Public Meetings - Oakland, California

The Oakland City Council Finance and Management Committee convened at 9:33 AM on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, with Chairperson Janani Ramachandran presiding. All four committee members (Rowena Brown, Zac Unger, Charlene Wang, and Janani Ramachandran) were present. The committee approved routine items, considered a professional services agreement for employee benefits broker services, and received a presentation on the multi-year Oakland Roadmap to Fiscal Health. The meeting adjourned at 10:35 AM. Consent Calendar - Approval of Draft Minutes (June 24, 2025): Motion by Unger, seconded by Brown, to accept the draft minutes. Unanimously approved (4-0). No public speakers. - Determination of Schedule of Outstanding Committee Items: Motion by Brown, seconded by Wang, to accept the schedule as presented. Unanimously approved (4-0). One speaker (Sodan) requested reports on several fiscal issues. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 2 (Determination of Schedule): Asad Alobala (Sodan) requested reports on: local immigration grant ($275,000), 2024 immigrant micro-business program ($100,000), translation department fiscal accounting, budget for Authur Shanks Jr. signs/plaques (approved June 2025 but not implemented), at-risk federal funding, $101M from Measure U including $32M for Lincoln Rec Center, why the city is not seeking funds from California Black Freedom Fund or state Black ownership and inclusion program, and potential funds from the state reparations task force. - Item 3 (Keenan Contract): Asad Alobala questioned the lack of a contract for Keenan's previous work and called for quantitative/qualitative data to justify the renewal. He also asked about mandated benefit types and suggested reviewing benefit costs to address the structural deficit. - Item 4 (Fiscal Health Roadmap): - Kevin Daly (Transport Oakland) expressed encouragement and highlighted the need for fire department to require fixes of violations, not just collect fees, to prevent future incidents like Ghost Ship fire. - Brooke Levin (Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation and Measure Q co-chairs) supported the roadmap but raised concerns about meeting voter-mandated service levels (Measures Q, C, D, X, Z, N, sugar-sweetened beverage tax). She noted that Measure Q revenue has grown by $10M yet performance measures are not met, and the city auditor has not been budgeted for mandated audits (per Alameda County Grand Jury report). She urged full funding for the auditor and inclusion of auditor in any new ballot measure. - A speaker (no name given) expressed concern about oversight and accountability, citing the Grand Jury report that warned the council ignored finance warnings. The speaker stated that 11 homes for sale on Keller Street and high property taxes are driving people out of Oakland; they opposed additional taxes. - Open Forum: - Asad Alobala criticized sanctuary city funding taken from existing programs (e.g., county social services, probation, Alameda Health) that impact Black communities. He accused the city of gentrification pushing Black people out. - Brooke Levin reiterated the need for city auditor to include mandated audits for Measure Q (2022-2024 and future) and noted the independent financial audit was excluded from the recent audit contract. She stated that the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission (PRAC) and homelessness commission have failed in oversight responsibilities per the Grand Jury report. Discussion Items - Item 3: Employee Benefits Broker Consultant Contract (Keenan & Associates) - Staff (Tammy Honda, Benefit Supervisor) recommended a five-year contract with a two-year extension option, not to exceed $481,250. Keenan has provided services since 2015, selected through RFP processes in 2015, 2021, and 2025. Councilmember Brown noted the contract had been expired for two years (ended August 2023); staff acknowledged an error and stated the RFP process began in 2024. Councilmember Wang asked about employee satisfaction surveys; Human Resources Director Mary Howe said such surveys would interfere with labor relations. The committee unanimously approved forwarding to the July 15 City Council consent agenda (motion by Unger, seconded by Brown; vote 4-0). - Item 4: Fiscal Year 2026-30 Oakland Roadmap to Fiscal Health - City Administrator Johnson introduced consultant Ben Rosenfield, Deborah Edgerly, Monica Davis, and Budget Director Bradley Johnson. The roadmap is a multi-year project plan to address $130M+ structural gaps, including 11 strategic projects. Key projects: voter-approved tax proposal (options in October 2025, council action January 2026, ballot June 2026) to raise $40M; multi-year plan to comply with voter-mandated maintenance of effort (MOE) for ballot measures (January 2026); pension cost containment plan (March 2026); contingency plans for federal grant revenue loss (interim September 2025, final May 2026); review of fiscal policies (October 2026); multi-year infrastructure plans; revenue collection improvements (hiring project manager, new automated system); economic development action plan (September 2025 or 2026, confirmed as 2025); and improved accountability structures (performance standards in contracts by July 2026, department performance management by May 2027). Councilmember Ramachandran asked about the project team and timeline capacity; Councilmember Brown clarified the economic development plan date; Councilmember Wang requested exploring multiple tax options (not just parcel tax) and asked about pushing accountability timelines earlier; staff explained sequencing based on urgency and capacity. The committee unanimously approved receiving the report and forwarding to the July 15 City Council consent agenda (motion by Wang, seconded by Brown; vote 4-0). Key Outcomes - Item 1: Minutes of June 24, 2025 approved (4-0). - Item 2: Schedule of outstanding committee items accepted as presented (4-0). One speaker's requests noted but no action taken. - Item 3: Resolution authorizing a five-year professional services agreement with Keenan & Associates (with two-year extension option, $481,250 max) approved and forwarded to July 15 City Council consent agenda (4-0). - Item 4: Informational report on Oakland Roadmap to Fiscal Health received and forwarded to July 15 City Council consent agenda (4-0). No further action at this meeting; next steps include regular updates and specific deliverables throughout 2025-2027.

