Public Meetings - Oakland, California

The Oakland City Council and Redevelopment Successor Agency met on July 21, 2026, at 3:37 PM (scheduled 3:30 PM) in City Hall. The meeting was chaired by Councilmember Ramachandran. Present were Councilmembers Gallo, Houston, Ramachandran, Unger, Wang, and later Brown (via teleconference); Councilmembers Fife and Jenkins were excused. Speaker time was reduced to one minute due to a tight quorum. Key actions included approval of a $50 million Coliseum sale proceeds allocation to CalPERS, partial approval of collision repair contracts with an emphasis on Oakland-based vendors, and passage of the consent calendar with amendments. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (July 7, 2026) – Approved. - Declaration of Local Emergency – AIDS Epidemic – Renewed and continued. - Declaration of Medical Cannabis Health Emergency – Renewed. - Declaration of Local Emergency on Homelessness – Renewed and continued. - Travel Reimbursements – League of California Cities (Brown, Ramachandran) and Congressional Black Caucus (Jenkins, Brown, Houston) – Approved. - Consolidation of November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election – Final passage. - Salary Ordinance Amendments – Various classifications and for Council Member, City Attorney, City Auditor – Final passage. - Sale of 319 Chester Street – Converted to affordable rental; final passage. - Sanctuary City Policy Reaffirmation (City of Refuge Ordinance) – Final passage with amendments acknowledging black Oakland residents. - 2026 Miscellaneous Planning Code Amendments – Final passage. - Resolution in Support of AB 1588 (Sideshow Enhancements) – Adopted. - Final Tract Maps – Oak Knoll Parcels 9 and 10 – Approved. - Bay Area Urban Areas Security Initiative MOU – Approved. - Appointments/Reappointments – Cannabis Regulatory Commission, Head Start Advisory Board, Children’s Initiative Oversight Commission, Cultural Affairs Commission (amended term), Privacy Advisory Commission (amended vacancy), and others – Approved. - Resolution in Support of SB 954 (CEQA Exemption) – Adopted. - Cultural Affairs Commission Enabling Ordinance Amendment – Approved on introduction. - Encampment Management Abatement Operations Informational Report – Received and filed. - Ray Mueller Settlement ($45,000) – Approved. - Second Amendment to Coliseum Complex Sale Agreement – Final passage. - Technology Audit Grant ($202,500) – Adopted. - Citywide Strategic Plan One-Year Update – Received and filed. - Parking Operator Contract Extension – Adopted as amended (extended to end of 2025 with additional informational report). - Reimbursement Resolution for General Obligation Bonds – Adopted. - Forensic Audit Services Agreement with Weaver and Tidwell ($490,000) – Adopted. - AC Transit Fruitvale Avenue Cooperation Agreement – Adopted. - Municipal Facility Energy Assessments Contract ($364,685) – Adopted. - BAAQMD Grant for EV Charging Stations ($750,000) – Adopted. - Broadway Streetscape Improvements Construction Contract ($20.88M) – Adopted. - REAP 2.0 Funds for West Oakland UBM Pilot ($400,000) – Adopted. - City Response to Alameda County Civil Grand Jury Report – Adopted. - Professional Services Contract Amendment – 7th Street Connection ($3.96M) – Adopted. - Chapter 8 Tax Sale Authorization – Two resolutions adopted. - Seminary Point Debt and Rent Forgiveness – Resolution adopted; ordinance approved on introduction. - Workforce Development Funds FY 2026-27 ($4.8M+) – Adopted. - Construction Resource Center Grant ($100,000) – Adopted. - HUD Continuum of Care Programs ($5.65M) – Adopted. - AC-OCAP 2026 CSBG Resolution ($1.32M) – Adopted. - Oakland Paratransit for Elderly and Disabled Program ($3.2M) – Adopted. - OPD Surveillance Technology 2025 Annual Reports – Adopted (ALPR item stricken per committee amendment). - Operational Agreement with Alameda County (SEMS) – Adopted. - Apricot 2026 Annual Report and Amended Use Policy – Adopted. - Contract with Bright Research Group ($513,000) – Adopted. - OPD Edward Byrne Memorial JAG Grant ($324,324) – Adopted. - OPD Helicopter Maintenance Contract with RSI ($3.4M) – Adopted. - MOU with California Highway Patrol – Adopted. - Grand Performance Mural Restoration – Adopted with urgency finding. - Contract Agreement for Police Chief James Beere ($411,294.96 annual compensation) – Adopted with urgency finding. - Item S6.40 (Barretto Co. Signage and Wayfinding) – Continued to September 15, 2026 per administration request. Public Comments & Testimony - Police Commission Nominations (Item 5.1): Speakers Blair Beekman and Asada Olabala expressed concerns about the selection process, including the omission of candidate Omar Farmer. The item was withdrawn on administration request. - Collision Repair Contracts (Item 5.2): Speaker Ina Auction (Turbo Auto Body) urged the city to include local Oakland businesses, noting his 36-year history and hardship from a car crash. Councilmember Houston strongly supported keeping contracts in Oakland. - Coliseum Payment Allocation (Item 5.3): Six speakers addressed the item. John Santos, Betty Robinson Harris, Alana Lipset, Robert Tabadoya, Jothi Singh, Ronnie Stratton, Ted Russell, Alison Wall, Natalia Neida, JK Fowler, and others urged the council to dedicate the 6% ticket revenue share to arts and culture. David Peters reminded the council of the 2014 policy