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Police dispatch time improvements sidelined after the Privacy Advisory Commission
Oakland has one of the slowest 9-1-1 response times in the state. A likely time-saving technology was debated by citizen-run organizations that aim to…
 • Rajni Mandal
Oakland’s quarterly financial report is delayed until March, amplifying budget risks
The city is skipping its Q1 Revenue and Expenditures Report this year. And the Q2 report will not be available until early March, leaving only four…
 • Tim Gardner
Oakland schools budgeting 101: how OUSD spends money
OUSD’s board and leadership are struggling with a nine-figure budget crisis. Here, we zoom out on how OUSD spends money relative to other comparable…
 • Bob Borek
City set to forgive $8 million loan to affordable housing landlord
East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation (EBALDC) says that two properties will be foreclosed – and affordable deed restrictions removed – unless…
 • Sean S. Reinhart
The city that sues itself: how the Privacy Advisory Commission enables conflicts of interest
Oakland’s tangled web of citizen commissions takes authority (and accountability) out of the hands of elected officials
 • Alex Montana
Oakland schools budgeting 101: how Oakland schools are funded
OUSD’s budget crisis is playing out in slow motion in the public eye. Understanding the district's options starts with understanding how OUSD is funded.
 • Bob Borek
Oakland’s police commission - when does oversight become obstruction?
Oakland’s tangled web of citizen commissions causes delays, duplicated efforts and dysfunction - Part 1
 • Alex Montana
Oakland can’t sell infrastructure bonds approved by voters due to fiscal mismanagement, Grand Jury reports
City of Oakland responds to Grand Jury report that cites "stunning failures" of governance
 • Sean S. Reinhart
"Death and taxes" - Oakland City Council is the one who knocks
The city council finance committee spitballs ideas to extract an additional $40 million in taxes from its residents and businesses
 • Sean S. Reinhart
Leadership Vacuum at Oakland’s Human Services Department Exposes Systemic Failures
A failed 2023 plan to dismantle Oakland’s Human Services Department left a leadership void, now filled by interim staff amid fiscal uncertainty.
 • Joe Turner
Election results follow long-established voting patterns in Oakland
East Oakland had a disproportionately low influence due very low voter turnout, but slightly favored Lee. West Oakland/Temescal and district 4 dominated…
 • Tim Gardner
“Our officers have been conditioned to do as little as possible—to stay out of trouble”
Zealous investigations of Oakland police officers have created a downward spiral of morale and performance
 • Rajni Mandal
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