The Oakland City Council Public Safety Committee convened at 6:02 PM and adjourned at 8:24 PM on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in City Council Chamber, 3rd Floor. All four committee members (Councilmembers Brown, Fife, Houston, and Chair Wang) were present. The primary agenda item was a report on transferring Oakland Police Department (OPD) Internal Affairs investigations to the civilian-staffed Community Police Review Agency (CPRA). Public comment was heard on multiple items and a spirited discussion took place regarding civilianization, NSA compliance, and police accountability. Consent Calendar - Approval of Draft Minutes (June 24, 2025) – Approved 4‑0 (motion by Fife, second by Brown). No public speakers. - Determination of Schedule of Outstanding Committee Items (Pending List) – Approved 4‑0. Two public speakers spoke on this item. Public Comments & Testimony Item 2 – Pending List (2 speakers): - Rajni Mandal (District 4) urged the committee to schedule a report on the Negotiated Settlement Agreement (NSA) status, citing a federal hearing on July 10, 2025, regarding OPD’s exit from the NSA. She noted that one late internal affairs case had jeopardized compliance and that the city’s own statement identified CPRA as causing about 15% of late cases. - Another speaker called for reports on crimes committed by non‑residents, missing persons procedures, police identification in media, backlog in Black police officer grievances, organized crime, OUSD school safety, and the high number of officers on leave. Item 3 – Report on Transition of OPD Investigations to CPRA (7 speakers): - Mindy Petchinook (candidate for Mayor 2026) argued that civilian oversight cannot understand police work, called for ending federal oversight, and claimed too many low‑level force reports tie officers’ hands. - Reef Eloy (Anti‑Police Terror Project) fully supported civilianization, citing 83% voter support for Measure LL and 81% for Measure S1. He stated that moving investigations to CPRA would save $13.2 million and improve accountability. He criticized OPD’s failure to investigate a detective who bribed witnesses, leading to the loss of senior leadership. - Millie Cleveland (Coalition for Police Accountability) pointed to past internal affairs cover‑ups (a homicide detective bribing witnesses, racist Instagram posts, sex trafficking) and argued that only civilian oversight can enable NSA exit. She also urged full funding for the Inspector General. - Rajni Mandal questioned the report’s accuracy, noting this was its first public presentation. She warned that the NSA requires IAB to investigate all complaints, that CPRA lacks infrastructure (database, procedures, supervision), and that full takeover would cost millions (e.g., $250,000 per supervisor for 100 cases, over $2 million for 700 division‑level investigations). She proposed petitioning the court to change the investigation process instead. - Another speaker expressed skepticism about CPRA’s productivity, noting only one sustained finding for racial profiling after years. He said civilians are not inherently better without integrity and training. - Prescott Chaire (25 years of NSA) urged bold change, emphasizing that no organization should oversee itself and that public confidence requires civilian oversight. Open Forum (10 speakers): - K. Abdul (Civic Engagement) supported collaborative efforts, suggesting civilians be deputized for some tasks to free sworn officers. - Diana (one‑year resident) shared her experience of being raped and described systemic failures in police response and victim support. - Multiple speakers (Rajni Mandal, Katie Fahy, Tuan No, Edward Escobar, A.D., Jennifer Finley) demanded action on rising crime, declining business safety, and the impact of the no‑chase policy. Katie Fahy (small business owner) reported vandalism and a client’s car break‑in. Tuan No asserted that CPRA costs would exceed $100 million due to duplication. Edward Escobar criticized performative programs and urged focus on crime prevention. Jennifer Finley noted that former Chief Armstrong had said the only hand‑tying was a directive to focus on violent crime. Discussion Items Report on Transition of OPD Investigations to CPRA (Item 25‑0760) Presentation by Tony Lawson (Interim Executive Director, CPRA): - Reviewed the consultant (Moe, Lau & Fukery) report, commissioned after the 2021 Reimagining Public Safety Task Force recommended transferring most IED (Internal Affairs Division) duties to CPRA. - Key legislative history: Measure LL (2016, 83% voter approval) and Measure S1 (2020, 81% voter approval) expanded CPRA’s authority. - Current CPRA staffing: 10 employees; new budget (doubled to $5 million) allows growth to 19 – including hiring a supervisory investigator and 3–5 complaint investigators. OPD IAB budget is $10 million with 22 sworn positions. - Benefits of transfer: Eliminates overlapping investigations; reduces field sergeants’ administrative burden (they spend 80% of time on admin); saves money per position (e.g., captain vs. CPRA attorney saves $102,000/year; sergeant vs. investigator 2 saves $105,000/year). - Challenges: CPRA lacks organizational stability, staffing, database (currently using an antiquated system damaged by ransomware), and standardized procedures. Legal complexities (impact on MOUs, NSA, labor agreements) remain. - Three‑phase transition: 1) Fully staff CPRA and eliminate parallel investigations; 2) Expand investigative capacity; 3) Transfer discipline functions and division‑level investigations (DLIs). - Recommendations: Create a transition working group (OPD, City Attorney’s office, Council, Administration), increase supervisory and admin support, upgrade database, pilot select case types. Chief Floyd Mitchell (OPD) comments: - Emphasized that the transition will take significant time and require maintaining dual systems during the process. IAB cannot be eliminated entirely because certain functions (SB2, Brady, peace officer appeals) must remain in OPD. - Stated that CPRA would need far more staff than currently planned to handle the volume of investigations (e.g., OPD handles over 700 division‑level complaints per year) and still meet NSA 180‑day deadlines. - Suggested a phased, “stress‑test” approach: move one category of mandated cases (e.g., use of force) to CPRA first, assess outcomes, then proceed further. Noted that labor negotiations with the police union will be necessary. Councilmember Fife (District 3): - Clarified her earlier remark: she never called IAB a “waste of money”; rather, using sworn officers for IT, recruitment, and other administrative roles wastes money when civilians could do the work for less. She demanded a list of positions currently filled by sworn officers that could be civilianized, referencing a potential 38 positions (IT, internal affairs, recruitment, training, PIO, OIG). She asked why the council is blamed for “tying police hands” when the no‑chase policy and other restrictions are OPD policy, not council directives. - Emphasized that small business corridors in her district (Uptown, Downtown, Jack London) want more officers on the street, and civilianization could free up sworn personnel. Councilmember Houston (District 7): - Stated that police officers feel their hands are tied by policies such as the no‑chase rule, and that the council needs to hear directly from officers on this. He requested that the Chief address this at a future meeting. Councilmember Brown (At‑Large): - Asked about CPRA’s training timeline (Lawson: onboarding program in development for fall/winter hire). Supported a working group and a gradual, phased approach. - Questioned whether phased transition could begin without fully staffing CPRA first (Lawson agreed it could be gradual). - Asked Chief Mitchell for a recommended first pilot case category (he suggested use of force cases). Chair Wang (District 2): - Raised legal questions about whether the NSA obligates OPD’s IAB specifically to conduct investigations (City Attorney’s office deferred – will provide answer at September meeting). - Noted the report’s phase‑one requirement to fully staff CPRA seems financially unrealistic and suggested a pilot approach. - Requested a legal analysis in advance of the September 2025 NSA report. Deputy City Administrator Joe DeVries: - Acknowledged that civilianization of non‑IAB positions (e.g., IT, recruitment) is a separate effort and would require a distinct report. The committee agreed to separate that report from the CPRA transition update. Key Outcomes - Motion to Receive and File the Report (motion by Fife, second by Brown) passed 4‑0. - Future reporting schedule: - CPRA transition update – every four months, starting with a progress report at the September 2025 Public Safety Committee. - Civilianization of OPD sworn positions (IT, recruitment, etc.) – a single report to be prepared before the mid‑cycle budget, to inform potential position changes. - NSA report scheduled – for September 30, 2025 Public Safety Committee. The City Attorney’s office will provide an opinion on whether the NSA mandates that OPD’s IAB conduct all investigations. - Chief Mitchell will be asked to bring a briefing on officers’ perceptions of “tied hands” at a future meeting, as requested by Councilmember Houston. - The committee noted that a working group (OPD, CPRA, City Attorney, Council, Administration) should be formed by end of 2025 to begin detailed transition planning.

