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Shrinkflation: Oakland is charging residents more and giving them less
Two decades of rising government costs, escalating tax burdens, and stagnant services.
 • Sean S. Reinhart
The city of Oakland has broken its promises to voters in three of the last four parcel tax measures
What the city promised voters new taxes would do, and what the city actually did with the money: a multi-part series.
 • Sean S. Reinhart
City council seeks a pay raise of up to 125% – which would be among the highest in the nation
Oakland city council is set to consider a charter amendment that would give city councilmembers substantial pay raises as part of a charter reform…
 • Alex Montana
Oakland’s police oversight system: auditor’s report raises questions, recommends independent staffing study
City officials sought to move the Office of the Inspector General to the city auditor’s office
 • Rajni Mandal
Oakland's surplus mirage sets the stage for a $34 million tax increase
The city and its unions are preparing a parcel tax increase on the June ballot using budget maneuvers and a union-funded "citizen-sponsored" campaign to…
 • Oakland Report
6:01
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
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