Public Meetings - Oakland, California

The Oakland City Council Finance and Management Committee convened at 9:34 a.m. on June 24, 2025, under Chair Janani Ramachandran, with all four members present (Councilmembers Brown, Unger, Wang, and Ramachandran). The single substantive agenda item was an informational update on the Oakland Police and Fire Retirement System (PFRS) investment portfolio as of March 31, 2025. The committee also unanimously approved routine consent items. No public comments were submitted on any agenda item. Consent Calendar - Approval of Draft Minutes (June 10, 2025): Moved by Councilmember Unger, seconded by Councilmember Brown. Accepted 4-0 (all ayes). - Determination of Schedule of Outstanding Committee Items: Moved by Councilmember Brown, seconded by Councilmember Unger. Accepted 4-0. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke on any agenda item or during open forum. Discussion Items - Oakland PFRS Investment Portfolio as of March 31, 2025 (Informational Report): - Staff (Taylor and David Jones, Treasury Administrator/Plan Administrator) and investment consultant Makita & Associates presented the quarterly update. - PFRS is a closed retirement system (no new members since 1976), serving 602 retired police and fire members. The fund had a market value of $458.6 million as of March 31, 2025, and $467 million as of May 31, 2025. - The fiscal year-to-date net return was 3.9% through March and improved to 6.5% through May, outperforming the assumed 5% rate of return. - The portfolio is being de-risked by increasing allocation to fixed income (approximately 60% bonds) to reduce volatility, given the fund's near-end-of-life status (average retiree age 82) and the mandate to become 100% funded by July 1, 2026. The fund is currently about 90% funded. - Contributions from the pension tax override fund are decreasing as the portfolio grows. The actuary determines the required contribution; the levy will be set in July after assessed values are received. Surplus funds at the end of the fund's life (estimated around 2075) are still under legal review. - Councilmembers asked about de-risking during global conflicts, the impact of tariffs and Middle East volatility, and differences between PFRS and CalPERS. Staff explained the active management approach, the shift to U.S. Treasury bonds, and that PFRS members receive raises (or cuts) tied to active members' compensation, unlike CalPERS retirements. Key Outcomes - Motion to Receive and File: Councilmember Unger moved, seconded by Councilmember Wang, to receive and file the informational report. The motion passed unanimously (4-0). - The committee took no other actions or directives beyond the consent items and receiving the report.

The Oakland City Council Public Safety Committee convened at 6:21 PM on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in the City Council Chamber. Chair Charlene Wang presided, with Councilmembers Rowena Brown, Carroll Fife, and Ken Houston present. The committee approved routine agenda items, heard public testimony on the pending list and an asset forfeiture appropriation, and conducted a discussion on funding for the Oakland Police Department's Ceasefire program. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of Draft Minutes (June 10, 2025): A motion by Councilmember Fife, seconded by Chair Wang, to accept the minutes passed unanimously (4–0). - Determination of Schedule of Outstanding Committee Items (Pending List): A motion by Councilmember Fife, seconded by Chair Wang, to accept the pending list passed unanimously (4–0). Public speakers were heard before the vote. Public Comments & Testimony - On the Pending List (Item 2): Two speakers addressed the committee. Rajni Bandal (District 4) requested reports on the Negotiated Settlement Agreement (NSA), police identification practices, Lake Merritt policing during Juneteenth, fire evacuation plans, community policing budgets, side shows, and sidewalk vendors. Another speaker (Sadawabala) criticized the NSA federal monitor for moving goalposts and lacking metrics, argued the NSA is hindering recruitment and morale, and urged the city to petition the judge to end the NSA, noting a July 10 compliance hearing. - On the Asset Forfeiture Resolution (Item 3): Two speakers commented. The first speaker questioned Ceasefire's evidence base and data transparency, asking for quantitative and qualitative data on program participation and recidivism. The second speaker (Rajni Mandel, District 4) supported the use of funds, praised a report by Dr. Tracy Jones, and highlighted the requirement of conviction before asset use and the need for a functioning district attorney's office for forfeiture. - Open Forum: Three speakers testified. Rajani Mandal criticized the Police Commission, alleging it lacks police experience and oversteps its authority, particularly regarding militarized equipment and pursuit policies. Nita B condemned the Oakland Police Department's response to the Juneteenth celebration at Lake Merritt, alleging excessive force, checkpoints, towing, and lack of community notice; she disputed claims that Mayor Barbara Lee ordered the shutdown. A third speaker (Ms. Sada) echoed concerns about blocked access and argued the police actions were intended to suppress Black community gatherings. Discussion Items - OPD Asset Forfeiture Fund Appropriation (Item 3): Acting Captain Ediverto Perez Angeles and Lieutenant Gabriel Arquiza presented a resolution to accept and appropriate $1,223,533 in federal and state asset forfeiture funds for the Oakland Police Department's Ceasefire program. Funds would support equipment such as stop sticks, drones, vehicle retrofits (suspension, bumpers), cell-brite technology, Motorola subscriptions, and a new real-time operations center. The captain noted a 34% reduction in murders and shootings since 2024 and emphasized the need to sustain progress against gang violence, drug trafficking, and organized crime. Councilmembers Brown and Houston asked about fund selection processes, past reporting gaps (last appropriation in 2014), connection to Ceasefire, drone usage and training, stop stick effectiveness, expansion of asset forfeiture to include gambling dens and illicit real estate, and human trafficking enforcement. Lieutenant Arquiza explained that forfeiture typically involves cash from narcotics cases and requires a DA's office asset forfeiture unit, which currently lacks a dedicated prosecutor. Councilmember Houston urged prioritizing equipment to combat human trafficking, noting a large number of women and minors on International Boulevard during a recent ride-along. Key Outcomes - Items 1 and 2 were approved unanimously (4–0). - Item 3 was approved on a motion by Councilmember Fife, seconded by Councilmember Brown, to forward the resolution to the July 1, 2025 City Council meeting on the consent calendar. The vote was 4–0 in favor. - No action was taken on Open Forum testimony. - The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 PM.

