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Agenda Item
2 23-0317 Subject: Council President's Proposed Budget Amendments
From: Council President Fortunato Bas
Recommendation: Approve A Report And Recommendation Of The Council President's Proposed Budget Amendments To The Fiscal Year 2023-2025 Proposed Budget For The City Of Oakland
I support the amendments but they don't go far enough! If you did not hear the the Budget Advisory Commission report given at the Finance Committee meeting on June 13, please read the recommendations. One of the recommendations is that funding for OPD academies be sufficient to only keep police at Measure Z mandated levels of 678. This would allow a reduction in the number of academies, freeing up significant funds.
One of the priorities for those freed up funds should be the BAC's recommendation in 2022 of the adoption of Recommendation #4 from the OPD Budget/Staffing Workgroup from Reimagining Public Safety Task Force. We have bandaided the need with a study that does not adequately address the problem. We need people outside of OPD to be evaluating how the police are spending their time and that can only happen when data is continually available to the community. This position would perhaps be a fit to sit in the Police Commission's Inspector General's office.
As you've heard me say previously, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. It's way past time to be prioritizing things that impact public safety that are outside of policing!
I support the merger of the Departments of Housing and Homeless Services in the proposed budget.
* The majority of Oaklanders are renters, and at risk of losing housing
* The correct response to people being homeless is for them to have real housing and support, not encampments or sheds
I am in favor of increased police patrols in the hills area of District 4. I believe in paving and patrolling the streets. I believe that Public Safety is the primary job of government. Please increase police presence in our neighborhood.
I am pleased to see that several of the critical needs for Lake Merritt are addressed by Council President Bas’s budget amendments.
Everyone in Oakland directly or indirectly benefits from Lake Merritt’s presence in our city. Lake Merritt is to Oakland what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. The lake is key to — and inextricable from — our branding and investment promotions and opportunities.
We need to expand the number of Park Stewards and extend their hours. We need more trash pick ups. We need clean bathrooms, and well-maintained porta-potties and hand washing stations. And, we need support from OPD and other departments to ensure laws are fairly, quickly, and properly enforced.
With these budget amendments, let’s join together to ensure Lake Merritt becomes the shining example of a safe, clean, inclusive, and welcoming city.
I join many others in urging the Council to approve these budget amendments.
Do not reduce funding for aging services! Doing this would neglect our seniors in Oakland. Many rely on senior centers, meals on wheels, groceries, healthcare, housing and homeless programs. The Aging services Division needs to be a stand-alone department. Funding human services for older adults is important. Reissue the Community Grant RFP to ensure seniors needs are addressed. Thank you.
I would like to speak at the meeting, and express my opinion in person. But as a long-time District 2 resident and the Director of Mercy Brown Bag Program, which feeds 5000 low-income, nutrition-insecure Oakland seniors with fresh, nutritious groceries 2X a month, I feel compelled to advocate for these older adults. This is a vulnerable population-the fastest rising segment of unhoused in CA and across the country. They cannot be thrown in the same basket as youth and Parks and Rec (both of which I love and care about). Those over the age of 60 have separate, distinct needs. Certainly FOOD is critical to their well being and overall health. For the 5000 Oaklanders we serve (90%+ of whom are people of color) distributed via 45 senior centers and low-income senior housing across Oakland, 94% report we provide all or most of their groceries. This frees up funds for rent, utilities, medical needs - bills that keep them housed, safe, healthy and with dignity. We very much appreciate the grant we have currently with Sugar Sweetened Beverage, but that pays (conservatively) for 1 month of services--out of 12. We respectfully ask the Council, the Mayor, to consider more closely the needs of these Oaklanders, which we believe is an equity issue.
I am a PROUD Oakland Native, President, Co -Founder of The DEEP Grocery Co-op and Board member of the NoBAWC. My business is located in CM Jenkins' District 6 and I live in D5. I want to express my strong support for budget amendments proposed by the Oakland Council Budget Team. As a resident and cooperative business owner I am a passionate advocate for economic growth and prosperity in our community, I firmly believe that this budget proposal presents a crucial opportunity to enhance the business landscape of our city and foster sustainable development. I support the city council in following through with all 8 amendments for Good Jobs & Vibrant Economy, as well as adding community ambassadors in our business corridors. I also support the city in considering 5-10% of revenue generated from the Progressive Business Tax be earmarked and reinvested in programming and funding for BIPOC businesses. By supporting economic development, infrastructure improvements, sustainability, and workforce development, this budget paves the way for a vibrant, resilient, and prosperous Oakland. I urge you to give this budget your full support and work towards its implementation for the betterment of our city. Thanks for your time. Peace.
