OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES THAO, BAS, FIFE, AND KALB’S PROGRESSIVE BUSINESS TAX BALLOT MEASURE FOR THE NOVEMBER ELECTION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 26th, 2022
Press Contact:
Brandon Harami, Policy Director
bharami@Oaklanca.gov
Oakland, California - In a historic display of collaboration between labor, large and small businesses, community, residents and policymakers, the Oakland City Council unanimously approved a Progressive Business Tax ballot measure for the November election. This measure was years in the making, and this historic deal was struck under the guidance of its authors Council President Pro Tempore Sheng Thao and her colleagues President Nikki Fortunato Bas, and Councilmembers Carroll Fife and Dan Kalb. Council President Pro Tempore led the effort to get the different groups together to form a compromise with Oakland as the “North Star”.
“When we have multiple measures on the ballot aiming to raise revenue we risk confusing the voters and creating unnecessary discourse. This is why I worked with President Bas, business leaders, labor leaders and community leaders to strike this deal, which lowers taxes on small businesses, increases taxes on large corporations, and helps the City of Oakland provide essential services,” explained Council President Pro Tempore Sheng Thao, “I am incredibly grateful and encouraged that we were able to work together, find common ground, and put the people and the City of Oakland first. This is a win for all sides and will help us generate much-needed revenue. Let this be a powerful example of how the city CAN and SHOULD move forward.”
This new measure would raise close to $22 million a year for the City of Oakland, helping the city increase investments into public safety, fighting illegal dumping, building safer streets, and ensuring every Oaklander has a roof over their head.
“Today we came together and decided to put Oakland first, put our small businesses first, and put the needs of our neighborhoods and residents first. I want us to bring this same spirit of unity to addressing other issues in Oakland such as homelessness and public safety. I believe we can do it and I believe this is a big step in that direction.”
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