The Oakland City Council Life Enrichment Committee convened on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 4:10 PM in City Council Chamber. Chairperson Carroll Fife presided, with Councilmembers Noel Gallo, Ken Houston, and Charlene Wang present. The committee addressed seven agenda items, including evaluations, contracts, cultural affairs, Head Start, and a hotel acquisition for unhoused relocation. All votes were unanimous (4-0). The meeting adjourned at 6:16 PM. Consent Calendar - Item 1: Approval of Draft Minutes (May 27, 2025) – Approved unanimously. - Item 2: Determination of Schedule of Outstanding Committee Items – Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 3 (OFCY Evaluation): One speaker (Asado Olabala) questioned the timeliness and validity of the evaluation methods, stating that surveys alone cannot validate program effectiveness and that access to actual participants was limited. - Item 5 (Cultural Affairs): 18 speakers urged the committee to restore the frozen Cultural Affairs Manager position, citing its role in generating millions in grants (e.g., $7 million raised by former manager), supporting youth programs, and maintaining Oakland’s cultural identity. Speakers included representatives from Living Jazz, Black Arts Movement Business District, Art Esteem, and others. One speaker also criticized the budget process as rushed and lacking community input. - Item 6 (Head Start): Two speakers spoke. Tania Scott Smith, Head Start chair, expressed optimism about collaboration with the city administrator. Another speaker alleged mismanagement and improper documentation. - Item 7 (Extended Stay America): Two speakers questioned the accuracy of encampment resident counts and raised concerns about property management based on past experiences with similar projects. - Open Forum: One speaker criticized county spending on immigrants while neglecting homeless citizens. Discussion Items - Item 3: OFCY 2023-2024 Year End Evaluation Report – Staff and the independent evaluator (Katie Kramer, The Bridging Group) presented results: OFCY served 20,612 youth and 2,891 adults (unduplicated), exceeded projected participation by 112%, and showed strong equity alignment by race and place. Challenges included staffing shortages and attendance. Councilmember Gallo asked about outreach to high schools with high absenteeism; Councilmember Wang noted the need for benchmarks and deeper analysis of underperforming sites; Councilmember Houston raised concerns about low participation of Black males in high-violence areas. Chair Fife questioned the discrepancy between 587 and 987 youth placed in internships/jobs (staff confirmed 987). The item was forwarded to the July 1 City Council. - Item 4: Professional Services Agreement with The Bridging Group – Staff requested authorization for a $350,000 contract for FY2025-2026 evaluation services, including site visits and improved outcome measures. Approved and forwarded to July 1 City Council. - Item 5: FY 2024-25 Cultural Affairs Division Operations – Interim Cultural Affairs Manager Lex Life Height reported on activities: 10 new public art projects, support to 250 artists/organizations, and challenges due to mid-year budget cuts and frozen manager position. Councilmembers expressed strong support for the arts. Chair Fife committed to working to restore the manager position. The report was received and filed. - Item 6: Report on City’s Head Start Program – Head Start Director Copen clarified governance roles: the Policy Council (parent-led), Advisory Board (appointed by mayor), and City Council as governing body. The 2021-2026 federal grant is pending approval after the San Francisco regional office was shut down. Demographic data on teachers and students was provided. The report was received and filed. - Item 7: Report on Extended Stay America Acquisition – Staff provided updated numbers on encampment relocations: Mosswood Park (46 encountered, 14 offered housing, 11 relocated to other encampments, 0 to respite); MLK/23rd (64 encountered, 14 accepted shelter, 40 relocated, 6 requested housing, 3 placed, 1 deceased, 2 lost contact). Councilmember Fife requested a written supplemental report including itemized data by encampment. The item was continued to July 8. Key Outcomes - Item 3: Approved (4-0) to forward to the July 1, 2025 City Council meeting on consent. - Item 4: Approved (4-0) to forward to the July 1, 2025 City Council meeting on consent. - Item 5: Received and filed (4-0). Chair Fife pledged to work with staff to restore the Cultural Affairs Manager position. - Item 6: Received and filed (4-0). - Item 7: Continued to the July 8, 2025 Life Enrichment Committee agenda (4-0) with a request for a written supplemental report. - Consent Items (1 & 2): Approved unanimously.