The Oakland City Council Life Enrichment Committee convened on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 4:00 PM in the City Council Chamber. Chair Carroll Fife presided, with Councilmembers Noel Gallo, Charlene Wang, and Ken Houston (participating remotely via AB2449) present. The meeting lasted until 5:55 PM and covered a consent calendar, three action/discussion items, and an open forum. Key actions included forwarding a professional services agreement for the Oakland Fund for Children and Youth (OFCY) database, approving revisions to the Animal Control Ordinance (with a request for supplemental reports), and receiving an informational report on the Extended Stay America hotel acquisition for unhoused relocation. Consent Calendar - Approval of Draft Minutes (June 24, 2025): Approved unanimously (3 ayes, 1 absent – Councilmember Houston joined later). - Determination of Schedule of Outstanding Committee Items: Accepted as presented; one speaker requested attention to the California Black Freedom Fund and Piedmont Library contract. Approved 4-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 3 (Cityspan Technologies, Inc.): One speaker questioned the waiver of the local/small local business enterprise requirement, noting the outstanding invoices from FY 2022-2023 and the report's claim that Cityspan exceeded expectations. The speaker also raised concerns about the evaluation methodology using survey data. - Item 4 (Animal Control Ordinance Revisions): Eleven speakers spoke, most opposing the provision to allow Oakland Animal Services (OAS) to deny owner surrenders based on shelter capacity. Speakers included volunteers and community members: - Valerie Green (District 4 homeowner, OAS volunteer since 2019) opposed the surrender change, arguing it would lead to more abandonments and called for mandated data collection and increased funding. - Dawn Pieper (District 1 homeowner, 14-year OAS volunteer) opposed the change, stating owners who surrender have exhausted all options and that OAS must remain an open-admission shelter. - Kimberly Millington (attorney, OAS volunteer since 2015) opposed the change, stating OAS is already turning away cats despite empty cages, and called for oversight. - Alexandra Campbell (District 1 resident, attorney, OAS volunteer) noted adoptions and donations at all-time highs (Friends of OAS raised over $250,000) but argued OAS needs more oversight, not less. - Rachel (District 2 resident, involved in TNR) asked to strike “subject to shelter capacity” and mandate a time frame for surrender, plus fee waivers for low-income residents. - Multiple speakers (Matt Ally, Mary Bates, Nara Dalbaca) opposed the surrender provision and urged removing it, citing that cats are already being turned away and that the provision would worsen overpopulation. - Item 5 (Extended Stay America Acquisition): Three speakers: - Samuel Raimi (California Oakland Union of the Homeless) criticized the city’s housing policies, stating low-income seniors are priced out and that federal programs are not being implemented. - Jennifer Finley (Zoom) reported OPD evicting vehicle encampments on East 12th with no notice, bypassing the Encampment Management Team, and towing vehicles while people try to retrieve possessions. - Prescott Chair noted that some unhoused individuals resist shelter, criticized management of shelter programs by Housing Consortium of the East Bay, and mentioned San Jose pushing its homeless to Oakland. - Open Forum (after agenda items): Three speakers: - Asada Olabala criticized gentrification in Oakland, comparing it to protests in Mexico City, and argued that the city prioritizes non-citizens over Black residents. - Samuel Raimi repeated concerns about transitional housing and failures to house the homeless. - Josh Beth (Zoom) called for bringing back the OAS Community Advisory Board, criticized six-figure salaries for staff who live outside Oakland, and raised issues about speculative house flippers avoiding permits. Discussion Items - Item 3: Professional Services Agreement with Cityspan Technologies, Inc. Robin Levinson (Program Planner, Human Services Department) presented the request to authorize a two-year contract (FY 2024-2025: $175,400; FY 2025-2026: $200,000; total $375,400) plus a one-time payment of $64,950 for outstanding invoices from FY 2022-2023, and a waiver of the Local/Small Local Business Enterprise (L/LSBE) requirement. The web-based database supports grants management, grantee reporting, and outcomes tracking for the Oakland Fund for Children and Youth (OFCY). Cityspan has been the provider since 2006. The waiver was needed because an availability analysis was not conducted at the time of award in 2022; a new RFQ will include that step. Councilmember Wang asked about tracking objective outcomes (e.g., grades, suspensions) beyond surveys. Levinson and Mark Minnes (CEO, Cityspan) explained that deeper outcomes require a data-sharing agreement with OUSD, which is in progress. Chair Fife praised staff for doing a lot with limited resources and inquired about the backlog of invoices; Levinson clarified that when she started in March 2023, several evaluations and payments were behind, and this remaining amount is the last outstanding item. The committee approved the staff recommendation and forwarded the item to the July 15 City Council consent agenda (vote: 4 ayes). - Item 4: Revisions to the Animal Control Ordinance (OMC 6.04) Joe DeVries (Deputy City Administrator, Acting Director of OAS) presented the first full revision of the ordinance since the 1990s. Key changes include: - (1) Reducing the impound holding period to 72 hours (aligns with state law; 95% of reunions occur in that time). - (2) Allowing OAS discretion to deny owner surrenders based on shelter capacity (other Bay Area shelters already have this discretion). - (3) Allowing finders of stray animals to temporarily keep and care for them. - (4) Mandating spay/neuter for outdoor cats and impounded/at-large dogs (with exceptions for resource-limited owners). - (5) Authorizing OAS staff to waive fees based on financial need. - (6) Minor amendments consistent with state law. DeVries noted that OAS spends $775 per animal (2023), far less than other shelters (e.g., Contra Costa $2,070, SF $1,267). He argued that the shelter is in crisis due to budget cuts and that discretion is necessary to manage intake. Dr. Christine Austin (OAS medical director) added that shelter medicine best practices support keeping animals in the community when possible, citing a cat intake increase from 2,000 to 5,000 in recent years. She noted that 168 kittens are currently in foster care. Councilmember Houston asked about out-of-city animals; DeVries confirmed that discretion would help address that. Councilmember Wang asked about ensuring spay/neuter for community cats; Dr. Austin acknowledged resource limitations but stated the goal is to spay/neuter cats returned to the community. After extensive public comment opposing the owner surrender provision, Councilmember Gallo moved to approve staff’s recommendation. Councilmember Wang added a friendly amendment to provide the intake criteria in a supplemental report. Councilmember