2024 Legislation By District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife

In July, Councilmember CarrollFife, along with the Economic and Workforce Development Department,  introduced legislation to incentivize the development of a local film industry. The program is designed to lead to just economic development and create new municipal revenue, while supporting small businesses and workers.

The rebate program will give film productions a 10% reimbursement on any items or services they purchase or rent in Oakland, as well as on the wages of Oakland residents who are hired by them, so long as the film production provides Oakland residents with film skills and training. There will also be an additional 2.5% rebate if productions spend on worker-owned cooperatives, if they hire Oakland residents living in our five highest unemployment zip codes, or if they spend on businesses in those same high unemployment zip codes.

These incentives are commitments to just economic development. They will encourage supporting our less resourced communities, by directly addressing employment disparities and requiring professional training and development. In addition, cooperative practice has a long history of creating economic prosperity for the disenfranchised. Coops are owned and democratically governed by their members, provide wages and benefits above industry average, develop leadership and management skills, and build collective wealth for low to moderate income community members.

Read more about the initiative in the Councilmember’s own words here and read the legislation here.

In July, Councilmember Fife introduced legislation committing Oakland's support of the Justice For Renters Act, a state-level piece of legislation that will appear on the November 2024 election ballot. If approved, the Act will clear the way for local governments and communities to create local rent control laws and make housing more affordable for low-income and middle-income renters. It will do this by repealing Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act.

Read more about the significance of the Justice For Renters Act in the Councilmember’s own words here and read the legislation here.

In July, the pilot program Councilmember Fife began moving forward in 2023 was approved. The program will expedite the implementation of pilot traffic calming measures in high-injury network corridors and near schools, with the goal of enhancing road safety for vulnerable populations. It will enable interim responses for rapid deployment of quick-build traffic calming and enable community-based organizations and institutions to meaningfully drive proactive road safety efforts.

The proposal researched community-based networks across the nation, such as the Better Bus Coalition in Ohio, MARTA Army in Atlanta, and TURBO in Nashville, who work collaboratively with transit and city planning departments to create substantial, positive impacts. These collaborative efforts are driving positive change in urban areas, ultimately making them safer and more vibrant for residents and visitors alike.

Currently, with over $400 million Department of Public Works backlog for road maintenance, a high volume of traffic calming requests through the 311 webpage, and short staff within the Oakland Department of Transportation, the city cannot respond to all traffic calming requests in a timely manner. Residents within High Injury Networks are vulnerable to road-based traffic violence, many of which pose serious or fatal. This program will enable temporary measures until the Oakland Department of Transportation can make permanent repairs. Applicants granted quick build permits will do so in direct collaboration with the Oakland Department of Transportation (OakDOT) and Public Works. 

The pilot program authorizes the City Administrator to publish standard plans, including recommended dimensions, materials, and traffic control plans by April 2025, and by July 2025, begin accepting and processing permit applications for a community-led traffic safety program, allowing businesses, schools, and community groups to apply for permits to install temporary traffic safety projects on city streets located in areas of the city identified as falling within the High Injury Network and or serving low income residents and vulnerable populations.

Read the legislation here.

In July, Councilmember Carroll Fife co-sponsored  an ordinance requiring operators of residential properties with elevators to maintain elevators in an operable condition.

People with ambulatory and other mobility-related disabilities frequently rely on elevators to access multi-floor buildings. Access to a safe and functional elevator is often a determining factor when persons with mobility disabilities choose their homes. In residential buildings that contain elevators, regular elevator maintenance and expeditious repair of malfunctions are necessary to ensure that persons with mobility disabilities have continued access to their homes. The ordinance seeks to help ensure safe and continued access to housing for many residents with disabilities and sets out guidelines and requirements

This legislation was developed in partnership with the City Attorney’s Office, the Planning and Building Department, the Rent Adjustment Program, and the Mayor’s Commission on Persons with Disabilities. The City Attorney’s Office has also consulted with Cal/OSHA’s Elevator Unit, the state Civil Rights Department, and other attorneys specializing in disability rights. 

Read the legislation here.

In May, Councilmember Carroll Fife introduced legislation to honor Stacey Park Milbern for her lifetime of advocacy and organizing efforts to advance disability justice and her indelible impact on creating a more equitable Oakland.

Stacey lived many lifetimes worth of advocacy work and brought dozens of disabled people and allies into the movement, directly impacting the Oakland community she was a part of. All of the work that she began and led- Disability Justice Culture Club, care rationing, COVID mutual aid- continues today.

Read more about Stacey and the legislation here.

In May, Councilmember Carroll Fife co-introduced legislation to honor Alan Dwayne Blueford who on May 6, 2012, when he was just an 18-year-old high school senior, was shot and killed by a former Oakland police officer.