Good work on this. I live near the lake and would, specifically, like to see CM Bas' budget proposals adopted and implemented to make the park and lake a safe and healthy place for all Oaklanders to enjoy.
I am Board Chair of the REAL Peoples Fund and Interim ED of Restore Oakland in CM Gallo's District. I also live in CM Jenkins district. I'm in STRONG SUPPORT of the budget amendments proposed by the Oakland Council Budget Team (D2, D3, D5 and At-Large Council members). Thank you for your proposal to restore funding for violence prevention, public safety, community and economic development. I support the city council in following through with all 8 amendments for Good Jobs & Vibrant Economy, as well as adding community ambassadors in our business corridors. I also support the the investment for street ambassadors in our economic corridors!
I'd like the city to consider 5-10% of revenue generated from the Progressive Business Tax be earmarked and reinvested in programming and funding for BIPOC businesses. Economic development spurs and creates public safety in our communities, and in order for BIPOC businesses to continue to create the community impact we have in Oakland, we need the support of the city in prioritizing funding for economic development for entrepreneurs of color. To D1, D4, D5, and D6 council members, PLEASE show small businesses you care by supporting the Oakland Council Budget Team’s proposed amendments.
I support CP Bas' budget allocations for Lake Merritt to make the park a safe and healthy place for the community, visitors and wildlife. Please direct attention and funds to maintain the abandoned Lake Merritt Wildlife Refuge, especially the bird yard across from the City of Oakland Rotary Nature Center (RNC). What once served as a protected sanctuary for wild birds, is now a fenced in lot of overgrown weeds with ponds sitting empty of the fresh water the wild birds so desperately need. What message are we sending our children, our families, our community when we no longer care for and maintain the first wildlife refuge of its kind in the United States? The "Jewel" of Oakland is tarnished and we need attention and funds to make it shine again.
I strongly support the expenditures set forth in Budget item #2. This is a balanced set of proposals which will benefit a large swath of Oakland residents. As I live near Lake Merritt and walk or jog around it 3 or times per week, the use of parking meter revenues near the Lake, which were "sold" as an investment in preserving the Lake and its environs, is especially appropriate. The Lake is deservedly well used, but suffers from trash, pollution, overuse of grassy areas, and unsafe noise and traffic. Budget item #2 will help ameliorate these conditions.
Michael Loeb
565 Bellevue
I support the funding to Lake Merritt's street closure on the weekends. I suspect this measures saves more money than it costs with respect to garbage and graffiti, Parks cleanup, etc. Thank you, Lisa Herrinton
I am in SUPPORT of the budget amendments proposed by the Oakland Council Budget Team (D2, D3, D5 and At-Large Council members). Thank you for your proposal to restore funding for violence prevention, public safety, community and economic development. As a District 1 resident who serves many early stage business owners living and working in Oakland through my work with non-profit Mandela Partners, I support the city council in following through with all 8 amendments for Good Jobs & Vibrant Economy, as well as adding community ambassadors in our business corridors. I also support the city in considering 5-10% of revenue generated from the Progressive Business Tax be earmarked and reinvested in programming and funding for BIPOC businesses. We know local economic development spurs and creates public safety in our communities, and in order for BIPOC businesses to continue to create the community impact we have in Oakland, we need the support of the city in prioritizing funding for economic development for entrepreneurs of color. To D1, D4, D5, and D6 council members, PLEASE show small businesses you care by supporting the Oakland Council Budget Team’s proposed amendments. Many of the business owners that we works with live and run their businesses in your district. Please be sure to think of them by adopting these amendments. Thank you.
I am in SUPPORT of the budget amendments proposed by the Oakland Council Budget Team (D2, D3, D5 and At-Large Council members). Thank you for your proposal to restore funding for violence prevention, public safety, community and economic development. As a San Francisco resident, I support city council in following through with all 8 amendments for Good Jobs & Vibrant Economy, as well as adding community ambassadors in our business corridors. I also support the city in considering 5-10% of revenue generated from the Progressive Business Tax be earmarked and reinvested in programming and funding for BIPOC businesses. We know local economic development spurs and creates public safety in our communities, and in order for BIPOC businesses to continue to create the community impact we have in Oakland, we need the support of the city in prioritizing funding for economic development and support for entrepreneurs of color. To D1, D4, D5, and D6 council members, PLEASE show small businesses you care by supporting the Oakland Council Budget Team’s proposed amendments. Thank you for listening.