The Oakland City Council's Community & Economic Development (CED) Committee convened on June 24, 2025, at 1:33 PM. Chair Rowena Brown presided, with Councilmembers Carroll Fife, Janani Ramachandran, and Zac Unger present. After initial routine items, the committee noted a quorum of the full City Council was present and formally adjourned the committee meeting to convene as a Special Meeting of the Full Council at 1:38 PM for the remaining action items. Staff reports and public testimony were heard on six substantive agenda items, all of which were forwarded to the July 1, 2025 City Council agenda. Public Comments & Testimony Public comment was received on several items. On Item 5 (Rent Adjustment Ordinance Amendment), 19 speakers provided testimony. Tenants' rights advocates (from ACE, Oakland Tenants Union, East Bay Housing Organizations) strongly opposed the amendment, arguing it creates a dangerous loophole bypassing rent control, sets a precedent for other pass-through costs, and is unnecessary given existing fair return petitions. Small housing providers and landlord associations (Spay Rental Housing Association, East Bay Rental Housing Association) supported the measure, citing rising operating costs (garbage rates up 48% over six years vs. a CPI rent cap of 0.8% in the current year) and financial struggles to maintain properties. On Item 7 (Montclair Firehouse Lease), six speakers voiced strong support, highlighting the building's deteriorated condition and the applicants' successful history of transforming an abandoned church into a performing arts center in Piedmont through volunteer labor and community fundraising. On Item 8 (César E. Chávez Library Lease), four speakers expressed support for the lease, emphasizing the library's role as a vital community hub, its large Spanish-language collection, and its location at the Fruitvale BART station. Public testimony on other items included requests for further historic preservation protections (Item 3), concerns about federal funding constraints and process transparency (Item 6, Open Forum). Discussion Items Item 3: Omnibus Planning Code Amendments (Streamlining Design Review) Planning staff presented comprehensive amendments to establish objective design standards and create ministerial (by-right) approval processes for housing projects up to 30 units, in compliance with state laws and the Housing Element. The amendments also addressed design review exemptions, historic property demolitions, and downtown sea level rise zones. A request from Oakland Heritage Alliance to include properties "determined eligible" for the National Register was debated. Staff and the City Attorney advised against it, citing potential for abuse to halt development. The committee instead approved the staff-proposed amendment adding the words "Or State Landmark, Listed On The National Register." Item 4: 2025 Code Amendments (ADUs / Fire Zone) Staff presented code updates aligning ADU regulations with recent state law (SB 1211) and updating the definition of Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones to match the map recently adopted by the City Council. A clerical typo in the subsection numbering was corrected, replacing the number 10 with 12. Item 5: Rent Adjustment Ordinance Amendment (Waste Services) As a result of a legal settlement, the city was required to forward an ordinance allowing landlords to petition for rent increases based on increased waste and recycling service costs, separate from the annual CPI increase. Staff emphasized the item was forwarded for council consideration only and noted that no neighboring rent control jurisdictions allow such a pass-through. The committee moved to forward the item to the full council with no recommendation. Item 6: Five-Year Consolidated Plan & Annual Action Plan Adoption The committee reviewed the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, which outlines the use of over $14,131,647 in HUD formula grants (CDBG, HOME, ESG, HOPWA) for affordable housing, community development, and homelessness services. Staff highlighted a new $7 million Pro-Housing grant for affordable housing pre-development and permit streamlining. Councilmember Fife inquired about contingency plans should federal funding be jeopardized. Item 7: East Bay Recreation & Culture Club Lease (Montclair Firehouse) Councilmember Ramachandran sponsored a resolution to direct the City Administrator to negotiate a lease with a nonprofit to rehabilitate and operate the former Montclair Firehouse as a community arts center. The applicant described a plan to raise $500,000 in donations and primarily use volunteer labor for renovations, citing a successful similar project in Piedmont. The property has been vacant since 1989. Item 8: New César E. Chávez Library Lease Staff recommended authorizing a 5-year lease (with two 5-year renewal options) for the library at the Fruitvale Transit Village. The lease includes a base rent of $1.25/sq ft ($18,898.75/month) and an initial back-rent payment of $340,177.50 to cover the gap since the previous lease expired in 2023. Staff confirmed all costs were already budgeted. Key Outcomes The Committee forwarded the following items to the July 1, 2025 City Council agenda with the following actions: - Item 3 (Omnibus Planning Code): Approved as amended. Forwarded as a Public Hearing. - Item 4 (ADU/Fire Zone Code Amendments): Approved as amended. Forwarded as a Public Hearing. - Item 5 (Rent Adjustment Ordinance): Forwarded with No Recommendation from the committee. - Item 6 (Consolidated Plan): Approved. Forwarded as a Public Hearing. - Item 7 (Montclair Firehouse Lease): Approved. Forwarded to the Consent Agenda. - Item 8 (Chávez Library Lease): Approved. Forwarded to the Consent Agenda. All votes on these items were unanimous (4-0). The meeting adjourned at 4:05 PM.

The Oakland Planning Commission convened on June 18, 2025, to receive an informational report on the 2024 General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Reports (APRs), discuss and adopt Objective Design Standards (ODS) for 1-4 family dwellings and 1-3 story multifamily developments, and hear public comments on various development and policy topics. Public Comments & Testimony - Janine Girard and Naomi Schiff (Measure DD Community Coalitions / Estuary Park Task Force / Oakland Heritage Alliance): Opposed the inclusion of Brooklyn Basin Parcel N in the General Plan update for potential housing, stating it was previously approved unanimously as the expansion site for Estuary Park. - James Van (Measure DD Coalition): During open forum, reiterated concerns about Parcel N, urging the commission to uphold its previous Estuary Park Master Plan decision. He also inquired about the status of the inclusionary housing study (Action 3.3.7) during the APR discussion. - Jeff Levin (East Bay Housing Organizations): Requested future APRs include more detailed data and maps to evaluate the city's progress on affirmatively furthering fair housing (AFFH) and the outcomes of recent zoning changes. He also noted state bills that would allow credits for preservation units. - Naomi