Following the tragic loss of their son, Jeralynn and Adam Blueford, created The Alan Blueford Foundation (Foundation) with a mission to serve as an accessible community resource that provides a comprehensive spectrum of social services to families in need. The foundation is dedicated to promoting the human rights of persons with mental health disorders and to reduce stigma and discrimination, and works to change the major structural and other barriers to achieve positive mental health outcomes through supporting services and advocacy to local leaders to prioritize mental health, providing non-clinical counseling and support groups, share resources and outreach information to assist with mental health care.

The resolution declared May 6th as "Alan Blueford Day" in the City of Oakland to honor and recognize the life of Alan Blueford and recognize The Alan Blueford Foundation for 12 years of dedicated work to address the challenges around mental health issues and their commitment to expanding access to care.

Read more about Alan, the foundation and the legislation here.

In April, Councilmember Carroll Fife co-introduced legislation that authorized yearly lease agreement options for the Pioneer League’s Oakland Ballers at Raimondi Park and for them to make $1.6 million dollars of improvements to the field.

Raimondi Park holds a special place in history, and in the hearts of West Oakland residents, and the Ballers presence in Raimondi Park is intended to further instill the park as a central hub for community gatherings, outdoor activities, and family-friendly events. As part of playing their games at the park, the Ballers will also be stewarding the park through investing in new enhancements. Their stewardship of the park is intended to not only contribute to the park's usefulness and dynamic atmosphere, but also deepen Oakland’s sense of community pride and unity. 

Legislation in the same month also authorized the Oakland Ballers to remove contaminated soil on City-owned property adjacent to Raimondi Park, so they may use the site for game day parking.

Read the legislation here.

In April, Councilmember Fie introduced legislation that authorized the City Administrator to coordinate with CalTrans in order for a mural to be painted on Market Street below the Interstate 580 freeway. This followed the City of Oakland Public Art Advisory Committee recommendation in March that the City Council accept the proposal by ArtEsteem for the “Oakland Super Heroes Mural No. 5” in that location.

Read the legislation here.

In March, in order to define a broader planning and investment approach to realize the intent of the Black Arts Movement and Business District (BAMBD), Councilmember Fife requested an informational report on key approaches and methods:

(1) an accounting of available City funds to (a) implement a series of public streetscape upgrades along Oakland's 14th Street corridor to uplift the BAMBD; (b) support arts and cultural institutions in the BAMBD, including cornerstone legacy African American institutions; and (c) create a BAMBD Business Improvement District (BID) for ongoing revenue generation for tenant support, facade improvement, place-making, space activation, accessibility, and safety improvements within the BAMBD, which the report shall include the following:

1. A proposal with a map, developed in collaboration with the District 3 Office, that clearly delineates the boundaries of the BAMBD and the institutions that are or should be within the proposed boundaries;

2. Recommendations on coordinating with representatives from the BAMBD, to adopt policies and plans to further strengthen the BAMBD and ensure long-term vitality and support for arts and cultural institutions and activities in the District;

3. A proposal to expend available funds designated for the BAMBD and to secure additional resources to help facilitate the formation of a managing entity for the BAMBD and to help initiate the creation of a BID as a financing tool to sustain the BAMBD in the long-termand start the process of implementing infrastructural improvements, beautification, direct business support, series of public streetscape improvements, including public banners and signage that identifies the District and other improvements to the BAMBD, consistent with the intent of this Resolution;

4. A proposal to start the process of creating and installing branded logos, plaques, signage and other materials to clearly designate the BAMBD and the develop, foster, and promote businesses, events, and activities within the District through traditional and social media sources; and

5. Recommendations on economic workforce and business development strategies for the BAMBD, including programs to support legacy businesses with increasing their revenue generating capacity, incubation of new businesses and arts and cultural institutions, and a marketing plan.

(2) The report also requested recommendations for the adoption of legislation that would establish a Black Arts Movement Special (“S”) Zoning District or similar zoning control, as well as additional actions that would address the development, construction, and preservation issues identified in this Resolution, which the report shall include the following:

1. A recommendation on geographic boundaries for the Black Arts Movement Special Zoning District;

2. A proposal for community engagement with BAMBD businesses and residents;

3. A timeline for adoption that incorporates necessary public hearings and notice requirements;

4. A review of the 2021 Zoning Code Bulletin to determine whether aspects of the Bulletin should be incorporated into the Black Arts Movement Special Zoning District or otherwise incorporated into the Oakland Municipal Code;

5. Consideration of incorporating provisions of the Draft Downtown Oakland Specific Plan related to the BAMBD into the Black Arts Movement Special Zoning District;

6. Other recommendations for the Black Arts Movement Special Zoning District with the intent of strengthening existing businesses and fostering arts and culture within the District;

7. A proposal to prepare a revised historic resource survey of properties with frontages along 14th Street from Oak Street/Lakeside Drive to Castro Street which shall include recommendations for properties eligible for Landmark status; and

8. A summary of existing applicable standard conditions of approval that are intended to address the short and long-term impacts of construction and a plan for addressing those conditions of approval as part of Phase 2 of the City of Oakland General Plan Update.

Read the legislation here.