Houston requested the item be placed on the July 15 City Council non-consent calendar to allow further discussion. The motion carried 4 ayes with the request for supplemental materials (PowerPoint and intake criteria). - Item 5: Report on Extended Stay America (ESA) Acquisition Tierra (City Administrator’s Office) presented an informational report on the acquisition of the Extended Stay America hotel and the relocation of unhoused individuals from Mosswood Park, East 12th Street, and Martin Luther King Jr. Way encampments. Key details: - Three censuses were conducted (January, June, and a 120-day follow-up) to identify residents. - 21 non-congregate rooms remain at ESA; the city is prioritizing 20 individuals from the MLK encampment (13 actively moving, 7 still being contacted). - A waitlist of approximately 120 individuals exists for Mandela House (interim shelter). Councilmember Wang (District 2, which includes East 12th) raised concerns about residents who were missed by the census; staff confirmed they can be cross-referenced and added to the queue. Chair Fife asked about the timeline for filling the 21 rooms and about connecting with MLK residents who previously spoke at committee. Staff stated they are prioritizing MLK and have contacted nine to ten individuals through community activists. Councilmember Wang also noted that $1.7 million from the Lau family was allocated for East 12th housing and requested an informational report on that. The committee voted unanimously to receive and file the report (4 ayes). Key Outcomes - Item 3 (Cityspan): Approved and forwarded to July 15 City Council consent agenda (4-0). - Item 4 (Animal Control): Approved and forwarded to July 15 City Council non-consent agenda (4-0), with staff directed to provide the PowerPoint presentation and intake criteria as supplemental reports. - Item 5 (Extended Stay America): Received and filed as an informational report (4-0). - Open Forum: No action taken; comments recorded for the record. The meeting adjourned at 5:55 PM.

The Community and Economic Development Committee of the Oakland City Council met on July 8, 2025 at 1:35 PM. Meeting was chaired by Councilmember Rowena Brown. Three committee members were present (Brown, Ramachandran, Unger) and Councilmember Fife was excused. The meeting lasted until 2:33 PM. All action items were forwarded to the July 15, 2025 City Council consent agenda with unanimous 3-0 votes. Consent Calendar - Approval of the draft minutes from the June 24, 2025 committee meeting accepted as submitted. - Determination of Schedule of Outstanding Committee Items (pending list) accepted as submitted with no changes. Public Comments & Testimony - Sada Olabala (speaking multiple times): Argued that the city does more to support non-citizens than African Americans. Called for reports on the 2024 Immigrant Micro Business Support Program and the Immigration/Integration Inclusion Grant ($275,000). Also stated Councilmember Gallo is making $100,000 available for a street-level day labor program. On Item 3 (571 Crofton Avenue), criticized the lack of a negotiated contract with the City of Piedmont for use of Oakland libraries, stating they send money without a contract and noting a $1.4 million payment was received in December. On Item 4 (Joaquin Miller Park annexation), criticized the land-back process, arguing that indigenous land ownership is being controlled by the city. On Item S5 (BIDs), opposed charging residents within business improvement districts for assessments, stating it places an unfair burden on property owners. On Item S6 (air quality), questioned who conducts soil and air contamination testing (e.g., TCE) in West Oakland and what remediation methods (diesel particulate filters, selective catalytic reduction) are required. During Open Forum, spoke about the historical 1929-1936 Mexican Repatriation Act, noting 1.5 to 2 million Mexican Americans were deported from multiple states including California. - Representatives from BIDs (alliance) provided feedback through monthly meetings, communicating priorities for budget and needs. Discussion Items - Item 3: Memorandum of Agreement for 571 Crofton Avenue – Staff (Peter Bowlman) presented a resolution authorizing the City Administrator to enter into an MOA with the City of Piedmont for a single-family dwelling remodel and garage conversion to an ADU at a property split between Oakland and Piedmont. The proposal complies with both cities' regulations. Unanimously forwarded. - Item 4: Annexation of City-Owned Property at Joaquin Miller Park – Staff (Brendan Moriarty) presented a resolution to apply to LAFCO to annex a 25,700-square-foot parcel (APN 85-1-4) known as Rinihmu Pulte’irekne into city jurisdiction. The parcel is part of a cultural conservation easement held by the Sogorea Te Land Trust. The annexation will allow the trust to complete permitting for ceremonial facilities. Unanimously forwarded. - Item S5: Property BID Annual Reports and Assessment Payment Approval – Staff presented a detailed report covering nine Business Improvement Districts. Key highlights: 2,500+ businesses served, 5,000 parcels, 16,000 residents. Assessment increases of 5% for most districts (Jack London, Temescal, Koreatown, Lakeshore, Lake Merritt-Uptown, Chinatown) and 3.2% for Downtown Oakland. City's fair share assessment: $489,421. The Laurel District is expiring. A separate Redevelopment Successor Agency resolution covers $3,266.79 for one property in Downtown Oakland BID. Councilmember Ramachandran asked about feedback from BIDs; staff stated monthly meetings with the BID Alliance provide regular input. Unanimously forwarded. - Item S6: OAB Air Quality Informational Report – Staff (Corey Alvin) presented a report on the Master Operational Air Quality Plan for Prologis warehouses and a Construction Air Quality Plan for Oakland Maritime Support Services. Both plans were approved by the City Administrator and satisfy a mitigation measure from the 2002 Oakland Army Base EIR. Councilmember Ramachandran questioned net air quality impacts, consequences for non-compliance (annual reviews required), timeline for facilities, and engagement with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAQMD). Staff noted stakeholder meetings include BAQMD, CARB, and West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project. Unanimously forwarded. Key Outcomes - Item 1 (Minutes): Approved 3-0 (Fife excused). - Item 2 (Pending List): Accepted 3-0 (Fife excused). - Item 3 (571 Crofton Ave MOA): Approved and forwarded to July 15 City Council consent agenda 3-0 (Fife excused). - Item 4 (Joaquin Miller Park Annexation): Approved and forwarded to July 15 City Council consent agenda 3-0 (Fife excused). - Item S5 (BID Annual Reports/Assessments): Urgency finding approved 3-0 (Fife excused). Both pieces of legislation approved and forwarded to July 15 City Council consent agenda 3-0 (Fife excused). - Item S6 (Air Quality Report): Urgency finding approved 3-0 (Fife excused). Informational report received and forwarded to July 15 City Council consent agenda 3-0 (Fife excused). - Open Forum: One speaker addressed. - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 2:33 PM.