Schiff (Oakland Heritage Alliance): During the ODS hearing, urged the commission to incorporate window muntin and alignment standards from the existing 4-8 story ODS into the new standards for historic areas. Discussion Items: 2024 Annual Progress Reports Planning staff Timothy Green and Housing Director Emily Weinstein presented the 2024 APRs. Key Data: - In 2024, Oakland received applications for 2,665 units, entitled 2,666 units, issued building permits for 1,028 units, and issued certificates of occupancy for 2,249 units. - Over the first two years of the 2023-2031 RENA cycle, only 11% of the total RENA has been met. Low-income unit production reached 15% of its RENA goal, while moderate-income production lagged at 7%. - 2024 saw record levels of affordable housing production, with more deed-restricted affordable units permitted than market-rate units. - Two-thirds of permitted housing units were located in City Council Districts 1 and 2. - An ADU affordability survey (11% response rate) found that 81% of responding ADUs qualified as low or very low-income rentals. Commissioner Discussion and Feedback: - Commissioner Ahrens: Expressed concern about prioritizing moderate-income deed-restricted rentals, providing her own analysis suggesting market rents are often below moderate-income rent caps. She questioned the framing of "essential workers" for moderate-income housing, providing examples of teacher and city worker salaries that fall into the low-income bracket. She requested vacancy data for deed-restricted moderate-income units and maps showing geographic distribution of projects. - Commissioner Lee: Asked staff to explore how other cities count non-deed-restricted moderate-income units towards RENA goals and requested a methodology to improve the ADU survey response rate. - Commissioner Randolph: Questioned ADU survey data on rent and vacancies. - Staff Response: Staff noted disagreements with state TCAC opportunity maps which designate much of Oakland as low-resource. They committed to exploring non-deed-restricted unit counting and developing a public mapping dashboard. Discussion Items: Objective Design Standards (ODS) Adoption Planner Ruslan Filipau presented the final draft of the ODS for 1-4 family dwellings and 1-3 story multifamily/mixed-use developments, continued from the June 4, 2025, meeting. Amendments: - Staff proposed clarifications exempting exterior egress staircases and clarifying language for historic properties. - Commissioner Randolph moved an amendment to Standard 2.1.1 adding an option for a material change for at least 25% of the non-fenestrated street-facing facade as an alternative to structural articulation. Vote: - The commission voted unanimously to adopt the ODS as amended and authorized staff to make future non-substantive clerical changes without returning to the commission. Key Outcomes - Objective Design Standards Adopted: The new ODS were adopted unanimously with the material amendment. The effective date will align with the omnibus zoning code amendments. - Annual Progress Reports Acknowledged: The 2024 APRs were formally received. The commission directed staff to explore counting non-deed-restricted units towards RENA goals, create public mapping dashboards, and augment the ADU survey. - Minutes Approved: The minutes from the June 4, 2025, meeting were approved unanimously.

The Oakland City Council held a concurrent meeting on June 17, 2025, at 3:30 PM. The council approved a consent calendar of 19 items, including second readings of ordinances on campaign finance, tax adjustments, and a speed safety camera system. A public hearing was held on a non-consent item regarding an advertising signs relocation agreement with Becker Boards, which was approved by a 6-2 vote. Numerous public speakers addressed arts funding cuts, homelessness, youth programs, and the Becker Boards proposal. Consent Calendar - Approved draft minutes from May 28 and June 3, 2025 meetings. - Renewed declarations of local emergencies for the AIDS epidemic, medical cannabis access, and homelessness (Resolutions 90757, 90758, 90759 C.M.S.). - Adopted an ordinance authorizing FY 2025-26 cost-of-living tax adjustments for voter-approved Measures M, N, C, NN, D, Q, AA, Y, and MM (Ordinance 13847 C.M.S.; vote 7-1, Gallo dissenting). - Adopted an ordinance amending the FY 2024-25 Master Fee Schedule (final passage). - Adopted an ordinance temporarily increasing campaign contribution limits and extending the Limited Public Financing Act to 2026 and 2028 elections (Ordinance 13849 C.M.S.; vote 6-2, Fife and Gallo dissenting). - Adopted an ordinance adding a late fee for special event permits. - Adopted an ordinance designating City of Oakland Fire Hazard Severity Zones. - Approved retroactive travel reimbursement for Councilmember Gallo’s attendance at the 2025 City Leaders Summit. - Authorized a contract amendment with Ben Rosenfield Consulting, LLC, extending the term through June 2026 and increasing compensation by $33,000. - Approved an ordinance amending the Salary Ordinance to add new classifications and ensure compliance with the city’s minimum wage (first reading). - Accepted a $260,000 Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant for sea level rise and groundwater intrusion analysis. - Awarded a $1.6 million construction contract for Highway Safety Improvement Program crossing improvements. - Approved a professional services agreement with Verra Mobility to implement and operate a speed safety camera system for up to $4,865,000, with an added resolution clause stating the benefits outweigh costs and safeguard civil liberties (vote 7-1, Gallo dissenting). - Adopted the FY 2025-26 Workforce Development Board budget and contracts. - Extended the Homelessness Prevention Pilot Program grant to Bay Area Community Services through June 2027. - Approved an urgency finding and resolution extending Oakland Fund for Children and Youth (OFCY) grants for 74 agencies totaling up to $18,252,282 (urgency passed 8-0). - Authorized a five-year rental car services contract with Enterprise Mobility for up to $4 million. Public Comments & Testimony - Consent Calendar: Over 37 speakers addressed the council, with many expressing strong support for continued OFCY funding for youth programs and urging restoration of the Cultural Affairs Manager position, which was frozen in the budget. Speakers highlighted the positive impact of arts and after-school programs on youth development. Several speakers opposed the OPD rental car contract, advocating instead for investment in arts and community services. One speaker detailed failures in homeless encampment resolutions, reporting that of 212 residents at the East 12th encampment, only 55 were transitioned to Mandela House and 68 remain on the streets. - Non-Consent Item S8 (Becker Boards): Nine speakers testified. Opponents, including representatives from Clear Channel, argued that the agreement was not legally authorized under Government Code Section 5412 because Becker does not own the billboards to be removed, and that the 15-year timeline for removal contradicts the purpose of