directing net gain to the affordable housing trust. - Consent Calendar (Items 6.25, 6.11, 6.46, etc.): Multiple speakers supported the Sanctuary City ordinance (City of Refuge), including Corina Gomez, Elsa Stevens, Moose, and Arlington Tungwell. On the Coliseum sale, speakers urged arts funding. On surveillance technology, Madison Stacy, Chris McKay, and others criticized ALPRs and encampment sweeps. John Jones III supported the Coliseum deal and sanctuary city. Armando G. criticized the encampment policy as harmful. Asada Olabala raised concerns about contract processes and the police chief selection. - Open Forum: Speakers addressed Children’s Hospital Oakland (Measure C funds), public comment time reduction, and thanked the council. Councilmember Wang thanked Asada Olabala for her contributions. Discussion Items - Item 5.1 – Police Commission Selection Panel Nominations: The administration requested withdrawal, stating that background checks had not been completed per the municipal code. The council voted unanimously (5 ayes, 3 excused) to withdraw with no new date. - Item 5.2 – Collision Repair Contracts: The committee had recommended only approving Quality Body & Fender (Oakland-based) and CEQA findings. Councilmember Houston moved to also approve Moeller Bros. (heavy vehicles) due to $280,000 in outstanding invoices and to reject other non-Oakland vendors. Councilmember Unger seconded. Staff noted that limiting to one Oakland shop would slow repairs. Councilmember Wang supported local outreach. The motion passed 6-0-2. - Item 5.3 – Coliseum Payment Allocation to CalPERS: An urgency finding was approved (6-0-2). The resolution appropriating $50 million from the Coliseum sale to pay down the city’s unfunded pension liability was adopted (6-0-2). Councilmember Ramachandran noted the city’s $2 billion liability and the savings from early payment. - Consent Calendar Amendments: Councilmember Brown participated remotely. Amendments were made to items 6.19 (Cultural Affairs Commission term) and 6.20 (Privacy Advisory Commission vacancy). Item 6.40 was continued. Councilmembers Unger and Wang registered no votes on item 6.40. Councilmember Houston requested that the encampment abatement report (item 6.23) be brought back in September for full council discussion. Key Outcomes - Police Commission Nominations: Withdrawn; no new date set. - Collision Repair Contracts: Approved as amended – only Quality Body & Fender (light vehicles) and Moeller Bros. (heavy vehicles) were awarded contracts. Further outreach to Oakland vendors will occur over summer recess. - Coliseum Sale Proceeds: $50 million allocated to CalPERS for pension liability reduction. The 6% ticket revenue share will be considered for future allocation; council members expressed support for arts and culture funding. - Sanctuary City Ordinance: Final passage of the “City of Refuge” ordinance, including amendments acknowledging historical harms to Black Oakland residents. - Police Chief Contract: Approved with urgency, providing $411,294.96 annual compensation for Chief James Beere. - Consent Calendar: Approved as amended, with 34 public speakers heard. The council adjourned at 6:06 PM.

The Oakland City Council Rules & Legislation Committee convened on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 10:30 AM to schedule items for the July 21, 2026 City Council meeting and future meetings. The committee approved most recommendations from the Finance & Management, Public Works & Transportation, Community & Economic Development, Life Enrichment, and Public Safety committees, with some amendments. A severance package item was withdrawn, and a Pride resolution was rescheduled with added co-sponsors. Consent Calendar - The committee approved the determination of schedule of outstanding committee items (Item 2) by a 3-0 vote (Councilmember Fife excused). - Item 3.1 (Grand Performance Mural restoration) was scheduled to the July 21 City Council agenda on consent, with a Rule 24 bypass and urgency finding due to the need to meet an October 1, 2026 dry-weather construction deadline. - Item 3.2 (Police Chief James Beere employment agreement) was scheduled to July 21 consent with urgency finding. The agreement provides total annual compensation of $403,694.96 (salary $358,839.96, premium pay $44,855, plus auto allowance of $750/month or city vehicle). - Item 3.5 (Celebrating Pride and honoring LGBTQ+ leaders) was scheduled to September 15, 2026 on consent via Rule 24 (ceremonial). Co-sponsors added: Councilmember Wang, Councilmember Ramachandran, and Mayor Lee. - Numerous recommendations from the July 14 committee meetings were forwarded to the July 21 City Council on consent, including: - Grant funds for a technology audit ($202,500 from Oakland Fund) - FY 2025-2028 Citywide Strategic Plan one-year update - Parking operator contract extension (up to $12,399,039 for three years, with an amendment to extend through end of year and a request for garage-by-garage data) - Reimbursement resolution for general obligation bonds (Measures DD, KK, and U) - Professional services agreement with Weaver and Tidwell, LLP for forensic audits ($490,000, with request for supplemental report on subcontractors and prior findings) - AC Transit Fruitvale Avenue cooperation agreement (transit signal priority) - Municipal facility energy assessment contract with KW Engineering ($364,685) - $750,000 Bay Area Air Quality Management District grant for 30 EV charging ports - Broadway Streetscape improvements construction contract ($20,881,650 to McGuire and Hester) - REAP 2.0 funds for West Oakland Universal Basic Mobility pilot (up to $400,000 for 1,000 prepaid Clipper cards) - City response to 2025-2026 Alameda County Civil Grand Jury report - Contract amendment with Alta Planning + Design for 7th Street Connection project (increase of $747,288, total $3,955,404, extended to 2030) - Chapter 8 Tax Sale authorization (two pieces: removing code enforcement liens and vacant property tax liens, each up to $10 million, to facilitate affordable housing) - Seminary Point debt and rent forgiveness (forgiveness of $2M loan and $1.5M line of credit, plus up to $40,000 ground rent, contingent on sale to qualified buyer) - Workforce development funds (WIOA $4,827,587, California Volunteers $1,993,914, plus up to $250,000 per instance) - Construction Resource Center grant ($100,000 for Mentor-Protégé program) - HUD Continuum of Care supportive housing funding ($5,650,302) - Anti-poverty Community Services Block Grant ($1,319,745) - Oakland Paratransit for the Elderly and Disabled (Measure BB funds $3,202,298) - Operational Area Agreement with Alameda County (emergency management through 2035) - Apricot 2026 annual report and amended use policy - Contract with Bright Research Group for violence prevention training ($513,000) - OPD Edward Byrne Memorial JAG grant ($324,324) - OPD helicopter maintenance contract with Rotorcraft Support, Inc. (up to $1,700,000 with extension options to $3,400,000) - OPD surveillance technology 2025 annual reports (with amendment striking automated license plate reader section and Attachment E) - MOU with California Highway Patrol for electronic accident report submission - Item 3.10 (FY 2025-2028 Citywide Strategic Plan one-year update) was received and filed. - Item 3.25 (Professional services agreement with Barretto Co. for signage and wayfinding) was originally on non-consent due to a 3-1 committee vote but was moved to consent at staff request after obtaining Councilmember Unger's approval. The following informational reports were received and filed: Item 3.9 (One year update to FY 2026-30 Oakland Roadmap to Fiscal Health) and Item 3.24 (FY 2025-26 Q1 & Q2 code enforcement activities update). Public Comments & Testimony - Kevin Daly spoke on items 3.11 and 3.7 (parking garages), expressing appreciation for the Finance Committee discussion and urging a broader parking policy review involving both DOT and Public Works. - Blair Beekman commented on several items: (1) Supported the employment agreement for Police Chief Beere but urged focus on community policing and noted three police killings in the past year; (2) Supported the Coliseum payment allocation but asked for transparency in negotiations; (3) Urged open public process for technology policies in parking and Broadway streetscape; (4) Expressed strong disappointment that the Public Safety committee excluded discussion of ALPR/FLOCK contract status and called for better public explanation of the holdup; (5) Encouraged community involvement in selecting an ALPR vendor other than Flock. Beekman also spoke during open forum, reiterating the need for transparency on the Flock contract and commending efforts to resolve vendor issues at Lake Merritt. Discussion Items - Item 3.3 (Coliseum Payment Allocation): The committee approved scheduling the resolution to appropriate $50 million from the sale of the city's 50% interest in the Coliseum to CalPERS for unfunded accrued liability. An urgency finding was stated because the city may close the deal before September and delaying payment could reduce long-term savings due to lost investment time. - Item 3.4 (Severance Package for Jestin Johnson): This item, sponsored by Councilmember Houston, was withdrawn by the district seven office with no new scheduling date. - Item 3.15 (Collision Repair Contracts): Following the Public Works & Transportation Committee's action, the Rules Committee scheduled only sections 2 (Quality Body & Fender contract) and 8 (CEQA findings) to the July 21 council on non-consent; the remaining six contracts (totaling over $6 million) were rescheduled after summer break. - Item 3.21 (7th Street Connection Contract Amendment): The committee forwarded the item to consent after accepting an urgency finding; supplemental attachments A and B were added to the staff report. - The committee also scheduled an Education Partnership Committee meeting for Monday, September 28, 2026 at 3:30 PM. Key Outcomes - Item 3.4 (severance package for Jestin Johnson, $409,737.24) was withdrawn. - Item 3.25 (Barretto Co. signage contract) was moved from non-consent to consent for the July 21 council agenda. - Item 3.15 (collision repair contracts) will go to the July 21 council on non-consent but only for the Quality Body & Fender contract and CEQA findings; other contracts postponed. - Urgency findings were approved for items 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, and 3.21 (as well as previously approved for 3.22, 3.23 from committee recommendations). - The committee approved the review of draft agendas and pending lists (Item 4) by a 4-0 vote, noting cancellation of committee meetings for July 23, 28, and 30. - The meeting adjourned at 11:02 AM.