The Rules & Legislation Committee of the Oakland City Council convened at 10:33 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in the City Council Chamber. Members present: Council President Kevin Jenkins (Chair), Councilmembers Rowena Brown, Carroll Fife, and Janani Ramachandran (arrived at 10:34 a.m.). The committee considered 10 new scheduling items and reviewed draft agendas for upcoming meetings. Several items required urgency findings and Rule 24 bypass of committee per the city's Sunshine Ordinance. Public Comments & Testimony - Speaker (Ms. Asada/Olabala) on all scheduling items: Commented on item 3.2 (Black August), asserting that the city must challenge nonsensical answers from staff; on item 3.5 (Wildfire Prevention Commission), asked the mayor to make appointments to the A1 bond commission per a grand jury report; on item 3.7 (Shelter Crisis), requested a report on the merger of the Department of Housing and Community Development with Community Homeless Services and a dedicated department head; on item 3.8 (OPD overtime), stated overtime will persist as long as staffing remains below 800 officers; and on item 3.10 (OPD cadet recruitment), urged the council to read the George Floyd resolution with OUSD, which precludes district involvement with OPD. - Councilmember Carroll Fife (District 3) spoke on item 3.2 (Black August), noting the radical political origins of Black August in prisons, the ongoing persecution of incarcerated individuals honoring George Jackson, and concern that the legacy could be diluted by state recognition. She expressed discomfort with the sponsoring organization (BOSS) having previously left the city without support. Councilmember Brown acknowledged the history and welcomed collaboration. - Speaker (Ms. Asada/Olabala) on item 4 (draft agendas): Requested reports on: unemployment in Oakland (especially among African Americans), the non-citizen small business grant, the status of Art Shank Junior's pledge, Head Start discrimination issues, gentrification, sanctuary city status, organized crime, grand jury findings, the citizen participation process, department mergers, Neighborhood Works America, and Oakland Housing Authority Section 8/public housing. - Open Forum (same speaker): Urged the council to recognize political prisoners, noting parallels to current deportation actions and citing personal experience with a political prisoner husband. Key Outcomes - Item 3.1 (OAB Air Quality Informational Report): The committee approved an urgency finding (4-0) to bypass the 10-day notice requirement, as California Waste Solutions’ agreement with the city was terminated after the agenda was posted. A title change removed the CWS construction air quality plan. The report is scheduled for the July 8, 2025 Community & Economic Development Committee. - Item 3.2 (Recognizing Black August): Accepted as a Rule 24 ceremonial item and placed on the July 15, 2025 City Council consent calendar. - Item 3.3 (Resolution Supporting SB 63): Accepted via Rule 24 (urgency due to legislative timeline) and placed on the July 15, 2025 Council consent calendar. - Item 3.4 (MWI Animal Health Contract): Accepted via Rule 24 (critical veterinary supplies needed before recess) and placed on the July 15, 2025 Council consent calendar. - Item 3.5 (Wildfire Prevention Commission Appointments): Accepted via Rule 24 (appointments traditionally bypass committee) and placed on the July 15, 2025 Council consent calendar. - Item 3.6 (Modaxo Traffic Management Inc. – Parking Citation System): Accepted with a title change via Rule 24 (contract expired in April; urgency to avoid service disruption). Placed on the July 15, 2025 Council non-consent calendar. The total contract value over one year is $2,509,697 (including $249,397 in outstanding invoices). - Item 3.7 (Shelter Crisis Ordinance): Accepted with a title change and scheduled for the July 22, 2025 Life Enrichment Committee. - Item 3.8 (OPD Overtime Report): Accepted and scheduled for the July 22, 2025 Public Safety Committee. - Item 3.9 (Apricot Amended Use Policy & Annual Report): Accepted and scheduled for the July 22, 2025 Public Safety Committee. - Item 3.10 (OPD Cadet Recruitment Status): Withdrawn with no new date. - Item 4 (Review of Draft Agendas & Pending Lists): Approved as presented (4-0), including July 8 and July 10 committee agendas and the draft July 15, 2025 City Council agenda. - The meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m.