relocation agreements. Opponents also cited potential light pollution and harm to neighborhoods. Proponents, including community members and Becker representatives, stated that the agreement had been vetted, provided guaranteed revenue, and included commitments to use light-blocking louvers, not advertise firearms or tobacco, and meet with community groups. - Open Forum: Eight speakers addressed the council on topics including arts funding, affordable housing trust fund transparency, and support for day laborers. Discussion Items - Item S8: Advertising Signs Relocation Agreement with Becker Boards: Councilmembers Ramachandran and Gallo presented the resolution, noting that it would generate over $35 million over 31 years, with $750,000 annual payments plus carbon offset and beautification fees. They emphasized that the agreement requires removal of 11 existing advertising faces in exchange for up to 5 new signs, with community input and restrictions on advertising content. Councilmember Fife raised concerns about process, suggesting a possible Brown Act violation because a quorum of the Community and Economic Development Committee had included anticipated revenue from this item in the budget. The City Attorney stated that including prospective revenue in the budget is not necessarily a Brown Act violation, but if council members discussed merits and agreed to vote together, that could be. The City Attorney offered to discuss offline or refer to the Public Ethics Commission. Councilmember Fife voted no. Councilmember Jenkins also voted no, stating he was not ready to support the process. The motion to adopt the resolution passed 6-2 (Brown, Gallo, Houston, Ramachandran, Unger, Wang ayes; Fife, Jenkins noes). Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar approved 7-1 (Gallo dissenting on item 5.5 and overall). - Campaign Reform Act (Item 5.7) passed 6-2. - Speed Safety Camera System (Item S5.15) approved as amended 7-1. - OFCY Grant Renewal (Item S5.18) approved with urgency 8-0. - Becker Boards Agreement (Item S8) approved 6-2. - Meeting adjourned at 5:57 p.m. in memory of Bruce Nye and Melissa Hortman.

On Thursday, June 12, 2025, the Oakland City Council Rules & Legislation Committee convened at 10:33 AM in City Council Chamber, 3rd Floor, and adjourned at 11:04 AM. All four committee members were present: Councilmembers Rowena Brown, Carroll Fife, Janani Ramachandran, and Council President Kevin Jenkins (Chair). The meeting focused on scheduling items for future City Council and committee meetings, including items from other committees that were approved in the prior week. No public testimony was received. Approval of Draft Minutes - The committee unanimously (4-0) accepted the draft minutes from the May 29, 2025 meeting. New Scheduling Items (Agenda Items 3.1–3.14) The committee reviewed and scheduled a series of new legislative items. Key actions included: - 3.1 (Port Board Appointments): The mayor’s staff requested a correction; the item was rescheduled to the June 26, 2025 Rules & Legislation Committee for subsequent referral to City Council. - 3.4 (615 High Street License to TRYBE, Inc.): Pursuant to Rule 24 (emergency bypass), the item was sent directly to the July 1, 2025 City Council consent agenda. - 3.5 (Delinquent Trash Service Fees): Bypassed committee per Rule 24 (public hearing status) and scheduled to the July 1, 2025 City Council agenda as a public hearing. - 3.11 (Citywide Pavement Rehabilitation – Project 1007573): Scheduled as noticed to the July 8, 2025 Public Works & Transportation Committee. Council staff requested that some items from that heavy agenda be moved to a later council meeting; staff asked for time to discuss, and the item was left as scheduled with potential changes at the June 26 Rules meeting. - 3.14 (Consolidated Annual Performance & Evaluation Report): Bypassed committee per Rule 24 (HUD deadline September 28, 2025) and scheduled to the September 16, 2025 City Council agenda as a public hearing. - All other new items (3.2, 3.3, 3.6–3.10, 3.12, 3.13) were scheduled to their respective committee dates as proposed in the agenda. Recommendations from Other Committees (Agenda Items 3.15–3.34) The committee ratified scheduling decisions made by the Finance & Management, Public Works & Transportation, Community & Economic Development, Life Enrichment (cancelled), and Public Safety committees held on June 10, 2025. Notable actions: - 3.21 (Citywide Impact Fee Regulations): Moved from the pending list to the July 1, 2025 City Council agenda as a public hearing at the request of planning staff, with the consent of the CED chair. - 3.25 (Becker Boards Advertising Signs Relocation): Forwarded to the June 17, 2025 City Council non-consent agenda with an amendment limiting new signs to no more than two per freeway (880, 24, 980, 80, 580). - 3.28 (OFCY Grant Renewal): Due to the cancellation of the Life Enrichment Committee meeting, staff requested an urgency finding to avoid adverse impact on summer programs. The committee approved the urgency and sent the item directly to the June 17, 2025 City Council consent agenda (4-0). - 3.27 (OFCY Year-End Evaluation): Scheduled to the June 24, 2025 Life Enrichment Committee. - 3.29–3.30 (Cityspan Technologies & TBG contracts): Scheduled to Life Enrichment Committee meetings (July 8 and June 24, respectively). - 3.31 (Report on Extended Stay America Acquisition): Scheduled to June 24, 2025 Life Enrichment Committee. - 3.32 (Head Start Program Report): Scheduled to June 24, 2025 Life Enrichment Committee as an oral report. - 3.34 (Civilianizing Sworn OPD Positions): Continued to the July 8, 2025 Public Safety Committee. - All other committee recommendations (3.15–3.20, 3.22–3.24, 3.26, 3.33) were scheduled as proposed by their respective committees, mostly to the June 17, 2025 City Council consent agenda. Review of Draft Agendas and Pending Lists (Item 4) The committee reviewed and approved upcoming meeting calendars and pending lists as amended. Notable change: - The June 17, 2025 special City Council meeting (9:00 AM) was cancelled. - The Community & Economic Development pending list was updated to reflect that Item 3.21 (Impact Fees) was moved to July 1, 2025 City Council. - Clerk deadlines were announced due to the Juneteenth holiday: materials for the July 1 council meeting and June 24 committee meetings are due Tuesday, June 17, 2025 by 4:00 PM. Key Outcomes - Votes: All motions passed unanimously (4-0) with no dissenting votes. - Direct Referrals: Three items bypassed committee (Rule 24) to go directly to City Council: 3.4 (615 High Street), 3.5 (Trash Fees), and 3.14 (CAPER). - Urgency Finding: Approved for Item 3.28 (OFCY Grant Renewal) to avoid summer program disruption. - Postponements: Item 3.1 (Port Board) rescheduled to June 26 Rules; Item 3.34 (OPD civilianization) continued to July 8 Public Safety. - Cancellation: The June 17 special council meeting (9 AM) was cancelled. - Next Rules Meeting: June 19, 2025 was cancelled due to Juneteenth; the next meeting is June 26, 2025. No open forum comments were made, and the meeting adjourned at 11:04 AM.