I am in FULL SUPPORT of the budget amendments proposed by the Oakland Council Budget Team (D2, D3, D5 and At-Large Council members). Thank you for your proposal to restore funding for violence prevention, public safety, community and economic development.
As a District 3 resident who cares about preserving the legacy of diverse culture and community in Oakland, I support city council in following through with all 8 amendments for Good Jobs & Vibrant Economy, as well as adding community ambassadors in our business corridors. I also support the city in considering 5-10% of revenue generated from the Progressive Business Tax be earmarked and reinvested in programming and funding for BIPOC businesses! We know local economic development spurs and creates public safety in our communities, and in order for BIPOC businesses to continue to create the community impact we have in Oakland, we need the support of the city in *prioritizing funding for economic development* and support for entrepreneurs of color.
To D1, D4, D5, and D6 council members, PLEASE show small businesses you care by supporting the Oakland Council Budget Team’s proposed amendments. Thank you for listening.
I support Council President Bas’s budget team amendments to fund critical resources to support Lake Merritt. Specifically, funding to expand number of Park Stewards and hours; additional trash pick-up, porta-potties, hand washing stations; funding for vending in Freedom Market on El Embarcadero that protects green park spaces for passive and active use by park visitors; funding for code employee to assist in permitting and compliance; traffic safety measures; OPD support for public and traffic safety improvements; restore contract amounts to Fairyland. All of Oakland and the region will benefit from committing resources to protect and improve the Jewel of Oakland. See also support letter of C.Brigagliano https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mJcYr5f2Zkd8mVH__NE69MQ6gdHTfV8v0RvAb5O_iAE/edit?usp=sharing
Oaklanders want a safe and clean city. Start with the baics ....what do we realy need to function. Establish rewards for proof of dumping. Fine those that are doing the dumping or impound vehicle if fine not paid.
Consider budget cuts to:
-the library by starting one hour later every day. Saves on electricity/water and emp wadges by only one hour $1.5 million
-Uniform replacements(PW,OPD, OFD etc) rather than a standard reissue every year or two years extend to an additional year or when needed.
-More bicycle police patrols. Saves on gasoline
Cut non essential staff and add volunteers.
-reduce the NCPC budgets to $400. Reduce NSC's numbers to half. Temporarily eliminate Cultural Affairs Comm., CPAB,Library Comm.Public Arts Advisory Committee.Oakland Youth Commission.
I support the amendments but they don't go far enough! If you did not hear the the Budget Advisory Commission report given at the Finance Committee meeting on June 13, please read the recommendations. One of the recommendations is that funding for OPD academies be sufficient to only keep police at Measure Z mandated levels of 678. This would allow a reduction in the number of academies, freeing up significant funds.
One of the priorities for those freed up funds should be the BAC's recommendation in 2022 of the adoption of Recommendation #4 from the OPD Budget/Staffing Workgroup from Reimagining Public Safety Task Force. We have bandaided the need with a study that does not adequately address the problem. We need people outside of OPD to be evaluating how the police are spending their time and that can only happen when data is continually available to the community. This position would perhaps be a fit to sit in the Police Commission's Inspector General's office.
As you've heard me say previously, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. It's way past time to be prioritizing things that impact public safety that are outside of policing!
I support the merger of the Departments of Housing and Homeless Services in the proposed budget.
* The majority of Oaklanders are renters, and at risk of losing housing
* The correct response to people being homeless is for them to have real housing and support, not encampments or sheds
I am in favor of increased police patrols in the hills area of District 4. I believe in paving and patrolling the streets. I believe that Public Safety is the primary job of government. Please increase police presence in our neighborhood.
Louis Goodman
Pinewood Rd
District 4, Oakland
I am pleased to see that several of the critical needs for Lake Merritt are addressed by Council President Bas’s budget amendments.
Everyone in Oakland directly or indirectly benefits from Lake Merritt’s presence in our city. Lake Merritt is to Oakland what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. The lake is key to — and inextricable from — our branding and investment promotions and opportunities.
We need to expand the number of Park Stewards and extend their hours. We need more trash pick ups. We need clean bathrooms, and well-maintained porta-potties and hand washing stations. And, we need support from OPD and other departments to ensure laws are fairly, quickly, and properly enforced.
With these budget amendments, let’s join together to ensure Lake Merritt becomes the shining example of a safe, clean, inclusive, and welcoming city.
I join many others in urging the Council to approve these budget amendments.
Thank you.
I support CP Bas' budget allocations for Lake Merritt to make the park a safe and healthy place for the community and park visitors
unity and park visitors.
