatwright (District 4) – Asked that contact information in reports be operational; requested a comprehensive grant appraisal system to measure outcomes and justify continued funding. - Blair Beekman – Praised the mental health program and expressed concern about California’s redefinition of mental health and drug addiction policies. Emphasized the need for coordination with programs like Ceasefire and real-time street interventions. Discussion Items - Item 3: Resolution to Award Grant Agreements Using SAMHSA Funds - Presentation: Desirelyn Cole, ReCAST Program Manager, presented the proposed $437,000 grant to three agencies and a $200,000 professional services agreement (total $637,000) for Oct 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2026. The program provides trauma-informed behavioral health services to high-risk youth, mental health first aid training, and community partnerships. Key metrics include training 58 city staff across 17 departments, 200 community members trained, partnerships grown from 65 to 79 agencies, and over $50,000 per year in youth-led mini-grants. A mental health awareness campaign reached over 1 million impressions. - Council Questions: - Councilmember Houston asked about contractor selection (the city selects them) and whether there will be a future funding cycle (this is the fifth and final year; reauthorization depends on SAMHSA). Success stories highlighted the Men’s Wellness Group serving over 100 men monthly. - Councilmember Wong asked about coordination with other city programs (Ceasefire, violence interrupters). ReCAST previously coordinated but later offered training to violence disruptors. She also inquired about city staff training – offered via Citywide Training database and on request. Concerns were raised about delayed payments to community-based organizations; Human Services Director Jason Lester acknowledged a backlog due to understaffed contract team and proposed using vacancy savings to address it. - Motion and Vote: Motion by Councilmember Houston, seconded by Councilmember Wong to approve staff recommendations and forward to the Feb 3, 2026 City Council meeting on consent. Passed 3-0 (Gallio excused). Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar Items Approved – Minutes and pending list adopted unanimously. - SAMHSA Grant Resolution Approved – The committee recommended approval to the full City Council, placing the item on the consent calendar for Feb 3, 2026. - Payment Delay Issue Addressed – Human Services announced a plan to use vacancy savings to hire additional contract staff and reduce payment delays. - Committee Adjourned – Chair Fife acknowledged the passing of former staffer Bridget Cook and thanked city staff for their response to the downtown fire emergency.

The Public Safety Committee met on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, beginning at 1:30 p.m. Councilmembers Brown, Houston, and Chair Wong were present; Councilmember Fyfe was excused. The committee considered three agenda items: determining outstanding committee items, an ordinance targeting sex buyers and traffickers, and an annual report from the Community Policing Advisory Board. All items were approved or forwarded to the full City Council. Consent Calendar - None. This was a special meeting with no minutes to approve. Determination of Scheduled Outstanding Committee Items - Councilmember Brown requested an informational report from OPD on how the $350,000 allocated in the 2025 budget for human trafficking (first year) was utilized. - Public speaker Sada Olovala urged reports on: Oakland police mutual aid with non‑sanctuary cities, the ambassador program, the FBI investigation into a gang linked to 24 murders, and cartel activity. - Councilmember Houston requested an informational report on demographics (age, race, gender, sexual orientation) of individuals who engage in sex‑purchasing crimes for the period 2023–2024. Chair Wong noted this would be combined with other requests. - The pending list was accepted on a 3‑0 vote (Fyfe excused). Public Comments & Testimony (Item 4 – Ordinance) - Nineteen speakers signed up. Key statements: - Grace Houston (age 16): Shared her personal brush with trafficking and asked how transportation will be addressed. - Brianna Price (survivor): Described being beaten and raped by buyers as a minor; emphasized that without demand, trafficking would not exist. Supported the ordinance. - Edwin Hagler (Community Brothers): Reported witnessing a pimp approach a city administrator to quote a price for a trafficking victim. - Lynn Chong (Little Saigon resident): Described daily street‑level exploitation, noise, and safety fears. - Emerald Merubio (marriage and family therapist, survivor): Noted that healing