Join the May 26, 2021, Council Budget Meeting & Sharing the Fruits of Our Previous Budget Wins!

Hello Neighbor,

Tomorrow, May 26th at 9:30 a.m, the Council will hold a Special City Council Meeting to discuss Mayor Schaaf’s proposed FY 2021-23 biennial city budget. Please join this important meeting to make your funding priorities heard. You can speak at the beginning of the meeting during public comment or submit an eComment.

I will continue to advocate for funding to support our community and small business recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Just last month, I was able to advocate and restore many important city services that the Mayor and the City Administrator had cut, with additional funding I found through my role as a board member of the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Authority Board.

We must continue to demand for a budget that truly supports all of your community!

In this newsletter you will find:

• The implementation of our budget wins - $10million litigation money
• Community Resources

Rebecca Kaplan

The Implementation of our $10 million Litigation BUDGET WINS!

On April 12, 2021, the Oakland City Council unanimously passed my resolution to allocate the $10 million from the Coliseum's litigation (news link), to provide a just and healthy recovery for the Oakland community by restoring vital community resources and programs. One of the many programs now funded is fire prevention goats! Yes, goats, not only are they cute but they are helping to clear dry vegetation. This is extremely effective in preventing wildfires from spreading.

Be sure to check out this video on our social media channels where I talk about the goats and fire prevention! Also, please help share this video. Goats video on Facebook. On Instagram. On Twitter.

Highlights of what is now to be restored and funded with the new OACCA $10 million:

-Fully restoring Oakland’s Fire Department Services.

-Community Safety Ambassadors in Chinatown, Eastlake, East Oakland, West Oakland, Fruitvale and other business districts.

-Reducing blight and illegal dumping by restoring positions that help stop litter and trash.

-Under the direction to Oakland’s Homeless Administrator, funding to house homeless in hotels and provide clean up services

-Restore Operation Ceasefire.

-Restore walking foot patrol officers.

-Expand ShotSpotter to parts of East Oakland currently not covered.

-Reopen recreation centers & closed swimming pools.

-Help close the gap in funds for the Violence Prevention Funding plan, this plan includes programs for youth job training.

-COVID-19 Vaccination Community Engagement: Fund grants to community-based organizations for work in Oakland underserved communities to provide information and access to COVID testing and vaccination.

-Unfreeze Crime Investigation Positions: these positions include the civilian Evidence Technicians and related positions that help solve crime and improve community safety.

-Traffic Safety: Improve responsiveness to needs regarding traffic calming, such as speed bumps and other streetscape improvements that can help reduce speeding, prevent accidents, and protect the public.

These funding wins were in collaboration with all our community advocates. It is important that we continue to advocate for these and many more vital community services in this upcoming FY 2021-23 Biennial City Budget!

Councilmember’s Budget Town Halls

Per the Oakland Charter, the Mayor proposes her budget, and the Council President proposes amendments in collaboration with her Budget Team. On June 17, 2021, she will present her budget amendments. At that point in the process, all council members may offer amendments.

During the last few weeks Councilmembers will (or have held) their district’s Budget Town Halls to listen to the community’s funding priorities for Fiscal Year 2021- 23. My staff and I will attend all the Budget Town Halls to listen to your priorities.

If you are unsure who is your council member, you can input your address to the interactive map on the website, it will generate your council member and their contact information: https://www.oaklandca.gov/services/look-up-your-city-council-district-and-representative

Remaining Budget Town Halls:

See the Spreadsheet analysis I created of the Mayor’s proposed Budget By Department:

Community Resources: Bulky Pickup is Back!

In April the City Council funded an increased staffing for OPW’s Garbage Blitz Crews, who perform proactive dumping pickup service at known illegal dumping hot spots and corridors.

Residents who take advantage of the Bulky Block Party events will be welcomed with a smile and information about the Bulky Pickup service, and assisted in unloading their items for disposal.

Terms:

• The Bulky Block Party is open to Oakland residents only – proof of residency such as a household bill will be required (no businesses please).
• Curbside Bulky Pickup service is provided by Waste Management of Alameda County as a part of the City of Oakland’s Zero Waste program. Information about curbside Bulky Pickup service is online at www.oaklandrecycles.com/bulky-pickup-services. Homeowners and property managers may contact Waste Management directly to schedule a bulky pickup by calling (510) 613-8710.
• Renters are entitled to one bulky pickup per living unit per year. To access the service, renters can ask their property managers to schedule a pickup. Property managers are required by law to provide access to Bulky Pickup service to tenants. Property managers may also sign a waiver allowing their tenants to schedule pickups directly with Waste Management.

Lastly, don’t forget to check out and share our video about goats and fire prevention (video on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)! And, just because they are so cute.. here is a photo of the goats!