FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 2, 2024
Mayor Thao Applauds City Council’s Adoption of Proposed Midcycle Budget,
Prioritizing A Clean and Safe City, Economic Development and Community Services
Oakland –Mayor Sheng Thao applauds the City Council’s vote to adopt her proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2025 Midcycle Budget Adjustment, a fiscally responsible budget that prioritizes public safety and other essential services. This budget will help maintain the progress we have made reducing crime, cleaning our streets, and promoting economic development.
“The City has just adopted a budget that invests in the future of Oakland,” said Mayor Thao. “We must remain disciplined and address our deficit responsibly while maintaining our focus on the issues that matter most to Oaklanders, public safety and clean streets. This budget achieves that goal. I am grateful to everyone in our City government who participated in developing the solutions reflected in this budget and to the City Council for voting in the best interest of the city and people we serve.”
Despite an extremely difficult budget season with a projected shortfall of $117M in this fiscal year and $175M next year, Mayor Thao’s administration was able to work collaboratively with City employees, labor partners, business community, and government partners to close this year’s budget deficit, demonstrating a shared commitment to Oakland's financial stability.
Among the budget highlights:
- A Clean and Safe City: After years of rising crime rates, crime has decreased by more than 30% compared to last year and is down 17% compared to the last three years. Mayor Thao’s adopted budget maintains this progress.
- Ceasefire Strategy: The midcycle budget fully funds the Ceasefire strategy, which has been instrumental in reducing violent crime by focusing resources on the individuals most at risk. Since Oakland restored the Ceasefire Strategy, violent crime and overall crime have decreased.
- Crime Reduction Teams (CRT): CRTs are special operations teams that have been effective at helping Area Police Captains address emerging law enforcement issues. Funding for CRTs has been increased in this budget.
- 9-1-1: Recent investments have fully staffed the 9-1-1 dispatch and improved response times. There are no reductions to 9-1-1 and it remains fully staffed in the midcycle budget.
- Fire Stations: The midyear budget adjustment maintains staffing and apparatus for all fire stations.
- Oakland Fresh Pilot Program: This program, which provides coordinated enhanced services, including illegal dumping removal, abandoned auto removal, fixing all the street signs, and repainting curbs and crosswalks in priority neighborhoods, will continue.
- Economic Development
- Film Attraction Initiative: Recognizing the economic benefits of film production, the budget funds this initiative to stimulate local revenue and job creation.
- Cultural Arts Grants: Oakland is the heart of art and culture in the Bay Area. Oakland's current Cultural Arts Funding grantees will be funded for the fiscal year.
- Community Services
- Senior, Family, Youth, and Animal Services: Funding for all senior centers, animal shelters, and recreation programs will be maintained. Oakland Unified School District will receive additional support for after-school programs.
In addition, the expected proceeds from the African American Sports and Entertainment Group's investment in East Oakland helped the City avoid eliminating filled positions and severe service reductions.
“My office is grateful for the close partnership of every part of the City government in developing the solutions reflected in this midcycle budget adjustment,” said Mayor Thao. “Through collaboration, we prioritized essential services that promote a safe and clean city while investing in economic development opportunities.”