In October 2022, in response to the closure of the Wood Street encampment, which was the largest encampment in the City and the region, Councilmember Carroll Fire introduced legislation that directed the City Administrator to negotiate with CalTrans for the use of a parcel on 34th and Mandela for a homelessness intervention.

In March, Councilmember Fife introduced legislation to add additional direction to the previous resolution so it prioritizes unhoused residents from the nearby encampments in Council District 3 and that the City Administrator identify the necessary funds, vendor, and service provider to establish and service a new intervention comprised of rapid response transitional shelter units on the Property and to return to City Council for any necessary approvals; and to continue negotiations with Caltrans for a lease agreement for such a program.

Read the legislation here.

In March, Councilmember Fife requested an information report on all City managed homelessness interventions, including (1) a list of all interventions and which district each intervention is located in; (2) the service provider and specific amenities and services provided at each location; (3) the managing city staff for each intervention; and (4) if and how the City ensures all of the necessary facilities and services for residents are in place and fully functional.

Read the report and legislation here.

In February, Councilmember Carroll Fife introduced legislation to commemorate three Black Veteran trailblazers: Major General John Stanford, Major Howard Jackson, and Sergeant Morrie Turner. A commemorative street plaque was added to 2000 Maritime St and the area now has the most Black Veterans honored through street naming efforts nationwide, resulting in the creation of a “Black Veteran Historical Corridor.” 

Military service was and still is one of few ways Black Americans can access good pay and social services for themselves and their families. However, even in this context, equal access has been hard fought by Black veterans, including the three veterans who were honored through the street naming. 

Read the legislation here.

In January, Councilmember Fife requested information on the City’s efforts to establish an Equitable Lead Hazard Abatement Program (ELHAP) and a Proactive Rental Inspection Program (PRIP) as described in the City’s racial equity impact analysis on eliminating lead paint hazards, including information on the following: 

(1) the expected timeline for development of ELHAP using the lead settlement funds and the extent the City will partner with the county’s existing lead poisoning prevention program in the development and implementation of the program; 

(2) potential challenges in the development and implementation of the ELHAP and plans to sustain the ELHAPafter the lead settlement funds are expended; 

(3) proactive rental inspection program (PRIP) for rental housing in Oakland and its impact in identifying lead hazards in units; 

(4) community engagement process in the development of the ELHAPand PRIP; 

(5) current lead enforcement by planning and building.  

Read the report and the legislation here.

In February, Councilmember Fife introduced legislation in celebration of Black History and Future Month that honored Black Oaklanders working towards a transformative future that seeks to dismantle oppressive systems and advance true liberation, safety, and opportunities in our community. 

This included recognizing Ali Rasheed, Dr. Tanisha Cannon, Rashida Chase, Karega Bailey, Paul Cobb, The Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center, Charles ‘Chuck’ Johnson, Eddie R. Dillard, and Aminah “Chef Mimi” Robinson-Briscoe for their exemplary work and contribution towards a safer, healthier, and more equitable Oakland.

Read about them and the legislation here.

In January, Councilmember Fife introduced a resolution to honor and celebrate the life, legacy, and invaluable contributions of Eddie Rudolph Dillard. Mr. Dillard’s life experiences, love of community, quest for equity, and tenaciousness contributed to his decades-long work to empower small, minority-owned businesses. 

Mr. Dillard served as the Northern California Delegate for the first ever White House Conference on Small Business Development in 1980 and he played a pivotal role in the City of Oakland's Office of Economic Development, helping to revitalize and advance Oakland's economic landscape. In 1997, he established the Oakland Black Board of Trade and Commerce and served as its President and CEO, creating opportunities for Black contractors, including aiding them in securing many contracts. Beyond his direct contributions, Mr. Dillard worked to educate and advocate for equity on how municipalities can be more inclusive of small, minority and Black-owned businesses in their contracting processes.

Eddie Rudolph Dillard’s life has been one of service, advocacy, and a persistence toward a more just and equitable City and Country—his contributions are immeasurable. While he will be sorely missed, we are certain his fight for equity, inclusion, and opportunity for those who are often left out will continue through the countless individuals he has mentored, advised, led, supported, and educated.

Read the legislation here.

In January, Councilmember Fife introduced a resolution to recognize Mary Mayberry’s hard work during her time in the Department of Workplace and Employment Standards. Always poised, professional, and pleasantly positive, Mary tirelessly promoted racial equity and justice to ensure the full inclusion of women and diverse racial/ethnic groups in the City’s economic opportunities.

Mary supported the conceptualization and implementation of social equity policies that 1) promote the participation of local and small local business enterprises in the City’s construction and professional services contracts, 2) maximize Oakland residents employed on City-funded construction projects, and 3) protect vulnerable low-wage workers, particularly those working in restaurants and hotels.

Through her diligence, millions of dollars in contracts have been awarded to local and small local businesses, thousands of Oakland residents have secured jobs with family supporting wages, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in wages have been reclaimed for Oakland

residents.

Read the legislation here.