Do not reduce funding for aging services! Doing this would neglect our seniors in Oakland. Many rely on senior centers, meals on wheels, groceries, healthcare, housing and homeless programs. The Aging services Division needs to be a stand-alone department. Funding human services for older adults is important. Reissue the Community Grant RFP to ensure seniors needs are addressed. Thank you.
I would like to speak at the meeting, and express my opinion in person. But as a long-time District 2 resident and the Director of Mercy Brown Bag Program, which feeds 5000 low-income, nutrition-insecure Oakland seniors with fresh, nutritious groceries 2X a month, I feel compelled to advocate for these older adults. This is a vulnerable population-the fastest rising segment of unhoused in CA and across the country. They cannot be thrown in the same basket as youth and Parks and Rec (both of which I love and care about). Those over the age of 60 have separate, distinct needs. Certainly FOOD is critical to their well being and overall health. For the 5000 Oaklanders we serve (90%+ of whom are people of color) distributed via 45 senior centers and low-income senior housing across Oakland, 94% report we provide all or most of their groceries. This frees up funds for rent, utilities, medical needs - bills that keep them housed, safe, healthy and with dignity. We very much appreciate the grant we have currently with Sugar Sweetened Beverage, but that pays (conservatively) for 1 month of services--out of 12. We respectfully ask the Council, the Mayor, to consider more closely the needs of these Oaklanders, which we believe is an equity issue.
I am a PROUD Oakland Native, President, Co -Founder of The DEEP Grocery Co-op and Board member of the NoBAWC. My business is located in CM Jenkins' District 6 and I live in D5. I want to express my strong support for budget amendments proposed by the Oakland Council Budget Team. As a resident and cooperative business owner I am a passionate advocate for economic growth and prosperity in our community, I firmly believe that this budget proposal presents a crucial opportunity to enhance the business landscape of our city and foster sustainable development. I support the city council in following through with all 8 amendments for Good Jobs & Vibrant Economy, as well as adding community ambassadors in our business corridors. I also support the city in considering 5-10% of revenue generated from the Progressive Business Tax be earmarked and reinvested in programming and funding for BIPOC businesses. By supporting economic development, infrastructure improvements, sustainability, and workforce development, this budget paves the way for a vibrant, resilient, and prosperous Oakland. I urge you to give this budget your full support and work towards its implementation for the betterment of our city. Thanks for your time. Peace.
Good work on this. I live near the lake and would, specifically, like to see CM Bas' budget proposals adopted and implemented to make the park and lake a safe and healthy place for all Oaklanders to enjoy.
I am Board Chair of the REAL Peoples Fund and Interim ED of Restore Oakland in CM Gallo's District. I also live in CM Jenkins district. I'm in STRONG SUPPORT of the budget amendments proposed by the Oakland Council Budget Team (D2, D3, D5 and At-Large Council members). Thank you for your proposal to restore funding for violence prevention, public safety, community and economic development. I support the city council in following through with all 8 amendments for Good Jobs & Vibrant Economy, as well as adding community ambassadors in our business corridors. I also support the the investment for street ambassadors in our economic corridors!
I'd like the city to consider 5-10% of revenue generated from the Progressive Business Tax be earmarked and reinvested in programming and funding for BIPOC businesses. Economic development spurs and creates public safety in our communities, and in order for BIPOC businesses to continue to create the community impact we have in Oakland, we need the support of the city in prioritizing funding for economic development for entrepreneurs of color. To D1, D4, D5, and D6 council members, PLEASE show small businesses you care by supporting the Oakland Council Budget Team’s proposed amendments.
I support CP Bas' budget allocations for Lake Merritt to make the park a safe and healthy place for the community and park visitors.
I support CP Bas' budget allocations for Lake Merritt to make the park a safe and healthy place for the community, visitors and wildlife. Please direct attention and funds to maintain the abandoned Lake Merritt Wildlife Refuge, especially the bird yard across from the City of Oakland Rotary Nature Center (RNC). What once served as a protected sanctuary for wild birds, is now a fenced in lot of overgrown weeds with ponds sitting empty of the fresh water the wild birds so desperately need. What message are we sending our children, our families, our community when we no longer care for and maintain the first wildlife refuge of its kind in the United States? The "Jewel" of Oakland is tarnished and we need attention and funds to make it shine again.
I strongly support the expenditures set forth in Budget item #2. This is a balanced set of proposals which will benefit a large swath of Oakland residents. As I live near Lake Merritt and walk or jog around it 3 or times per week, the use of parking meter revenues near the Lake, which were "sold" as an investment in preserving the Lake and its environs, is especially appropriate. The Lake is deservedly well used, but suffers from trash, pollution, overuse of grassy areas, and unsafe noise and traffic. Budget item #2 will help ameliorate these conditions.