from trafficking trauma costs over $200,000 per survivor and can take a lifetime. - Janice Jacobs: Noted that 15 years ago the problem was already severe; called focusing on demand the only viable path given Oakland’s poverty and housing shortages. - Dr. Jennifer Tran (Oakland Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce): Stressed that the 94606 zip code has the highest crime rates (non‑homicide) and that the ordinance is critical before the Super Bowl. - Multiple speakers from SHADE Movement, Love Never Fails, and Divine Interventions supported the ordinance, citing the need to hold buyers and traffickers accountable and fund survivor services. Discussion Items - Item 4: Ordinance Amending Municipal Code on Sex Purchasing and Loitering - Chair Wong presented the proposal, which: - Repeals the offense of loitering for prostitution (to conform to state law). - Adds loitering for the purpose of purchasing commercial sex. - Establishes administrative fines: up to $4,000 (first offense) and $8,000 (subsequent) for buyers, tripled if involving a minor; $10,000 (first) and $20,000 (subsequent) for traffickers, also tripled for minors; property owners (hotels, massage parlors, smoke shops) fined up to $2,500 per day as a public nuisance. - Creates a restricted Survivor Support Fund funded 100% by fines, to be used for emergency housing, medical/mental health services, workforce development, legal support, street outreach, and undercover operations. - Includes an affirmative defense for victims acting under coercion. - Projected revenue: $250,000–$450,000 annually. - OPD testimony (Lt. Marcos Campos): AB 379 (loitering with intent to purchase) went into effect January 1, 2026. OPD has made 30 arrests under the new state law; 70% of suspects are from outside Oakland. Training for patrol officers includes a PowerPoint and ride‑alongs. However, few cases are being charged by the DA’s office (only 1 of 51 misdemeanor arrests in 2025 was charged). The ordinance would provide an alternative administrative path when criminal charges are not pursued. - Councilmember Brown asked about enforcement details, collaboration with the DA, and how fines interact with state penalties. Chair Wong clarified that if the DA declines to charge, the city fine is the only penalty; funds go to local services rather than a state pool. - Item 3: Annual Report from the Community Policing Advisory Board (CPAB) - Chair Colleen Brown presented the 2024‑2025 report. Key points: - Community policing was established by city resolution in 1995 and expanded in 2005, relying on Neighborhood Services Coordinators (NSCs), Community Resource Officers (CROs), and neighborhood councils. - In 2025 the Neighborhood Services Division was eliminated, NSCs laid off, and CROs reduced from 57 to effectively zero due to police understaffing. - CPAB requests: (1) a Police Service Technician II (PST‑2) to support neighborhood watch and councils (estimated $85,000), (2) reinstatement of $50,000 in neighborhood council funds, (3) assignment of CROs to every beat, and (4) support for an annual Safety Summit. - Challenges include board vacancies (6 open seats), lack of city staff, and weakened community engagement. - Deputy Chief Anthony Tedesco (OPD) explained that CROs were disbanded because patrol and criminal investigations must be prioritized given staffing shortages; more officers are needed to restore community policing. - Councilmember Brown emphasized the importance of neighborhood councils and urged continued advocacy as the mid‑cycle budget approaches. - Public comment: Donald Dahlke (Maxwell Park) supported the report, saying neighborhoods have been abandoned; Blair Beekman urged inclusivity; Rajni Mandahl argued CPAB has run its course and should be dissolved, noting that neighborhoods already operate independently. Key Outcomes - Item 2 (Outstanding Committee Items) - Motion to accept the pending list as is passed 3‑0 (Fyfe excused). - Item 4 (Ordinance on Sex Purchasing / Survivor Fund) - Motion to forward the item to the February 3 City Council agenda (consent calendar) passed 3‑0. - Item 3 (CPAB Annual Report) - Motion to receive and file the informational report passed 3‑0. - Other: An informational report from OPD on human trafficking fund utilization and a report on sex‑purchasing demographics will be scheduled by the chair. Open Forum - Speakers addressed: risks of encountering ICE enforcement, the need for public meeting clarity, concerns about the process for selecting the permanent police chief (no timeline, no job posting yet), and a call to slow down rushed council items. - Councilmember Houston closed the meeting in honor of Bridget Cook, chief of staff for District 3, who passed away after a battle with cancer.