The Oakland City Council and Redevelopment Successor Agency met on July 1, 2025, at 3:32 p.m. The meeting included adoption of the consent calendar, several public hearings, and discussion of a rent adjustment ordinance amendment. Key outcomes included approval of a new lease for the César E. Chávez Library, establishment of the Laurel Business Improvement District 2025, and introduction of code amendments for design review, ADUs, and impact fees. The council also withdrew an agenda item to designate a President Pro Tempore. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (8-0) the consent agenda, including: - Approval of minutes from June 11 and June 17, 2025. - Resolutions renewing local emergencies for the HIV/AIDS epidemic (Resolution 90770 C.M.S.), medical cannabis access (90771 C.M.S.), and homelessness (90772 C.M.S.). - Resolution honoring Bobby Seale, declaring October 22 as Bobby Seale Day, and renaming the intersection of 57th Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Way as 'Bobby Seale Way' (Resolution 90773 C.M.S.). - Ordinance (first reading) to license city-owned property at 615 High Street to TRYBE, Inc. for $0 for two years (for emergency food storage and community services). - Resolution accepting $426,870 in Summer Food Service Program grant funds (Resolution 90774 C.M.S.). - Resolution accepting $343,037 for the Senior Companion Program and $41,323 for the Foster Grandparent Program (Resolution 90775 C.M.S.). - Resolution waiving bidding requirements and awarding $1,500,000 for two sewer power rodder vehicles (Resolution 90776 C.M.S.). - Resolution accepting public infrastructure improvements for Brooklyn Basin Phase Two (Resolution 90777 C.M.S.). - Ordinance (first reading) increasing parking fines and adopting a $40 fine for daylighting violations. - Resolution requesting the city administrator to negotiate a lease agreement with the East Bay Recreation & Culture Club, Inc. for the former Montclair Firehouse (6226 Moraga Avenue) for up to 15 years as a community arts center (Resolution 90778 C.M.S.). - Resolution authorizing a five-year lease for the César E. Chávez Library at 3301 E. 12th Street, Suite 275, at an initial monthly rent of $18,898.75, plus a one-time back-rent payment of $340,177.50 (Resolution 90779 C.M.S.). - Resolution accepting the Oakland Fund for Children and Youth Final Evaluation Report for FY 2023-2024 (Resolution 90780 C.M.S.). - Resolution authorizing a $350,000 professional services agreement with The Bridging Group for evaluation of the Oakland Fund for Children and Youth (Resolution 90781 C.M.S.). - Resolution accepting $1,223,533 in asset forfeiture funds for OPD Ceasefire purchases (Resolution 90782 C.M.S.). - Resolution confirming the reappointment of Barbara Leslie and appointments of Alvina Wong and Derrick Muhammad to the Board of Port Commissioners (Resolution 90783 C.M.S.). - Resolution (urgency finding, 8-0) waiving bidding requirements and authorizing a $700,000 contract with Sustainable Urban Neighborhoods (a nonprofit) for site preparation at 2201-2601 Wood Street to return the property to the owner (Resolution 90784 C.M.S.). Councilmember Fife expressed concerns about transparency in the sole-source contracting process. Public Comments & Testimony - Consent Calendar (26 speakers): Speakers addressed: - Bobby Seale resolution: A speaker urged honoring Bobby Seale and called for food sovereignty and medical cannabis. - Homelessness emergency: Speakers criticized broken promises to homeless communities and demanded actual solutions, citing the Wood Street decommission and the 2016 emergency declaration that led to sweeps. - Brooklyn Basin certificate of completion: A speaker presented photos showing incomplete parks (Gateway Park as an abandoned gravel pit) at the project's main entrance, arguing the developer had broken commitments. - East Bay Recreation & Culture Club lease: Multiple speakers supported transforming the abandoned Montclair Firehouse into a community arts center, stressing it would require no city funds. - Port of Oakland appointments: Several speakers opposed the appointment of Alvina Wong, citing her connection to former Mayor Sheng Thao (indicted for allegedly selling commission seats) and arguing she does not represent the Asian community. Councilmember Fife defended Wong, citing their work together on anti-Asian hate and environmental justice. - Cultural Affairs Manager position freeze: Many speakers urged the council to unfreeze and fund the Cultural Affairs Manager position, arguing arts and culture are essential for public safety, economic development, and community cohesion. They noted the position brought in millions in federal and private funding. - OFCY evaluation and OPD asset forfeiture: Speakers questioned the effectiveness of the Ceasefire program and criticized asset forfeiture funds. - Laurel BID (11 speakers): - Support: Property owners, the Laurel District Association, and the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce cited the BID's effectiveness in reducing blight, improving safety, and fostering economic vitality. - Opposition: Several residential property owners on 35th Avenue objected to their inclusion, calling it a "money grab" and a "double tax" since they already pay for city services. Some submitted petitions for exclusion. - Five-Year Consolidated Plan (2 speakers): - One speaker noted the report lacked documentation of citizen participation and argued spending on homeless prevention was minimal. - A second speaker criticized the city for using federal funds on high-rises while people remain homeless. - Omnibus Planning Code Amendments (1 speaker): The speaker questioned the role of the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee and the Landmark Preservation Board's public hearing process. - ADU/Fire Zone Amendments (1 speaker): The speaker criticized the race and equity statement for assuming ADUs would be built in displacement-risk areas without evidence. - Citywide Impact Fee Regulations (10 speakers): - Support: Housing advocates EBHO, EAH Housing, Eden Housing, and the Unity Council opposed any new exemptions or deferrals, arguing impact fees are critical for funding affordable housing and that delaying collection would harm production. - Opposition: A planning commission member and some developers called for eliminating the moderate-income tier and for making fees due earlier. - Delinquent Business Taxes (3 speakers): One speaker questioned notification procedures; another described receiving no prior notice of the delinquency. - Rent Adjustment Ordinance Amendment (34 speakers): - Opposition: Tenant advocates (ACE, Oakland Tenants Union) argued the amendment was unnecessary, would increase displacement, and was a backdoor to weaken rent control. Several tenants shared stories of landlord harassment and non-responsive property management. - Support: Small property owners (East Bay Rental Housing Association, Alameda County Housing Providers Resource Center) said rising operating costs (insurance, taxes, waste fees) were unsustainable, forcing them to sell. They stated the current petition process is too burdensome and requested a streamlined pass-through mechanism. Discussion Items - Item 6.1 – Laurel Business Improvement District (BID) 2025: After the public hearing, staff announced ballot tabulation results: 73% in favor, 27% opposed, with no majority protest. Councilmember Ramachandran praised the BID's work and noted a hardship exemption process is available for residential owners. Councilmember Brown questioned the expansion onto 35th Avenue; staff