On June 11, 2025, the Oakland City Council held a special concurrent meeting to adopt the Fiscal Years 2025-27 biennial budget and related maintenance of effort (MOE) waivers. The meeting convened at 9:03 AM and adjourned at 12:08 PM. Councilmember Brown served as chair. Councilmember Houston participated remotely via AB 2449. Councilmember Fife was excused at 10:45 AM and did not vote. The council faced a $265 million deficit and approved a budget centered on core city services: public safety, clean streets, economic revitalization, homelessness prevention, parks, and ethics. Public Comments & Testimony - General Support and Concerns: Over 44 speakers addressed items 5 and 6 collectively. Many thanked the council for preserving senior services, homelessness prevention, and library funding. Speakers from East Oakland Senior Center, SOS Meals on Wheels, and Mercy Brown Bag urged maintaining hours and funding. Youth from Skyline High School advocated for library funding. Arts and culture advocates, including the Oakland Symphony and Ballet, criticized the elimination of the Cultural Affairs Manager position, calling arts a core economic and community service. The League of Women Voters supported limited public financing and ethics enforcement. Several commissioners and former commissioners (Public Ethics Commission, Measure Q oversight) urged adequate funding for audits and enforcement. - Specific Positions: - Kevin Daly (Transport Oakland) urged early use of Measure U bond proceeds for paving to prevent sideshows. - Gail Wallace (League of Women Voters) supported public financing and ethics staffing. - Brooke Levin (Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation, Measure Q co-chair) supported adding tree and park positions but requested clarity on one-time funding and audits. - David Peters criticized the use of one-time revenues and continuing overtime leaks, and opposed raiding the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. - Kelsey Knutson (Bay Area Community Services) and Julia Judge (BACS) supported the homelessness prevention pilot, citing 84% of participants would have become homeless without it. - Seth O'Mear (Oakland Firefighters Local 55) thanked the council for keeping all 25 fire stations open. - Linda Carter and Beatrice Mayo (East Oakland Senior Center) pleaded for restored five-day hours and more staff. - Ryan Mitchick (Public Ethics Commission) supported funding for enforcement and limited public financing. - Blake Spears and Charlie Deterline (SOS Meals on Wheels) thanked the council for protecting senior meal funding but noted deficits. - Ann Janks (Coalition for Police Accountability) supported civilianization but urged funding for Inspector General auditors to exit federal oversight. - Kedrick Armstrong (Oakland Symphony), Graham Lustig (Oakland Ballet), and others urged restoration of the Cultural Affairs Manager position, calling arts essential to economic development. - Adam Barr (IFPTE Local 21, city worker) applauded the budget for avoiding additional layoffs. - Francis Upton (Public Ethics Commission chair) thanked the council for minimal enforcement staffing and public financing. - Evelyn Arnova (Centro Legal de la Raza) supported eviction prevention funding. - Catherine Sturmick (Friends of the Oakland Public Library) urged voting no on Measure C and D MOE waivers, calling them a violation of voter trust. Discussion Items - Budget Presentation (Item 5): Councilmembers Ramachandran and Brown co-chaired the budget team. Ramachandran outlined core values: fiscal responsibility (no reliance on anticipated one-time revenues like Coliseum sale), transparency, preserving city staff, and investing in "boots on the ground" over management. Key amendments included: special revenue collections project projected at $39+ million; a new billboard agreement generating $35 million over 31 years (recurring); unassigned fund balances; right-sizing police academies (removing one academy but increasing target class size to 42 from current <20); deleting some vacant managerial positions; and using a small portion of the self-insurance liability fund. - Public Safety: Funded all 25 fire stations (reversing one planned brownout except 90 winter days), OPD recruitment and staffing (targeting 40+ graduates per academy), civilianization of five sworn positions in internal affairs and other desk jobs, two grant writers for OPD, $1 million for community safety ambassadors, sideshow prevention ($1.4 million), and sex trafficking enforcement. - Clean Streets: Invested in illegal dumping enforcement (cameras, drones, evidence collection staff), graffiti abatement, and OakTown Proud education campaign. - Economic Revitalization: $3 million business incentive program, $1 million for community activation/entertainment zones, special events permit coordinator, and investment in permit-improving IT (Acela system). - Homelessness Prevention: $1 million for the Keep Oakland Housed pilot (targeting black men at risk of homelessness). Director Weinstein explained it serves 125 families/year at $8,000 each, with 92% retaining housing. - Parks and Trees: Added four tree service FTEs and two park positions, plus $500,000 for contract/overtime for tree clearing and bathroom cleaning. - Ethics and Oversight: Funded minimum staffing for Public Ethics Commission enforcement and limited public financing (Democracy Dollars). Also restored positions in City Auditor and Department of Race and Equity. - Government Efficiency: $2 million set aside for potential federal/state cuts; $3 million to reverse proposed layoffs; continued neighborhood enhancement services. - Policy Directives: Included civilianization of OPD internal affairs, improved recruitment for police academies, coordination on human trafficking, removal of abandoned autos, and a task force to transition investigations to CPIA. Also directed development of revenue alternatives for year two. - Fiscal Roadmap: Consultant Ben Rosenfield presented a roadmap for long-term fiscal health (to come later in June), focusing on pension liabilities, achieving voter-mandated staffing, and improved revenue collections. The budget