Oakland City Council Archives

10 men and women stand in front of a fire engine during a press conference. Mayor Sheng Thao stands before a lectern in a purple suit, smiling.

City Hall & Policing

Oakland Fire Department won’t lose an engine thanks to a federal grant

by Eli Wolfe June 8, 2023June 8, 2023

In his final weeks on the job, OFD’s outgoing chief helped land $27.4 million and avoid cuts in the next city budget.

A group of people, most wearing green shirts and face masks, raise their hands and cheer in the Oakland City Council chambers. Several carry signs that say "Aye."

City Hall & Policing

Oakland billboard fight: Nonprofits will get millions and free advertising, but Clear Channel is pushing back

by Eli Wolfe June 7, 2023June 7, 2023

Clear Channel Outdoor alleges the process for awarding a $73 million deal with Becker Boards and Outfront Foster Interstate was “tainted.”

Several apartment buildings of different styles on a hill, against a bright blue sky.

Housing & Homelessness

Under a new Oakland law, there could be fewer ‘trivial’ evictions

by Natalie Orenstein June 7, 2023June 7, 2023

Landlords trying to evict over a lease violation will have to prove that it caused them “substantial actual injury.”

A woman in a blue suit and tan blouse stands with her arms folded, smiling. She is in the middle of a concrete footpath that curves to the left out of view behind her. On her left are pale green shrubs, and to the right are darker green plants sporting long stems with magenta flowers. Grass and trees sprawl across a hill in the background.

City Hall & Policing

Oakland City Council in conversation: Janani Ramachandran talks District 4

by Eli Wolfe June 1, 2023June 1, 2023

The first-term councilmember said she wants to restore trust in City Hall, rejuvenate business corridors, and make roads safer.

City Hall & Policing

Have questions or concerns about Oakland’s budget? Don’t miss this meeting

by Eli Wolfe May 30, 2023May 29, 2023

Oakland City Council holds its first major meeting on the budget this afternoon to discuss Mayor Sheng Thao’s $4.2 billion plan.

Road Safety

Report: Oakland traffic collisions are a ‘public safety epidemic’

by Jose Fermoso May 25, 2023May 26, 2023

The city described its efforts to stop traffic violence in a sweeping report this week.

A group of people in green shirts waving Monopoly boardgames in a white room with a vaunted ceiling. In the foreground are chairs and a desk.

City Hall & Policing

Fierce competition among billboard firms boils over at Oakland council meeting

by Eli Wolfe May 24, 2023May 25, 2023

Accusations of monopoly and deceit flew at a council committee meeting where a $68 million plan for new billboards across Oakland was approved.

A black and white painting Tupac Shakur's head above the neck, wearing a bandana, on a wooden fence. There are green paint streaks in the background. To Shakur's left is a partially-obscured painted face; to his right, a partially obscured painting of the front of a BART train.

City Hall & Policing

Oakland is renaming a street after Tupac Shakur

by Eli Wolfe May 15, 2023May 15, 2023

The West Coast rap legend known for “Keep Ya Head Up” and “Dear Mama” will get a section of MacArthur Boulevard named after him.

Seven men and women wearing masks are seated behind a long curved dais in a government hearing room, as seen from the perspective of someone sitting in the audience. In the the background is a large projector screen showing a man wearing a mask in a red jacket, checkered shirt, and bowtie. In the foreground is a table with papers, a box and a microphone, as well as two chairs. The tops of several people's heads are visible.

City Hall & Policing

Oakland ethics commission reckons with “devastating” budget proposal

by Eli Wolfe May 11, 2023May 11, 2023

Oakland’s ethics watchdog might scale back the “Democracy Dollars” initiative while its enforcement program stagnates.

A police officer in uniform exits his patrol vehicle to prepare to tow a car that was stopped for allegedly taking part in a sideshow. A group of young people talk with a plainclothes officer near the car.

City Hall & Policing

New rules for Oakland sideshows could mean jail time and fines for promoters

by Eli Wolfe May 10, 2023May 10, 2023

Oakland’s Public Safety Committee also discussed replacing OPD’s helicopters with a new surveillance airplane.

Several cars drive north on Bancroft Avenue in Oakland, from the perspective of the road median.

Road Safety

Thao’s budget would give road safety a small boost

by Jose Fermoso May 5, 2023May 5, 2023

OakDOT’s budget takes a slight cut, but investments in traffic safety programs grow.

Oakland Fire Chief Reginald Freeman wearing a navy blue uniform and white cap speaks in front of microphones at an event against a backdrop of pictures.

City Hall & Policing

Oakland mayor starts search for new fire chief

by Eli Wolfe May 4, 2023May 4, 2023

Oakland Fire Chief Reginald Freeman’s surprise resignation is the latest turnover atop critical city departments.

Kevin Jenkins in a gray suit raising his right hand at a swearing-in ceremony.

City Hall & Policing

Oakland City Council in conversation: Kevin Jenkins talks District 6

by Eli Wolfe April 28, 2023April 28, 2023

Jenkins, who took the seat after Loren Taylor, is excited about economic development opportunities from the Coliseum site to small businesses. But gun violence and traffic safety are big concerns.

Road Safety

Traffic safety advocates deliver Oakland budget petition to City Council

by Jose Fermoso April 19, 2023April 19, 2023

Bike and pedestrian activists want the council to increase spending on road infrastructure by $20 million, taking this funding out of the police budget.