Michael Loeb
565 Bellevue
I support the funding to Lake Merritt's street closure on the weekends. I suspect this measures saves more money than it costs with respect to garbage and graffiti, Parks cleanup, etc. Thank you, Lisa Herrinton
I am in SUPPORT of the budget amendments proposed by the Oakland Council Budget Team (D2, D3, D5 and At-Large Council members). Thank you for your proposal to restore funding for violence prevention, public safety, community and economic development. As a District 1 resident who serves many early stage business owners living and working in Oakland through my work with non-profit Mandela Partners, I support the city council in following through with all 8 amendments for Good Jobs & Vibrant Economy, as well as adding community ambassadors in our business corridors. I also support the city in considering 5-10% of revenue generated from the Progressive Business Tax be earmarked and reinvested in programming and funding for BIPOC businesses. We know local economic development spurs and creates public safety in our communities, and in order for BIPOC businesses to continue to create the community impact we have in Oakland, we need the support of the city in prioritizing funding for economic development for entrepreneurs of color. To D1, D4, D5, and D6 council members, PLEASE show small businesses you care by supporting the Oakland Council Budget Team’s proposed amendments. Many of the business owners that we works with live and run their businesses in your district. Please be sure to think of them by adopting these amendments. Thank you.
I am in SUPPORT of the budget amendments proposed by the Oakland Council Budget Team (D2, D3, D5 and At-Large Council members). Thank you for your proposal to restore funding for violence prevention, public safety, community and economic development. As a San Francisco resident, I support city council in following through with all 8 amendments for Good Jobs & Vibrant Economy, as well as adding community ambassadors in our business corridors. I also support the city in considering 5-10% of revenue generated from the Progressive Business Tax be earmarked and reinvested in programming and funding for BIPOC businesses. We know local economic development spurs and creates public safety in our communities, and in order for BIPOC businesses to continue to create the community impact we have in Oakland, we need the support of the city in prioritizing funding for economic development and support for entrepreneurs of color. To D1, D4, D5, and D6 council members, PLEASE show small businesses you care by supporting the Oakland Council Budget Team’s proposed amendments. Thank you for listening.
I am in FULL SUPPORT of the budget amendments proposed by the Oakland Council Budget Team (D2, D3, D5 and At-Large Council members). Thank you for your proposal to restore funding for violence prevention, public safety, community and economic development.
As a District 3 resident who cares about preserving the legacy of diverse culture and community in Oakland, I support city council in following through with all 8 amendments for Good Jobs & Vibrant Economy, as well as adding community ambassadors in our business corridors. I also support the city in considering 5-10% of revenue generated from the Progressive Business Tax be earmarked and reinvested in programming and funding for BIPOC businesses! We know local economic development spurs and creates public safety in our communities, and in order for BIPOC businesses to continue to create the community impact we have in Oakland, we need the support of the city in *prioritizing funding for economic development* and support for entrepreneurs of color.
To D1, D4, D5, and D6 council members, PLEASE show small businesses you care by supporting the Oakland Council Budget Team’s proposed amendments. Thank you for listening.
I support Council President Bas’s budget team amendments to fund critical resources to support Lake Merritt. Specifically, funding to expand number of Park Stewards and hours; additional trash pick-up, porta-potties, hand washing stations; funding for vending in Freedom Market on El Embarcadero that protects green park spaces for passive and active use by park visitors; funding for code employee to assist in permitting and compliance; traffic safety measures; OPD support for public and traffic safety improvements; restore contract amounts to Fairyland. All of Oakland and the region will benefit from committing resources to protect and improve the Jewel of Oakland. See also support letter of C.Brigagliano https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mJcYr5f2Zkd8mVH__NE69MQ6gdHTfV8v0RvAb5O_iAE/edit?usp=sharing
Oaklanders want a safe and clean city. Start with the baics ....what do we realy need to function. Establish rewards for proof of dumping. Fine those that are doing the dumping or impound vehicle if fine not paid.
Consider budget cuts to:
-the library by starting one hour later every day. Saves on electricity/water and emp wadges by only one hour $1.5 million
-Uniform replacements(PW,OPD, OFD etc) rather than a standard reissue every year or two years extend to an additional year or when needed.
-More bicycle police patrols. Saves on gasoline
Cut non essential staff and add volunteers.
-reduce the NCPC budgets to $400. Reduce NSC's numbers to half. Temporarily eliminate Cultural Affairs Comm., CPAB,Library Comm.Public Arts Advisory Committee.Oakland Youth Commission.