assumes a $40 million tax measure on the June 2026 ballot to avoid year-two cuts, distinguished from last year's Coliseum sale (one-time). - Councilmember Comments: - Councilmember Unger called it the "nobody's happy budget," emphasizing focusing on core essentials (public safety, safe streets, blight, infrastructure, economic development). He highlighted funding for all fire stations, ceasefire, and small business incentives. - Councilmember Wang stressed collaborative work and investments in sex trafficking prevention, sideshow prevention, and evidence collection for illegal dumping. - Council President Jenkins noted the difficulty of funding everything and questioned HR about the impact of cutting recruitment staff. - Councilmember Gallo urged stronger focus on public safety, citing boarded businesses and lack of police presence at protests. He expressed concern about overspending and leaving businesses. - Councilmember Houston initially expressed concern about $1 million for homeless prevention, suggesting it go to illegal dumping enforcement, but after discussion supported the budget. He appreciated senior center funding. - Councilmember Fife thanked staff and advocated for arts and culture, noting the importance of the Cultural Affairs Manager position. She also highlighted the need for a comprehensive homelessness plan. - Chair Brown acknowledged public input and proposed a friendly amendment to restore the Cultural Affairs Manager position by reallocating $300,000 from the $1 million entertainment activation allocation. This was not formally seconded or voted on; the item was called for a vote on the resolution as is. - Item 6 (MOE Waivers): Brad Johnson (Budget Administrator) explained the resolution waives MOE requirements in charter and ballot measures (Measure NN for police staffing, Measures C/D for library, Measure Q for parks, Measure X for auditor, etc.) due to severe fiscal necessity. The resolution passed 6-1 (Gallo no, Fife excused). Key Outcomes - Item 5 (Biennial Budget Adoption): Motion by Ramachandran, seconded by Unger to adopt the resolution as amended. Passed 6-1 (Gallo no, Fife excused). The budget includes the amendments presented by the budget team. - Item 6 (MOE Waivers): Motion by Ramachandran, seconded by Unger. Passed 6-1 (Gallo no, Fife excused). Establishes the city's intention to restore services when financially possible. - Key Financial Figures: Total deficit of $265 million closed; $6.5 million allocated for clean and safe streets; $3 million business incentive program; $1 million homeless prevention; all 25 fire stations funded; police academies restructured; special revenue collections project begun; and a $40 million future tax measure for 2026 ballot. - Next Steps: City administrator to present a fiscal roadmap later in June. Budget reopens at any time. Council will monitor bond sales, revenue collections, and state/federal funding changes.

The Oakland Public Ethics Commission (PEC) met in regular session on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., and was called to order at 6:31 p.m. in Hearing Room 2, Oakland City Hall. Chair Francis Upton IV and Commissioner Vincent Steele were absent; Vice-Chair Tanya Bayeva presided. Commissioners Bayeva, Alea Gage, Ryan Micik, and Karun Tilak formed a four-member quorum. The Commission approved prior minutes, issued formal comments on a proposed City Council amendment to campaign-finance laws, approved an enforcement settlement, received enforcement and executive director reports, discussed a complaint-backlog strategy, considered a draft ballot measure to fund the PEC, and heard subcommittee updates. Action Item: Approval of Minutes - The Commission approved the draft regular meeting minutes from March 19, 2025, after correcting a typo that misidentified Vice-Chair Bayeva as "Chair." Vote: 4-0 (Gage, Micik, Tilak, Bayeva; Upton and Steele absent). - Note: The agenda labels this item as the "March 19, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes," but the attached draft and the meeting discussion refer to the March 19, 2025 meeting. Action Item: OCRA and Limited Public Financing Act Amendments Councilmembers Ramachandran, Jenkins, and Houston propose to: - Temporarily raise campaign contribution limits from $650 to $900 for most contributors and from $1,300 to $1,800 for broad-based political committees, available only to candidates who accept expenditure limits, with a sunset on June 30, 2029. - Permanently increase officeholder fund annual total contribution limits, including District Councilmembers from $25,000 to $75,000 and citywide offices to $100,000. - Reauthorize the Limited Public Financing (LPF) Program for the 2026 and 2028 election cycles, subject to budget appropriation. PEC staff recommended remaining neutral on the contribution-limit increase, but if adopted, moving the start date to July 1, 2025, and the sunset to December 31, 2026. Staff recommended either not raising officeholder limits or adjusting them only for inflation since 1999. Staff recommended supporting temporary LPF reauthorization as a bridge until Democracy Dollars is implemented. The Commission considered the proposal in three separate motions: - Contribution limits: The Commission voted 4-0 to remain neutral on the proposed increase, while stating that any increase should require candidates to accept expenditure limits, become effective July 1, 2025, and sunset December 31, 2026. - Officeholder funds: The Commission voted 4-0 not to support the proposal as presented. It requested more substantiation on why behested payments and current limits are insufficient, asked for development of guardrails, and requested information on the administrative burden of operating officeholder funds. - LPF: The Commission voted 4-0 to support reauthorizing the LPF until Democracy Dollars is implemented. Action Item: Settlement Agreement - In the Matter of Vena Sword-Ratliff (PEC 24-15) Enforcement Chief Tovah Ackerman presented a proposed settlement regarding an anonymous informal complaint alleging that Fire Division Manager Vena Sword-Ratliff failed to disclose her son's application for a Community Intervention