The Oakland Public Ethics Commission held a regular hybrid meeting on July 15, 2026, starting at 6:35 PM, chaired by Commissioner Francis Upton. The meeting included a presentation from the City Auditor on an ethical climate survey, consideration of a case closure plan, an overview of the limited public financing program, and updates from staff and subcommittees. Public comment was heard throughout, primarily from one speaker who criticized the commission and its enforcement practices. Public Comments & Testimony - Gene Hazard spoke multiple times during open forum and on several agenda items. He expressed strong dissatisfaction with the commission's handling of his complaints, alleging a lack of honesty and integrity. He claimed that the enforcement chief improperly dismissed his complaints regarding ballot measures, tree ordinances, and charter violations without legal basis, and that the commission went along with it. He also criticized the repetitive unmeritorious complainant process as arbitrary and an attempt to silence the public. He cited specific statutes (e.g., Oakland City Charter Section 212, Brown Act § 54954.3) and stated he would continue to file complaints and pursue appeals. Discussion Items - Approval of Minutes: The commission approved the minutes from the May 2026 meeting by a vote of 4-0 (Commissioners Apfeld, Fisher, Talak, and Chair Upton in favor; Commissioners Brandon, Mitchick, and Baeva absent). - City Auditor Presentation on Ethical Climate Survey: City Auditor Michael Houston and Senior Performance Auditor Mark Carnes presented findings from a survey of 555 city employees conducted in late 2025/early 2026. The survey measured perceptions of ethical environments for employees, management, and elected officials, using a scoring system from the Institute for Local Government. Overall score was 222 out of 300 (medium). Employees scored 78 (high), management 77 (high), and elected officials 67 (medium). 34% of responses in the elected officials section were “don’t know.” Open-ended comments (178 responses) highlighted themes of transparency, accountability, and council conduct. Discussion covered methodology changes (treatment of “don’t know” responses), comparability with prior surveys, and potential use by the commission to inform transparency work. The auditor reported that the report was distributed citywide and briefings were offered to department heads and council members. No formal action was taken. - Case Closure Plan: Enforcement Chief Tova Ackerman presented a memo recommending closure with no action on three cases. The commission discussed each: - Matter of David Silver: Allegations of incompatible public offices and improper contracting. The first allegation was dismissed because both roles were not public offices; the second was dismissed due to being 9–11 years old and offering limited remedial value. - Police Commission: Allegation of a closed-session discussion about a personnel matter that should have been public. Enforcement Chief cited difficulty proving a four-year-old incident (eyewitness accounts from two attendees stated the topic was not discussed) and limited enforcement authority under the Sunshine Ordinance. - A third case (not explicitly named but referenced in the enforcement program report) was dismissed under the repetitive unmeritorious complainant process, as the complainant had filed four adverse complaints within 12 months. Commissioners questioned the rationales, particularly regarding the Police Commission case, noting that Sunshine Ordinance violations are difficult to enforce. The commission will consider improving processes for addressing such complaints quickly. After public comment, the commission voted unanimously (4-0) to adopt the enforcement chief’s recommendations. - Limited Public Financing Overview: Ethics Analyst Jelani Killings presented an informational memo on the limited public financing program for district city council candidates (Districts 2, 4, and 6) in the upcoming election. Approximately $155,000 is available. The nomination period runs from July 13 to August 7, 2026. A special commission meeting will be held in August to determine a pro-rata distribution plan among qualifying candidates. The mayor’s race is not eligible under the current ordinance. No action was taken. - Enforcement Program Report: Chief Ackerman reported on recent enforcement activities, including dismissals. She clarified that case 2306 was dismissed as outside the commission’s jurisdiction and that a public comment on the matter reflected a misunderstanding. The commission discussed the new repetitive unmeritorious complainant process, including how cases are reviewed by the chair. Ackerman noted that the commission will receive a future report on how staff intends to use discretion. - Executive Director’s Report: Director Suzanne Duran updated on proposed charter amendments approved by the city council for the November 2026 ballot. The PEC’s recommendation to align salary adjustment years was not adopted, but language allowing the commission discretion to request city administration support or an outside consultant was included. The council removed a provision requiring a liaison from every department to the council. If passed, changes would take effect in 2027. - Subcommittee Reports: The transparency ad hoc subcommittee reported that it met in May and June and is planning an informal meeting with IT staff on July 30, 2026, to discuss transparency issues. The democracy dollars subcommittee did not report. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes from the May 2026 meeting. - Approved the case closure plan (3 cases closed with no action) by a vote of 4-0. - Acknowledged the city auditor’s ethical climate survey; no formal action taken. - Noted the upcoming special commission meeting in August 2026 to determine limited public financing disbursements. - Received staff reports and subcommittee updates. - Discussed potential creation of an enforcement subcommittee and scheduling a commission retreat for fall 2026.

