December 2022
Dear friends, family and constituents,
It has been a busy month+ since my last newsletter and we have been busy! We have been working and submitting a number of legislative items while preparing for a new administration. In terms of the 2022 local election, many significant Oakland ballot measures passed giving us new opportunities to organize and realize housing as a human right. In this newsletter, I share several legislative updates as well as my thoughts on how we leverage the successful ballot measures because as we know, some of the most impactful community and political organizing happens outside of election cycles.
I also want to acknowledge the shooting of a resident at the 3rd and Peralta tiny village. While there is an ongoing investigation into what occurred, residents are being offered grief counseling and there is increased scrutiny into the operations and services being provided by the Housing Consortium of the East Bay (HCEB), the nonprofit service provider managing the site. My office has, on many occasions in the past, requested meetings with HCEB as well as the Human Services Department (HSD) that oversees homeless service delivery in Oakland, to discuss this site and we’ve been given several reasons for putting off meetings.
While we don’t have enough information yet to gauge how this loss of life could have been prevented, I do believe without adequate and robust supportive structures and services in place, we are creating situations that are meant to fail by design. Homelessness is a crisis in this country due to multiple overlapping conditions that persist, making solving this intractable issue without intentional federal, state and county support and collaborative planning difficult. My office is looking forward to working with the new administration on these very critical issues and we hope to see more action and care in creating transformative housing solutions.
In service and solidarity,
Councilmember Carroll Fife
Items In This Newsletter
Ballot Measures And Continued Organizing
Year End Legislation: Oakland On The Path To A Public Bank and Increased Public Funding Through an EIFD
Grants Available For Business Facade and Interior Improvements
Grants Available For City Arts and Cultural Projects
Requesting Services From The Mobile Assistance Community Responders of Oakland (MACRO) Program
Housing Element Draft Now Published - Give Feedback
California’s Reparations Task Force Meets in Oakland - December 14th and 15th
Measure Q Victory Party - This Sunday! December 18th
Updates
Ballot Measures And Continued Organizing
Measure Q - Authorization For Low-Rent Housing
Oaklanders resoundingly approved an Article 34 exemption to allow the city to permit the developing, constructing and/or acquiring of up to 13,000 low-income (for incomes less than $76,750) housing units! Thank you to everyone who voted, canvassed, door knocked, and generally shared information about this measure.
Though I was a co-author of the other two housing ballot initiatives this year as well, Measure Q was an independent endeavor from my office and one of the first pieces of legislation I began to work on as a new elected official. I remember reviewing the restrictive state law during the Moms 4 Housing struggle and I committed to addressing it, but at the time I wasn't sure how. This win is not a silver bullet but with the affordable housing funds that will come with the approval of the infrastructure bond as well as our efforts to establish an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD), we have a real chance at making a difference in Oakland's housing affordability crisis.
And while this measure allows the city to approve or itself plan for low-rent housing, we know from our previous city administrations that decades of neoliberal influence on our public institutions has led to a narrow imagination on what they think they can do. As a result, our governmental machinery is often resistant to change and finds every possible reason to delay and not take bold or effective action. It is through a collective movement that we develop our imagination of what is possible, what outcomes we want to see, and what a course of action can be. This is part of the work we can embark on now.
Continued Organizing:
The type of low-rent housing that is developed will have a big impact on the lives of low income Oaklanders. It’s important to learn about how past public/low-rent housing was designed to fail and organize towards alternatives.
We know the city administration will drag its feet on moving forward unless there is a loud and clear movement - it is now time to begin developing and sharing clear demands
Social housing can be beautiful! We can learn from current global examples and imagine and demand these possibilities here in Oakland.
And ultimately if we build new public and collective institutions, ones that believe in their ability to build beautiful and dignified low-income housing that are well-resourced and maintained, who center this belief in their work, we will have the ability to embark on thoughtful and considerate projects.
Lastly, come and celebrate at the Measure Q Victory Party this Sunday! I will be there to speak about the legislation and to thank the ground team who managed the field program for these wildly successful ballot initiatives! Join Moms 4 Housing and Care 4 Community Action at the Measure Q Victory Party at Kinfolx Coffee/Wine/Culture on Sunday, December 18th from 3-5pm!! If you volunteered or if you voted for Measure Q, this victory belongs to YOU! This is a hybrid event to ensure that the party is accessible to everyone who wants to attend.
Register for the in-person event here: donate.care4communityaction.org/measure_q_victory_party
The virtual portion will run from 3:30-4:30pm and you can register here: https://bit.ly/MeasureQVirtual
For those interested and able to attend in person, please bring your masks!
Measure U – Infrastructure and Affordable Housing
Alongside street safety and road repair, this bond will provide $350 million to help Oakland build more affordable housing—a $250 million increase over the previous infrastructure bond, 2016’s Measure KK.