explained the area faces blight from a vacant gas station and freeway-related dumping. The council approved the BID (7-1, Fife excused). - Item 6.2 – Five-Year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan for HUD Formula Grants: Councilmember Wong asked how the city ensures grantees are responsible, referencing a recent article about a non-operational HOPWA grantee. Staff explained they follow a competitive RFQ process and conduct on-site monitoring; the non-performing grantee has been terminated, and a new RFP has been issued. The resolution was adopted (8-0). - Item 6.3 – Omnibus Planning Code Amendments (Design Review Streamlining): Staff described changes to implement objective design standards for projects up to 30 units (missing middle housing) and to streamline approval for larger projects unless they require a conditional use permit. Councilmember Houston emphasized the importance of community engagement. The ordinance was approved on introduction (8-0). - Item 6.4 – ADU/Fire Zone Code Amendments: Staff outlined updates to comply with state law (SB 1211), increasing the number of detached ADUs on multifamily properties from two to eight. The definition of Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones was updated to align with the city-adopted map. Approved on introduction (7-1, Fife excused). - Item 6.5 – Citywide Impact Fee Regulations Amendments: Staff recommended exempting projects with 2–4 units (missing middle) and single-family homes under 1,750 sq. ft. from affordable housing impact fees, maintaining current fee levels, and moving payment to certificate of occupancy. Council President Jenkins and Councilmember Wong proposed amendments: (1) suspending impact fees for three years in Zone 3 (East Oakland) and (2) rezoning a portion of District 2 from Zone 2 to Zone 3 to exempt it temporarily. Councilmember Jenkins argued the fees were not being collected anyway and the suspension could spur development. Councilmember Wong noted her district has low rents, high gun violence, and needs more housing. The consultant stated the fee suspension would not harm revenue since little development is feasible there currently. The council voted 7-1 (Fife excused) to approve the amendments and the ordinance on introduction. - Item 6.6 – Delinquent Real Property Transfer Tax Liens: Staff reported that of 57 original delinquencies, 20 had been resolved, leaving 35 accounting for $465,072.41. Councilmember Ramachandran praised the team's auditing efforts. The resolution was adopted (7-1, Fife excused). - Item 6.7 – Delinquent Business Tax Liens: Staff reported 4,772 properties originally identified, reduced to 1,944 (now 1,744) after outreach. The total owed was approximately $9.5 million. Staff described a parallel hearing process for dispute resolution. The resolution was adopted (7-1, Fife excused). - Item 6.8 – Delinquent Trash Service Fee Special Assessments: Staff reported 21,013 delinquencies, reduced to 19,832 after postcard mailing. Two speakers, including a senior on a fixed income who had difficulty accessing the phone hearing, were directed to staff for individual resolution. The resolution was adopted (7-1, Fife excused). - Item S8 – Rent Adjustment Ordinance Amendment: The proposed amendment would have allowed landlords to petition for rent increases based solely on increased waste service rates, without a hearing. Staff noted that neighboring jurisdictions do not allow such pass-throughs. After lengthy public comment, Councilmember Gallo made a motion to not approve the item. The city attorney clarified that a motion to take no action is not procedurally required. The item received no motion to adopt, so no action was taken. - Item S9 – Designation of President Pro Tempore: This item was withdrawn from the agenda upon motion (7-1, Fife excused). Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (8-0). - Laurel BID 2025: Established (7-1, Fife excused). - Five-Year Consolidated Plan: Adopted (8-0). - Omnibus Planning Code Amendments: Approved on introduction (8-0). - ADU/Fire Zone Code Amendments: Approved on introduction (7-1, Fife excused). - Citywide Impact Fee Regulations Amendments: Approved as amended on introduction (7-1, Fife excused). Further action (second reading) set for July 15, 2025. - Delinquent Tax/Trash Liens and Assessments: All resolutions adopted (7-1 or 8-0). - Rent Adjustment Ordinance Amendment: No action taken; effectively defeated. - President Pro Tempore Designation: Withdrawn from the agenda. - Special Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:29 p.m. in memory of Daryl Carey.

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM on June 26, 2025, with a quorum of five commissioners present. After opening remarks, there were no staff or commissioner announcements and no public comments during open forum. The commission then entered closed session to interview candidates for the executive director position, as authorized by Government Code Section 54957(b). Upon returning from closed session, the commission announced a unanimous recommendation for one candidate and forwarded two additional candidates (total of three) to the city administrator for further consideration. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the open forum. Key Outcomes - The commission unanimously recommended one candidate for the executive director position. - The commission forwarded two additional candidates to the city administrator, for a total of three candidates.

The Rules and Legislation Committee met on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 10:34 AM in City Council Chamber, 3rd Floor. The meeting was chaired by Council President Kevin Jenkins. All four committee members were present: Councilmembers Brown, Fife, Ramachandran, and Jenkins. The meeting adjourned at 12:32 PM after addressing new scheduling items, reviewing draft agendas, and confirming appointments to the Board of Port Commissioners. Notably, the committee voted to adjourn the Rules meeting and convene as a special City Council meeting at 10:44 AM, noting a quorum of the full council was present. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 3 (New Scheduling): Kathy Adams (President/CEO, Oakland African-American Chamber of Commerce) and Sam Tedusa (CEO, Marina Security Services) opposed the award of a citywide security contract to Allied Universal, urging a carve-out for local, minority-owned businesses. Jean Hazard criticized the frequent use of Rule 24 to bypass committees, questioned the legality of bond sales referenced in the grand jury report, and raised concerns about transparency and the lack of a homeless director. - Item 4 (Review of Draft Agendas): Jean Hazard called for reports on various topics including police cars, the grand jury report, Head Start, and Lake Merritt incidents. Kevin Daly (Co-chair, Bicyclist and Pedestrian Advisory Commission) expressed support for three sidewalk repair items on the July 8 Public Works agenda. - Item 5 (Port Commission Appointments): Thirteen speakers addressed the appointments. Supporters included representatives from the ILWU (Aaron Wright, Keith Brown of Alameda Labor Council, Darius Mesha of SEIU USWW), who praised Derek Mohammed’s labor background and Alvina Wong’s environmental justice perspective. Isaac Cos Reed and Raymond Langford also supported the nominees. Asado Lik Bala criticized the lack of online posting of Port Commission meetings and the short sign-up window for public comment. Discussion Items - New Scheduling Items (Item 3): Staff presented multiple items requiring Rule 24 (bypassing committee) due