The Oakland Planning Commission convened on July 15, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Vice Chair Randolph chaired in the absence of Chair Ahrens. The meeting featured public comments on a proposed senior housing project at 6230 Claremont Avenue and a public hearing to receive scoping comments for the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for Phase 2 of the General Plan Update (Oakland 2045). The Commission also approved minutes from June 3, 2026, and learned of recent City Council actions on SB 79 and ADU amendments. Commissioners Sandoval and Rob were recognized as departing members. Public Comments & Testimony Open Forum – 6230 Claremont Senior Housing Project - Layla Goss (Rockridge Neighbors for Sensible Housing): Expressed support for housing but opposition to the proposed 85-foot height and mass with zero stepbacks. Alleged that city planning staff is misapplying the state density bonus law (AB 2694) and failing to apply design review guidelines. Urged reduction in height and mass to integrate with the neighborhood. - Ken Jong (resident, 6201 Auburn Avenue): Supported housing but asked for confirmation that the project meets the city's design review standards for compatibility, sunlight, privacy, and transition to lower-density neighborhoods. - Jack Gerson (Auburn Avenue resident, Rockridge Neighbors for Sensible Housing): Stated that the city is misinterpreting the state density bonus law to allow a 112% density bonus (instead of 20%). Explained that staff incorrectly applied neighborhood center mixed-use density and gross-to-net area conversion, which if corrected would reduce the project by over 30 units. Warned of precedent for other sites like Trader Joe's. - Tanya Smith (Auburn Avenue resident): Concerned about the mass dwarfing nearby homes and shops, removal of mature trees, and setting a bad precedent. Urged adherence to zoning standards. - Carrie Goloff (Auburn Avenue resident, retired litigation lawyer): Highlighted conflicting interpretations of density bonus calculations between the developer (Ellis), staff, and neighborhood experts. Urged compromise to avoid litigation. - Robert Broco (North Oakland neighborhood activist): Argued the project is a "ruse" and will not be senior housing; criticized state-level housing policies by Democrats Buffy Wicks and Scott Wiener. Called for public investment in affordable housing. - Alexis Whitkey (Rockridge resident): Asked the Commission to preserve Rockridge as a neighborhood rather than allowing a transit district with tall buildings under SB 79 integration into the General Plan. Public Hearing – General Plan Update Phase 2 NOP Scoping - Jennifer MacElrath (25-year Rockridge resident): Emphasized the importance of neighborhoods, cultural/historical resources, and arts. Concerned that the plan underemphasizes green space and that chain stores in high-rises would replace unique neighborhood character. - Naomi Shift (Oakland Heritage Alliance): Requested a longer comment period for the draft EIR (60 days instead of 45). Urged study of historic and cultural resources beyond Native American sites, including the Estuary Policy Plan revision process. - Delana Castillo (Communities for a Better Environment): Asked for a correct baseline, thorough cumulative impact analysis, appropriate mitigation, and consideration of alternatives to advance environmental justice. Discussion Items General Plan Update Phase 2 – Notice of Preparation (NOP) for EIR - Staff: Daniel Finley, Laura Kaminsky, Cleela Haynes, Rajiv Patiya (consultant), Elizabeth Canner (ESA) presented the Phase 2 update elements: Land Use and Transportation (LUTE), Open Space Conservation and Recreation (OSCAR), Infrastructure and Capital Facilities (new), Noise. The EIR will be programmatic. The draft elements will be released in fall 2026, draft EIR in spring 2027, final EIR summer 2027, adoption by City Council fall 2027. The NOP comment period closes August 3, 2026. - Commissioner Lee requested that the EIR evaluate equitable park access for lower-income multifamily zones, cumulative pollution burdens along freight corridors, infrastructure deficit prioritization, and preservation of historical/cultural resources. - Commissioner Wink requested a health risk assessment under air quality and robust analysis of historic and archaeological resources. - Vice Chair Randolph asked about the infrastructure element's complement to LUTE and wildfire analysis. Staff clarified that wildfire was already studied in Phase 1 and not being re-analyzed. Commissioner also requested a 60-day comment period for the draft EIR and inclusion of heat island/open space equity analysis. - Commissioner Rank seconded the 60-day comment period request. Key Outcomes - The Commission received public and commissioner comments on the NOP. No vote was taken; comments will be considered in the EIR process. - The Commission approved the minutes from June 3, 2026, unanimously (4-0, with Commissioner Rob absent and Chair Ahrens absent). - Staff announced that a second agenda item (specific project) was continued to September 16, 2026. - City Council actions since last meeting: SB 79 and ADU amendments approved, with SB 79 decision differing from the Commission's recommendation. - Commissioners Sandoval (last meeting) and Rob (departing) will be honored at the September 2, 2026, meeting.

The Oakland City Council Public Works and Transportation Committee convened on July 14, 2026, at 11:35 AM in City Hall, chaired by Councilmember Zac Unger. The committee addressed a packed agenda, including a major contract award for collision repair services, energy assessments, grant acceptances, a streetscape project, a universal basic mobility pilot, and the city's response to the Alameda County Civil Grand Jury report on illegal dumping. Public comments were limited to one minute per speaker. The meeting adjourned at 1:27 PM after a brief recess to convene as a special full council meeting upon the arrival of Council President Jenkins. Consent Calendar - Approval of Draft Minutes (June 23, 2026) – Unanimously approved (4-0). - Determination of Schedule of Outstanding Committee Items – Accepted as amended, scheduling the Safe Oakland Streets Annual Informational Report (File ID 26-0861) to the September 22, 2026 committee meeting. Unanimous (4-0). - Municipal Facility Energy Assessments Professional Services Agreement – Awarded to KW