Measure KK supported Oakland residents with the purchase of their homes by providing the needed funding for the Oakland Community Land Trust to acquire properties that were being foreclosed or about to displace tenants. Measure U is expected to nearly double the amount available for these acquisitions.
Continued Organizing:
Now either as a tenant, or even as a landlord, one can organize their building to be bought by a land trust such as the OakCLT or the Moms 4 Housing Land Trust. You can read about some of these past organizing efforts through the linked articles on the now worker-owned cafe Hasta Muerte and the 14-unit housing building 29th Avenue.
Measure V - Expands the Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance
This measure will update the Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance so it also now applies to newly constructed units, no longer exempting buildings because they were built after 1995, though it will still exempt buildings during the first 10 years after construction. Additional updates will also prohibit no-fault evictions of children and educators during the school year and will extend eviction protections to RVs and tiny homes on wheels.
The Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance was passed in 2002 and defines the circumstances under which a landlord can evict a tenant. Some of the grounds upon which a tenant can be evicted still include not paying rent, material violation of rental agreement after written notice to stop, substantial damage to the premises, and seven other grounds.
While the ordinance has had its limitations and over the years tenants and organizers have recognized areas for improvement, it has also been a method that organizers have used to reduce and permanently prevent displacement and homelessness. There have been many instances where landlords knowingly or unknowingly violate the ordinance and organizers have used enforcement of the ordinance to hold them accountable and keep tenants housed. A key to combating Oakland's homelessness crisis is to make sure that we protect as many people as possible from losing their housing in the first place.
Continued Organizing:
As a tenant, learn about the details of this ordinance and organize your building if your landlord is in violation. Educate yourself; educate your landlord.
Share information on the Just Cause Ordinance with other tenants.
Non-Housing Related Measures - Measure T For Progressive Taxation and Measure W for “Democracy Dollars”
Measure T will lower tax rates for small businesses and increase taxes for large companies with more profits. It’s estimated to raise about $20 million in new revenue each year for Oakland. The City is facing a possible shortfall in the coming years so the revenue that this measure will bring will be especially critical. Once again, thank you to the residents for their support.
Measure W will provide about $4 million worth of vouchers every two years to Oakland residents to contribute to political candidates for local offices. These “Democracy Dollars” are intended to boost participation in the election and level the playing field of campaign finance, which is currently dominated by a handful of affluent residents, corporations, unions, and outside interests who spend the majority of money each cycle.
Continued Organizing:
Measure T goes to Oakland’s General Fund which provides for a wide range of services from parks to libraries. Please continue to let our office know the needs you are noticing in our community, talk to fellow neighbors and organizers, and build momentum for these causes.
In future elections, Oakland residents will be able to donate their Democracy Dollars to their chosen grassroots candidates and encourage your friends and family to do the same.
2. Year End Legislation: Oakland On The Path To A Public Bank and Increased Public Funding Through an EIFD
This week I introduced legislation that will authorize a viability study for The Public Bank East Bay as well as commit the City of Oakland’s intention to be a founding member in forming the bank with the cities of Berkeley and Richmond and the County of Alameda.
In addition, an informational report I requested, along with City Council President Pro Tem Sheng Thao, will soon be heard regarding the timeline and process for implementing an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD) in West and East Oakland to address critical affordable housing and other infrastructure project needs.
I am excited to bring forward legislation that targets some of District 3’s most pressing issues and thank everyone who continues to work with my office to make these things possible. More information below.
What is a public bank?
A public bank is a government-owned and operated bank that prioritizes public access over profits, sending any profits made back into the community. In contrast, a private bank prioritizes producing profits to benefit private shareholders, which often either excludes funding initiatives that create enormous social benefit or deals these projects a high interest rate.
Why is it important?
During the Great Recession of 2008, the predatory lending practices of a number of private Wall Street banks resulted in them either collapsing, being forced to merge with larger institutions, or having to be bailed out with taxpayer dollars. As a result, unemployment and foreclosures skyrocketed, with the cost of their profit-motivated decision-making was borne by those with the least to spare.
Countries with public banks however fared the recession well. In the USA, the one bank that was able to withstand the fluctuations and volatility of the market was the Public Bank of North Dakota. This is due to the fact that public banks don’t engage in highly speculative transactions but rather put a huge focus on improving their local communities, using most of their resources to offer low-interest loans to businesses and low-income households, as well as fund projects that don’t have large revenue thresholds such as affordable housing. Instead of foreclosing on delinquent loans, they lean more toward negotiating restructured loans that can be repaid.
We are far overdue for banking institutions whose primary mission is to support economic growth for all, versus just lining the pockets of a few unaccountable executives.
What are some examples?
The oldest and only existing example of a public bank in the United States is The Bank of North Dakota. It was established over 100 years ago by farmers in order to serve fellow farmers in accessing affordable loans. At the time, North Dakota was vulnerable to predatory loans from banking institutions outside of the state and farmers argued that if a state-owned bank existed, its purpose would be to support farmers and residents based in North Dakota rather than carrying profits outside of the state.
