Oakland Receives $2.27B Balanced Budget With Zero Housing Dollars as Advocates Demand Action

Mayor Barbara Lee's first budget preserves every sworn position and restores key services, but the absence of any new affordable housing construction money drew a rare united front of over a dozen housing organizations demanding at least $50 million before the council votes June 30. Meanwhile, city workers warned of possible strike action, the Budget Advisory Commission flagged potentially inflated revenue projections, and 190 shelter beds hang in the balance ahead of a parcel tax vote.

• Housing advocates unite to demand $50M from Measure U bonds after the proposed budget includes zero for affordable housing construction - with multifamily acquisition costs at a generational low of $100,000 per unit

• 190 shelter beds face closure this summer if voters reject Measure E on June 2; a $5 million state funding gap compounds the threat

• Local 21 workers mobilize against city contract proposal that denies cost-of-living raises, raises healthcare costs, and eliminates telework — with members citing whispers of a strike

• Budget Advisory Commission warns sales tax and utility tax projections may be overestimated by $15–20 million, creating mid-year risk

• Council eyes exit from 23-year federal police oversight but critics say $450,000 for a new policing advisor should fund the underfunded Inspector General instead

• Council members push for felony-level illegal dumping prosecutions through hazmat training for enforcement officers