Engineering, an Oakland-based firm, for $364,685, fully funded by a federal Department of Energy grant. Unanimously approved and forwarded to the July 21 City Council consent agenda (3-0, Councilmember Houston excused). - $750,000 Bay Area Air Quality Management District Grant for EV Charging Stations – Accepted and appropriated a reimbursement grant to install 15 two-port fast chargers (30 ports) at the city's maintenance service center, part of a larger $16 million fleet electrification project. Unanimously approved and forwarded to consent (3-0, Houston excused). - Broadway Streetscape Improvements Construction Contract – Awarded to McGuire and Hester for $20,881,650, the lowest responsive bidder, for safety and transit improvements on Broadway from 2nd to 11th Street and 20th to Grand Avenue. Unanimously approved and forwarded to consent (3-0, Gallo excused). - REAP 2.0 HIT Funds for West Oakland Universal Basic Mobility Pilot – Authorized a $400,000 purchase agreement with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to distribute 1,000 prepaid Clipper cards in West Oakland. Unanimously approved and forwarded to consent (3-0, Gallo excused). - City Response to 2025-2026 Alameda County Civil Grand Jury Report – Approved the council president's response to the grand jury's eight recommendations on illegal dumping. Unanimously approved and forwarded to consent (4-0). - Professional Services Contract Amendment with Alta Planning + Design for 7th Street Connection Project – Amended the contract by $747,288 (total $3,955,404) and extended the deadline to December 31, 2030. An urgency finding was approved (4-0) to avoid delays. The committee added two supplemental attachments. Forwarded to consent (4-0). Public Comments & Testimony - On Item 3 (AC Transit Fruitvale Avenue Agreement): Kevin Daly expressed strong support, suggesting synchronizing pedestrian crossing times on International Boulevard. Another speaker criticized the use of racial language in reports. - On Item 4 (Collision Repair Contracts): A speaker questioned the backlog of 25 vehicles (22 OPD) and the contracting process, noting that Pacific Collision, a qualified Oakland vendor in District 7, was not contacted. Councilmember Houston raised concerns about vendor outreach. - On Item 5 (Energy Assessments): A speaker noted that only one of the 20 facilities assessed is in District 7 and one in District 6, questioning equity in selection. - On Item 6 (EV Charging Grant): Kevin Daly supported the project, including electric street sweepers. A speaker raised concerns about electric vehicle reliability during emergencies (citing hurricane examples) and environmental costs of battery materials. - On Item 7 (Broadway Streetscape): Kevin Daly supported the project for reducing emissions. A speaker criticized the lack of assessments in underserved districts and questioned coordination with AC Transit service cuts. - On Item 8 (UBM Pilot): A speaker questioned how the city measures reduced driving, noting difficulties in attributing mode shifts. Kevin Daly supported the program. - On Item 9 (Grand Jury Response): No public comments. - On Item S10 (7th Street Connection): Kevin Daly supported the project. A speaker urged caution on surveillance camera use pending the city's surveillance technology policy. - Open Forum (9 speakers): Multiple street vendors, community advocates, and residents spoke about the city's aggressive enforcement of vending laws at Lake Merritt, alleging destruction of property without legal process, and calling for decriminalization per SB 946. Others raised concerns about illegal dumping, junk haulers, and the need for better data-sharing with the District Attorney. One speaker from PG&E noted the company's lobbying on SB 1218 related to illegal dumping. Discussion Items - Collision Repair Contracts (Item 4): The committee debated a staff recommendation to award $7 million in contracts to four vendors for light- and heavy-vehicle collision repair. Councilmember Houston objected that only one Oakland-based vendor (Quality Body & Fender) was included, and that Pacific Collision (District 7) was not contacted. He proposed a substitute motion to approve only the Oakland vendor ($1,050,000 for light vehicles) and defer the rest until after the summer break, citing the need to ensure fair outreach. Councilmember Gallo opposed the delay, arguing that vehicles (especially OPD) are urgently needed for service. Councilmember Wang expressed concerns about the lack of communication with local shops. The substitute motion passed 3-1 (Gallo no), with staff directed to report back on outreach and the deferred contracts in October. Key Outcomes - Collision repairs: Only Quality Body & Fender was awarded a contract ($1,050,000 for three years with two one-year options). The remaining six proposed contracts (totaling $5.95 million) were deferred until after the summer break, with a supplemental report on outreach to Oakland-based vendors. - Safe Oakland Streets report: Scheduled for the September 22, 2026 committee meeting. - All other items: Approved unanimously and forwarded to the July 21, 2026 City Council meeting, mostly on the consent calendar. - Meeting flow: The committee adjourned at 12:56 PM upon the arrival of Council President Jenkins (creating a quorum of the full council) and reconvened as a special full council meeting, then returned to finish the agenda as a committee. The meeting ended at 1:27 PM.

The city council convened on July 14, 2026, at 7:30 PM to address routine approvals, hear public testimony, and discuss several agenda items. The meeting included a consent calendar, public comments, and deliberation on key issues. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the previous meeting. - Approved routine financial reports and staff recommendations without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - [No public comments or testimony were recorded in the transcript] Discussion Items - Council members discussed budgetary allocations for the upcoming fiscal year, with emphasis on funding for infrastructure and community programs. Key Outcomes - The consent calendar was approved unanimously. - No further votes or directives were recorded from the discussion items.

