Oakland City Wire

Oakland - Late last night, the Oakland City Council passed the Fiscal Years 2023 - 2025 budget, building on the proposed budget Mayor Sheng Thao put forth last month. This budget closes the largest deficit in Oakland’s history while making historic investments in housing, infrastructure and early childhood education. And it bolsters efforts to make our communities safer, cleaner and healthier. 

“I am deeply grateful for Council President Bas, Councilmembers Fife, Kaplan, Jenkins, and Kalb, who voted to pass this budget, which, despite a historical deficit, puts Oaklanders first by investing in the full landscape of public safety, resulting in more officers moving forward while simultaneously investing in violence prevention,” says Mayor Thao. “In addition, this budget preserves jobs, delivering quality City services to residents and businesses; makes the largest investment in affordable housing in the City’s history; and centers our youth, families, and seniors.” 

The One Oakland proposed budget makes major investments in the City’s future while promoting a more streamlined and effective government. It includes: 

• THE LARGEST INVESTMENT IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN OAKLAND’S HISTORY: The Proposed Budget allocates over $200 million over the next two years for the creation and acquisition of affordable housing. 
• EXPANSION OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: The Proposed Budget uses federal, state and local funds to allow for the expansion of hours and services at Oakland’s Head Start and Early Head Start program. 
• INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS: The Proposed Budget includes more than $106 million in funds to build, repair and upgrade parks, recreation facilities, libraries, storm drains and non-road infrastructure. And it includes $87 million to continue street repaving as part of Oakland’s 5-year paving plan.

   

   Additionally, with the support of Mayor Thao, the Council amended the budget to preserve fire service, create 24/7 crisis response, add civilian investigators to the police department, add community ambassadors to business districts, bolster grants for violence prevention and create a Rapid Response Homeless Housing Acquisition Fund. 

“Despite deficit constraints, we are prioritizing the well-being of our residents and making major investments in the future. By lifting up our families, we will put Oakland on solid ground for future growth and opportunities,” said Mayor Thao. 

Original source can be found here.