to time constraints, including HHAP-6 funding (3.0), Wood Street decommission (3.1), Caltrans trash capture (3.3), and several others. Councilmembers Ramachandran and Fife expressed concern about the high volume of Rule 24 requests, noting the importance of public debate and committee process. Councilmember Ramachandran requested that future items with predictable deadlines go to committee first. Staff provided briefings on tree maintenance contracts (3.15, 3.16) and agreed to schedule briefings with council offices. The committee also approved an urgency finding for item 3.1 to allow the decommissioning contract to proceed. - Review of Draft Agendas (Item 4): The committee approved several changes to the July 8 committee agendas. The July 8 Public Works and Transportation Committee meeting was cancelled and replaced with a special meeting at 11:00 AM. The Fruitvale Alive! Gap Closure Project item was moved to July 15 on consent. The PROW contract pre-authorization item received a title change. The CED Committee’s Economic Development Action Plan item was withdrawn to the pending list. The Life Enrichment Committee’s Cityspan Technologies item was also withdrawn. - Port Commission Appointments (Item 5): Mayor Barbara Lee’s office presented three nominees: Barbara Leslie (reappointment), Alvina Wong, and Derek Mohammed. Each nominee introduced themselves and answered questions from councilmembers. Councilmember Fife asked why each was the right person for the moment. Councilmember Houston asked about balancing economic development and environmental preservation, particularly for the Hegenberger Corridor and 98th Avenue. Councilmembers expressed support for the diverse backgrounds and perspectives. The committee voted to forward the appointments to the full City Council. Key Outcomes - Approved Minutes: The draft minutes from June 5 and June 12, 2025, were accepted unanimously (4-0). - New Scheduling Items (Item 3): Approved as amended, including the urgency finding for item 3.1. Key scheduling decisions: - 3.0 (HHAP-6 MOU): To July 15 Council on consent. - 3.1 (Wood Street Decommission): To July 1 Council on consent (with urgency finding). - 3.3 (Caltrans Trash Capture): To July 15 Council on consent. - 3.4 (Cooperative Purchase Agreements): To July 15 Council on consent. - 3.7 (OAB Air Quality Report): To July 8 CED Committee. - 3.11 (D’Wayne Wiggins Way): To July 15 Council on consent. - 3.12-3.20 (various items): To July 15 Council on consent or non-consent as specified. - 3.28 (Leimert Bridge Contract): To July 15 Council on consent with title change. - 3.30 (Parking Fines): To July 1 Council on consent. - 3.33 (Rent Adjustment Ordinance): To July 1 Council on non-consent. - Review of Draft Agendas (Item 4): Approved as amended. The July 8 PWTC meeting was replaced with a special meeting at 11:00 AM. Specific items were rescheduled, withdrawn, or had title changes. - Port Commission Appointments (Item 5): Approved to forward to the July 1, 2025 City Council meeting on consent (4-0).

The Zoning Update Committee (ZUC) of the Oakland Planning Commission held a study session on June 25, 2025, to review and monitor progress the city made in 2024 implementing and updating Oakland’s 2020–2023 Housing Element. Staff presented the 2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report (APR) and a new online housing element progress dashboard, launching the next day. The committee took no final approval action but unanimously approved a motion requesting additional data in future APR reporting. The meeting adjourned at 4:01 p.m. Discussion Items - Planning staff presented an updated Housing Element progress dashboard with three pages: a sixth-cycle summary, Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) tracking, and a map of pipeline milestone sites. Filters allow users to view data by year, affordability level, unit type, council district, TCAC opportunity area, and housing element opportunity sites. - Staff reported that 2024 saw just over 1,000 units permitted. Because the RHNA cycle is eight years, reaching 100% would require about 12.5% per year; in the first two years, Oakland permitted 11% of its RHNA target. By the time of the report, 832 very low-income units had been permitted in the cycle, 370 of them in 2024, leaving 87% of the very low-income RHNA goal remaining. Staff and Caleb Smith of Housing and Community Development noted that production may remain low for the next couple of years due to high construction costs, lower rents, and vacancies, but that historical patterns show cycles. - Caleb Smith said affordable housing production in Oakland is primarily constrained by funding, not land: the city received five times as many applications for its most recent NOSA multifamily tax-credit funding availability as it could fund. - Staff explained that reporting non-ADU units as non-deed-restricted affordable housing would require state approval, and staff capacity limits monitoring. Staff had not yet determined whether vacancy data for moderate-income deed-restricted units can be reported, noting the existing data system cannot isolate those units. Across the city’s affordable housing portfolio of over 140 buildings, staff estimated about 250 vacant units. Rent registry data excludes new construction less than 10 years old, but recent estimates put Oakland median rents at roughly 60–80% of area median income; some moderate-income restricted units are being advertised below their maximum allowed rents. - Commissioner Ahrens flagged that 5200 Broadway was listed with 45 moderate-income units, while the Planning Commission had recommended 5% low-income units. Staff said they would investigate and noted possible lag between planning and building permit data. - Commissioner Ahrens expressed concern about proposed code language allowing developers to meet on-site affordability requirements with moderate-income-only rental units, noting that comparable cities (San Jose, San Francisco, Sunnyvale, Fremont) do not have that option for rentals. She also encouraged exploring counting non-deed-restricted units toward RHNA and said she would share examples from Antioch and Berkeley. - Commissioner Rank requested that a missing “affirmatively furthering fair housing” section be added to the APR. Commissioner Sandoval requested future information on the impacts of the S13 and S14 zones and said they would like to understand whether those zones are producing projects. - Caleb Smith discussed efforts to use public land for affordable housing, including the Clara Eads Homekey site, city surplus land processes, a CalHFA middle-income housing request for information involving small city sites and Oakland Unified School District educator housing, and Alameda County and regional efforts to support faith-based housing development. Staff also noted zoning changes allowing residential use on some church-owned properties and allowing emergency shelters on certain nonprofit/community sites. Key Outcomes - The committee approved, by unanimous vote (Commissioner Ahrens moved; Commissioner Rank seconded; all three members voting yes), a motion requesting that staff include in future APR reporting: information on the S13 and S14 zones; information on affirmatively furthering fair housing; and rent and vacancy data broken down by income level. - A possible six-month staff update on the feasibility of these data requests was discussed, but staff said capacity is limited by several ongoing major planning efforts; the chair noted that a director’s report request could be made at a future Planning Commission meeting.