The Oakland City Council Finance and Management Committee convened on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 9:31 AM in the City Council Chamber, 3rd Floor, with Chairperson Janani Ramachandran presiding. All four committee members (Councilmembers Brown, Unger, Wang, and Ramachandran) were present. The meeting addressed eight agenda items and included public comment on several topics. All votes were unanimous (4-0). The meeting adjourned at 11:29 AM. Consent Calendar - Approval of Draft Minutes (June 23, 2026) and Determination of Schedule of Outstanding Committee Items: Approved unanimously. - Technology Audit Grant (Item 3): Approved and forwarded to the July 21, 2026 City Council meeting on consent. The resolution accepts $202,500 from the Oakland Fund for an independent audit of the city's technology systems. Two public speakers commented; one suggested areas for the audit (e.g., 311 calls) and raised concerns about data centers. - One-Year Update to FY 2026-30 Oakland Roadmap (Item 4): Received and filed as an informational report. The Finance Director highlighted progress on 11 planks, including compliance with voter measures, pension cost containment, revenue collection improvements, and economic development (e.g., Costco in West Oakland, Coliseum site). Two public speakers commented on traffic safety settlements, democracy dollars, and Measure E. - Citywide Strategic Plan One-Year Update (Item 5): Received and forwarded to July 21 City Council on consent. Deputy City Administrator Davis and teams reported on five strategic priorities with 30 staff members. Progress included a procurement ordinance draft, improved cross-department coordination, internal newsletter development, and a budget alignment tool. Two public speakers emphasized data quality and communication failures. - Parking Operator Contract Extension (Item 6): Approved as amended (see Discussion Items) and forwarded to July 21 City Council on consent. - Reimbursement Resolution for General Obligation Bonds (Item 7): Approved and forwarded to July 21 City Council on consent. This resolution declares intent to reimburse expenditures related to Measure DD, KK, and U bonds, a formality for IRS compliance. One public speaker criticized use of Measure U funds for the Lincoln Park Rec Center. - Forensic Audit Services Agreement with Weaver & Tidwell LLP (Item 8): Approved and forwarded to July 21 City Council on consent, with requested supplemental information (see Discussion Items). One public speaker questioned whether the audit is truly forensic (i.e., for potential legal action). Public Comments & Testimony - Multiple speakers addressed items 3–8 and open forum. Common themes included lack of data integrity (homeless counts, sanctuary city metrics), concerns over parking revenue collection, criticism of using Rule 28 for urgent items, and immigration-related issues. - Specific points: Kevin Daly advocated for including traffic safety in the fiscal roadmap and improving parking garage data; Olabala criticized democracy dollars implementation and Measure E; Blair Beekman urged careful policy for ALPR readers in parking. - In open forum, one speaker focused on immigration impacts on the workforce. Discussion Items - Item 3 (Technology Audit): Director Erica Estrella presented the need for an independent audit to map all city systems and identify integration failures. Councilmembers expressed strong support and asked about timeline and scope. The committee noted the audit can be expanded to include enforcement systems. - Item 4 (Oakland Roadmap): Finance Director Brad Johnson summarized progress on 11 planks including compliance with voter measures, pension cost containment, and revenue collection. Councilmember Wong requested more detail on performance metrics and the timeline for presenting the contractor accountability plank. Chairperson Ramachandran suggested a public-facing infographic of the 11 planks. - Item 5 (Strategic Plan): Deputy City Administrator Monica Davis and five team leads reported on year-one progress. Teams addressed streamlining operations (contracting, payroll), cross-department collaboration (housing, emergency preparedness), enhanced communication (internal newsletter, branding), workforce management (HR coordination, equity indicators), and budget alignment (evaluation criteria tool piloted). Councilmembers questioned roadblocks (especially with HR) and emphasized retention and middle management engagement. - Item 6 (Parking Contract Extension): Assistant Revenue Administrator Jose Taguda requested a 2-year extension (plus 1-year month-to-month) to avoid service gaps while developing an RFP. Chairperson Ramachandran, Councilmembers Brown and Wong expressed strong dissatisfaction with current revenue collection (garages are not profitable), lack of data on garage performance, and the urgency (contract expires July 31). Director Johnson acknowledged problems and agreed to explore alternatives. After public comment, the committee amended the motion to extend only through the end of 2026 (approximately 5.5 months) and requested a supplemental report listing all parking facilities and garage-by-garage data. The amendment passed unanimously. - Item 7 (Bond Reimbursement): No discussion from council; brief staff presentation. - Item 8 (Forensic Audit): Aide Rose Rubel presented the recommendation to hire Weaver & Tidwell LLP ($490,000) for a one-year term (extendable one year) to audit capital projects and human services contracts from FY 2022-2025. Councilmembers asked about small local business compliance, subcontractor names, findings from other cities, and expected process improvements. Staff committed to providing these details in a supplemental report. The committee approved the item with those requests. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval (4-0) for all agenda items, with modifications noted below. - Items 3, 5, 7, 8 forwarded to July 21, 2026 City Council on consent, with supplemental information requested for Item 8. - Item 6 (Parking Contract): Amended to an extension only through end of 2026 (instead of two years), staff to provide list of all city parking facilities and garage-by-garage data in a supplemental report for the July 21 council meeting. - Item 4 received and filed as informational; staff to consider a public-facing dashboard of the fiscal roadmap. - No items were continued or rejected. - Next steps: Committee will not meet again until September 2026.

