Oakland’s mayor has faced one nightmare after another, from a devastating hacker attack to a shocking FBI raid. How did Thao become the most embattled mayor in Oakland history?
Tag: Oakland Budget 2023-2025
Posted inCity Hall
Oakland passes budget, but big cuts are still on the table
The City Council’s plan depends on the successful sale of the Coliseum. $63 million in cuts will be needed if the deal doesn’t materialize by September.
Posted inCity Hall
Oakland’s big budget crisis: what you need to know
There’s plenty that could distract city leaders—FBI raids, a mass shooting, complex business deals—but they must pass a budget in the next several days.
Posted inCity Hall
After FBI raids, Oakland City Council kills plan to strengthen government watchdog
Five councilmembers rejected a ballot measure that would have improved the city’s ethics commission, which is currently investigating cases involving current and former lawmakers.
Posted inRoad Safety
Oakland will increase parking meter prices to help with city’s financial problems
A plan to increase meter fares by $1 would mean parking will soon cost $3 an hour. Here’s when it’ll go into effect.
Posted inCity Hall
What is getting cut in Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao’s proposed budget?
Thao’s proposal avoids layoffs but several councilmembers seem reluctant to greenlight any cuts to police and fire. Other departments are also taking big hits.
Posted inCity Hall
Oakland must fix structural deficit, says Mayor Sheng Thao
Thao promises to avoid public safety cuts with her “safe and clean” budget. But dire economic conditions could require major adjustments in the future.
Posted inCity Hall
Oakland has a big plan to balance its budget: sell the Coliseum
The city is negotiating with a Black-led investor group to offload its half-stake in the Coliseum for at least $105 million.
Posted inCity Hall
Oakland hasn’t collected millions in business taxes–why?
Facing a budget deficit, potential layoffs, and service cuts, city leaders and unions want the Finance Department to explain why revenue has gone uncollected.
Posted inCity Hall
Oakland is bracing for yet another budget deficit
The city anticipates a $177 million shortfall for the end of this fiscal year in June. Officials are planning next steps, but service cuts are likely.
Posted inHealth & Environment
Oakland’s $7M in soda tax money isn’t being spent wisely, board says
The Measure HH advisory board wants 60% of the sugary drink tax to go to community groups, but the mayor and council are using most of the money for city-run programs.
Posted inCity Hall
What violence prevention in Oakland looks like
The city is cutting the Department of Violence Prevention’s budget by $4.4 million to help address a historic deficit. We followed a violence interrupter to see what could be lost.
Posted inCity Hall
Oakland City Hall in conversation: Nikki Fortunato Bas
The Council President talks budget highlights, protecting Oakland workers, funding violence prevention, and department mergers.
Posted inCity Hall
Public outcry results in smallest possible raise for Oakland mayor
City Council approved a $13,000 salary increase and proposed changes to the city’s constitution.
Posted inCity Hall
What’s the real deal with the Oakland mayor’s $75,000 pay raise?
A public opinion firestorm erupted over a proposal to give Mayor Sheng Thao a salary bump. We explain what’s going on.
Posted inCity Hall
In one of its first big fights, Oakland’s City Council narrowly balances $4.2 billion budget
In a show of dissent, three councilmembers refused to approve Mayor Thao’s plan to merge several departments.
Posted inCity Hall
Oakland’s innovative anti-violence program funded through summer, but what then?
Department of Violence Prevention contractors protested against budget cuts. The City Council has yet to decide on a final spending plan.
Posted inCity Hall
Oakland City Council could take sting out of budget cuts
Council President Nikki Fortunato Bas released her edits to Mayor Sheng Thao’s proposed $4.2 billion budget, including more funds for fire trucks and the Department of Violence Prevention.
Posted inCity Hall
Oakland Fire Department won’t lose an engine thanks to a federal grant
In his final weeks on the job, OFD’s outgoing chief helped land $27.4 million and avoid cuts in the next city budget.
Posted inCity Hall
Have questions or concerns about Oakland’s budget? Don’t miss this meeting
Oakland City Council holds its first major meeting on the budget this afternoon to discuss Mayor Sheng Thao’s $4.2 billion plan.
