Oakland – Through the continuous advocacy of East Oakland residents, yesterday afternoon, the Council unanimously voted to adopt additional budget amendments. In an initial 6-2 split on June 24, East Oakland Councilmembers Treva Reid (District 7) and Loren Taylor (District 6) voted against a budget that would deliver millions less to their districts than the more affluent areas in the city. Following that decision, Council recognized the gap between the adopted budget and their stated commitment to equity, which resulted in yesterday’s additional amendments. Councilmember Reid appreciates the collaborative effort between Councilmembers Taylor & Thao, Council President Bas and Vice Mayor Kaplan to advance more of the priorities East Oakland uplifted earlier this year.
Adhering to community members’ call for greater resources to address gun violence, unemployment, traffic safety, and other socioeconomic issues that disproportionately impact East Oakland residents, yesterday the Council approved the following:
- Traffic calming and sideshow deterrence support
- Security cameras to support business corridors
- Increased investments for a targeted traffic safety and violence prevention program
- Neighborhood beautification and mural funds
- Funding to expedite 911 response times
- Workforce development, career placement, and business services
When reflecting upon yesterday’s vote Councilmember Reid noted, “Our community understood why I could not in good faith vote for the initial budget passed by my colleagues. As a representative and member of one of the most impacted areas in the city, I hope that the Council will continue to stand with my neighbors and I as we progress toward securing an equitable amount of resources and public safety response for East Oakland!”