The Oakland City Council Public Safety Committee met on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 6:02 PM in City Hall, chaired by Councilmember Charlene Wang. The committee considered nine agenda items, including surveillance technology annual reports, a helicopter maintenance contract, violence prevention data systems, and multiple intergovernmental agreements. Councilmember Carroll Fife arrived at 7:17 PM. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM. All action items were forwarded to the July 21, 2026 City Council meeting, mostly on consent. Consent Calendar - Item 1 – Approval of Draft Minutes (June 23, 2026): Approved 3-0 (Fife excused). - Item 2 – Determination of Schedule of Outstanding Committee Items: Approved 3-0 (Fife excused) after two public speakers (Jesse Rosemore and Blair Beekman) commented on pending items. - Item 3 – Operational Area Agreement with Alameda County (through 2035): Approved 3-0 (Fife later present but vote taken before arrival? Minutes show 3-0; later items include Fife). Staff from Oakland Fire Department presented; there is no cost to the city. The agreement covers disaster coordination under SEMS. Three public speakers commented on concerns about Alameda County Sheriff's role. Forwarded to July 21 council on consent. - Item 4 – Apricot 2026 Annual Report & Amended Use Policy (Department of Violence Prevention): Approved 4-0 (Fife present). Staff presented the cloud-based system used for tracking service delivery. One amendment: changing language on personally identifiable information (PII) for gender-based violence services from "not entered" to "not required", allowing opt-in. Three public speakers spoke; Jesse Rosemore contrasted DVP's report favorably with OPD's. Forwarded on consent. - Item 5 – Contract with Bright Research Group for Training and Capacity Building ($513,000): Approved 4-0. Staff explained the RFQ process; Bright Research Group is a woman-of-color-owned Oakland firm. Three public speakers commented. Forwarded on consent. - Item 6 – OPD FY2025 Edward Byrne Memorial JAG Grant ($324,324): Approved 4-0. Funds for training, technology, helicopter/marine maintenance. Councilmember Fife noted interest in alternative uses (rape kit processing, clearing waterways). Four public speakers commented. Forwarded on consent. - Item 7 – OPD RSI Helicopter Maintenance Contract ($1.7M base, up to $3.4M with extension): Approved 4-0. Staff provided details on the 1990 and 1993 helicopters. Discussion included fixed-wing aircraft alternatives (cost $5M vs $6M for new helicopter, annual maintenance one-third). Councilmember Brown flagged a past wrongful death lawsuit against RSI. Four public speakers opposed. Forwarded on consent. - Item 9 – MOU with CHP for Electronic Vehicle Accident Reports: Approved 4-0. No cost; will save labor hours by replacing physical mailing. Three public speakers commented. Forwarded on consent. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 8 (Surveillance Technology Annual Reports): Sixteen public speakers registered; many spoke against Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs), Flock cameras, and surveillance expansion. Key positions: Jesse Rosemore urged rescheduling civilianization of sworn positions; Blair Beekman asked for more public discussion on tech choices; Daniel Hoffman suggested a 1/4-mile operating radius for drones; Cherry Bow criticized removal of ALPR at the last minute and alleged privacy violations; Aaron Fenias noted Flock's sharing of data with ICE; Angela Maddox raised concerns about data security and liability; Bria Woodland and others expressed distrust due to lack of accountability. Several speakers cited a 0.17% utilization rate for hot list alerts. - Item 3: Three speakers – Jesse Rosemore criticized reliance on Alameda County Sheriff (citing Flock transparency issues); Asada Olabala raised concerns about evacuation procedures for school children; Blair Beekman urged use of state Office of Emergency Services. - Item 4: Three speakers – Jesse Rosemore commended DVP's report quality but questioned service vs. referral numbers; Asada Olabala asked for trauma recovery metrics; Blair Beekman linked to International Boulevard work. - Item 5: Three speakers – Jesse Rosemore praised DVP's competitive RFQ process vs. OPD's sole-source tendency; Asada Olabala criticized lack of male leadership in DVP; Blair Beekman hoped for ICE-prevention benefits. - Item 6: Four speakers – Jesse Rosemore and Asada Olabala argued JAG funds should be used for prevention, drug treatment, etc., not police equipment; Blair Beekman thanked for office equipment use. - Item 7: Four speakers – Jesse Rosemore noted OPD's report admits helicopters used for surveillance of protesters; Airis Don cited research showing public income programs reduce crime 51%; speaker called helicopter funding "fun to drive" waste. - Item 9: Three speakers – Jesse Rosemore linked to overtime fraud; Asada Olabala questioned data stripping for privacy; Blair Beekman connected to Flock contract status. - Open Forum: Eight speakers addressed street vendor enforcement, gun violence on 85th Avenue, flock opposition, and tsunami preparedness. Discussion Items - Item 8 – OPD Surveillance Technology 2025 Annual Reports (original agenda item, moved to third): The committee debated eight technologies. OPD Deputy Chief Dazikiros requested removal of ALPR (sub-item A) because policy changes were not included in the resolution; the item will be rescheduled after legislative recess. He noted 131 drone deployments in 2025, 738 Cellebrite extractions (95% success rate vs. competitors 3% and 62%), 86 pen register installations, and migration from CrimeTracer to Peregrine. Councilmember Brown asked about drone training and battery life; Councilmember Houston highlighted life-saving uses (school shooting threat). Councilmember Wang confirmed ShotSpotter is not part of this report set. After public comment, Councilmember Houston moved to approve as amended (striking ALPR section and Attachment E). Motion carried 3-0 (Fife absent). Forwarded to July 21 council on consent. - Item 3 – Operational Area Agreement: Staff clarified this is for emergency planning/response, not mutual aid for police/fire. Quarterly meetings, monthly check-ins, and about a dozen training opportunities annually. Councilmember Wang asked about siren system; staff confirmed monthly tests and only two sirens in maintenance. Approved. - Item 7 – Helicopter Maintenance: Detailed discussion on replacing aging helicopters with a fixed-wing aircraft (cost $5M vs $6M, annual maintenance one-third). Staff acknowledged fixed-wing would pay for itself in 15 years. Councilmember Fife urged prioritization; Councilmember Houston asked about life-saving rescues; Councilmember Brown raised RSI's past lawsuit. Approved 4-0. Key Outcomes - Item 8 (Surveillance Tech): ALPR annual report removed from resolution; remaining technologies accepted and continued use approved. Forwarded to July 21 council on consent. - All other action items (1-7, 9): Approved by committee (3-0 or 4-0) and forwarded to the July 21, 2026 City Council meeting, mostly on the consent calendar. - Next Steps: OPD will present the ALPR annual report with amended policy after the legislative recess (fall 2026). The committee directed staff to schedule Councilmember Fife's civilianization item (longest on pending list) for discussion. - Open Forum: Street vendor enforcement concerns were raised; no formal action taken.