Specialist position and participated in the recruitment and selection process. Staff found that she recused herself from the actual interview, the son's offered position was rescinded, and there was no evidence of intent to conceal. The proposed settlement requires Form 700 training within 45 days and a $200 administrative fee. - The Commission approved the settlement unanimously by a 4-0 vote. No public comment was offered. Discussion Item: Enforcement Program Report Chief Ackerman reported that since the last update, the Enforcement Unit received 6 formal complaints, 9 informal complaints, and initiated 2 proactive complaints; rejected 15 informal complaints; assigned 4 informal complaints; dismissed 10 formal complaints; and resolved or submitted 56 complaints total. The written report stated 11 formal dismissals, but Chief Ackerman corrected the number to 10 during the meeting. She reported 153 open complaints. No public comment was offered. Discussion Item: Executive Director Report; Disclosure and Engagement Report Executive Director Nicolas Heidorn announced that his last day will be July 7, 2025. Applications for his successor are open through June 2, 2025. He reported that the proposed FY25-27 budget would add one investigator and a part-time law clerk to the Enforcement Unit but would not fund Democracy Dollars vouchers or LPF, and the grant-funded Democracy Dollars Outreach Specialist position would sunset. The PEC is also relocating to 250 Frank Ogawa Plaza. Alex Van Buskirk presented disclosure highlights from the April 15, 2025, special election: mayoral and District 2 candidates raised $1,207,213 and spent $954,753 through March 29, 2025; independent expenditures totaled $1,474,715, with $1,157,230 in support and $315,532 in opposition. He also noted that 47 lobbyists are registered for 2025. Public comment: Ralph Kanz urged that the Executive Director selection be conducted as a public process and raised concerns about the prior selection record. Discussion Item: Enforcement Report re: Complaint Backlog Strategy Chief Ackerman presented a plan to reduce the severe complaint backlog by applying more prosecutorial discretion, referring most Political Reform Act complaints to the FPPC, closing older minor-to-moderate cases, especially those opened before June 1, 2024, and using a seven-factor rubric for retrospective closures. As of the report date, 152 open complaints were managed by two staff members (a 1:76 staff-to-complaint ratio; Chief Ackerman cited 153 in her oral update), compared with ratios of 1:9 in San Francisco and Los Angeles and 1:14 in San Diego. Over one-third of open complaints were more than two years old. Commissioners expressed support for the strategic reset while acknowledging it was not ideal. No formal vote was required. Public commenter Ralph Kanz said referring cases to the FPPC was "folly" and stressed giving complainants an opportunity to object. Discussion Item: Draft Ballot Measure to Fund the PEC Executive Director Heidorn presented draft language for a potential 2026 ballot measure, the "Oakland Anti-Corruption Act." It would impose a 20-year parcel tax (amount to be determined; staff estimated roughly $34 per parcel) to fully fund the PEC, including Democracy Dollars and an expanded five-person Enforcement Unit, and would prohibit lobbyists from giving gifts, making campaign contributions, or bundling contributions to elected officials. Commissioners discussed funding priorities, parcel-tax equity, potential competition with another parcel tax, and the timeline for finalizing the measure. No formal vote was taken. Next steps include review by the City Attorney's Office and Department of Finance and possible return to the Commission in July. Discussion Item: Subcommittee and Commissioner Assignments - Revenue Options Ad Hoc Subcommittee: The earlier ballot-measure discussion served as its update. - Democracy Dollars Engagement Ad Hoc Subcommittee: Commissioner Tilak reported on a Youth Commission presentation, feedback collection, and a San Francisco Chronicle article on political participation. - Executive Director Recruitment Subcommittee: The subcommittee met the prior day; applications are due June 2, 2025. Public Comments & Testimony - On the OCRA/LPF item, Gail Wallace of the League of Women Voters described Measure W as an intended "floor" for candidates without access to independent expenditures or large donors, and expressed concern that higher limits would let the same small group of donors gain more influence. Chris Nardi supported LPF reauthorization but opposed the officeholder-fund increase, noting behested payments already provide an avenue for directing funds to community groups. A former PEC chair urged a slower process, cited the 1998 Alameda County grand jury recommendation to eliminate officeholder accounts, and described them as an unfair advantage for incumbents. - On the Executive Director Report, Ralph Kanz asked that the Executive Director recruitment be public and questioned the transparency of the previous selection process. - On the Backlog Strategy, Ralph Kanz argued that FPPC referrals would not be timely and that complainants should have an opportunity to challenge proposed closures. - A written public comment from BayPEC on the draft ballot measure was acknowledged. Key Outcomes - Approved the March 19, 2025, draft minutes with a typo correction (4-0). - Provided three separate OCRA/LPF recommendations to the City Council, all passing 4-0: remain neutral on the contribution-limit increase with specified conditions; do not support the officeholder-fund increase as presented; and support LPF reauthorization until Democracy Dollars is implemented. - Approved the Vena Sword-Ratliff settlement (4-0). - Received and discussed the Enforcement Program Report, Executive Director Report, Disclosure Report, and Complaint Backlog Strategy; no formal votes were taken on those items. - Discussed the draft PEC funding ballot measure and referred it for further staff and subcommittee refinement. - Executive Director recruitment remains open through June 2, 2025; the FY25-27 budget must be adopted by July 1, 2025.