This bank has been able to withstand the ebbs and flows of chaotic market trends while providing deeply needed resources such as small business loans, economic and workforce development funds, post-secondary education support through reasonable student loans - all while growing their general fund.
Over 40% of financial institutions around the world are public banks, yet the United States is home to only one.
Tell me more about this new public bank!
The Public Bank East Bay seeks to provide services that are responsive to deep needs like the development of deeply affordable housing, workforce development and infrastructure that supports environmental resilience.
Adopting the current legislation authorizing the viability study is the first step toward economic self-determination for progressive cities in our region. Once the viability study is complete, the bank’s business plan will be written and an application will be made to a state regulatory agency for a license. Once the license is issued, the bank can open for business.
What is an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD)?
An EIFD directs a share of future property taxes to revitalization efforts, affordable housing developments for city residents, public works projects and environmental cleanup -- all without increasing local tax rates.
It is a bond, which is essentially a loan. It anticipates that there will be increases in revenue from property taxes over the next few decades and it gives our city access to these anticipated increases now as a large sum, so we can invest in long-term strategies that go beyond just the four-year election cycle.
What can the EIFD be used for?
Infrastructure, climate change, broadband, and transit
Child care facilities
Libraries and parks
Brownfield restoration
The acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of housing for persons of very low, low, and moderate income
Acquisition, construction, or repair of commercial structures by the small business occupant, if such acquisition, construction, or repair is for purposes of fostering economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic
Facilities in which nonprofit community organizations provide health, youth, homeless, and social services.
How does it affect the Black New Deal?
The economic disparities we see today are primarily a result of decades of discriminatory policy. The New Deal Era of the 1930s and urban renewal in the 1960s onward led to Black Americans being excluded from social support systems that subsidized the lives and futures of white suburbanites and further deepened the divide created by enslavement, segregation and a host of race-based legislation.
In June 2022, I brought forward an informational report with the Oakland Department of Race and Equity that began to detail the loss of wealth and services to District 3 as a result of redlining, suburbanization and urban renewal. It found the economic impact of racist housing policy in Oakland over decades has cost Black people in Oakland between $4.9 and $5.2 billion dollars; this figure does not include a wide range of other impacts including lack of school funding, job opportunities, income gaps, etc. You can read the report here.
The city administration often uses lack of funds to explain why we can't remediate brownfield sites so we can in turn create emergency housing for the unsheltered, or why we can’t develop, acquire or construct badly needed low-rent housing. With an EIFD, we have a chance at realizing these large-scale, long-term projects that the private market predominantly ignores and has no incentive to pursue, addressing the deeply rooted harms of past policies.
What’s next?
Next week, the City Administrator is presenting a report and recommendations on different configurations of EIFDs. After this, we can move forward with introducing legislation, specifically, a Resolution of Intention, to form the EIFD.
3. Grant Applications Open For Business Facade and Interior Improvements
Grant applications have opened for the City of Oakland’s newly expanded and updated Façade and Tenant Improvement Program. Improve the exterior and/or interior of your business with grants of up to $75,000 (up to $30,000 for exterior and up to $45,000 for interior).
New program updates for 2022:
Grants now available city-wide
Projects up to $25,000 are fully reimbursable; additional costs reimbursed at 50%
Emergency Window Repair Grants of $2,500 due to vandalism (first-come, first-served basis)
Grants can be used to help make needed upgrades for safety, ADA accessibility, and the overall success of the business, including painting, signage, lighting, flooring, and even parklets for outdoor dining. To apply and view program details, visit: https://hubs.la/Q01tHPpV0
For questions, email ftip@oaklandca.gov or call 510-238-3853.
4. Grants Available For City Arts and Cultural Projects
Applications are now being accepted for the City of Oakland’s 2022-2023 Cultural Funding Program grants supporting organization programs and individual artist projects. Applicants must be Oakland-based and all activities must be presented in Oakland between January 1 and August 31, 2023.
Interested nonprofit organizations and artists may access the grant guidelines and applications through Thursday, January 12, 2023, at 5 p.m.
5. Requesting Services From The Mobile Assistance Community Responders of Oakland (MACRO) Program
My office often gets asked how constituents can access services from MACRO. Below are a few methods and you’re curious to learn more about MACRO, check out this past LIVE where I spoke with Elliot Jones, Program Manager at MACRO.
Request MACRO via 911
The Oakland Fire Department's MACRO program responds to a variety of calls seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents are asked to call 911 to get a MACRO unit to respond, and in an effort to aid the dispatcher, the caller can stress that the situation appears to be non-violent and that a MACRO unit is desired.
MACRO teams will respond to calls about homelessness, some behavioral or mental health calls, noise complaints and people being drunk (and nonviolent) in public.
MACRO units do not respond inside anyone's home, a domestic violence call or anything that appears dangerous or violent.
Residents are asked not to call 211, 311, or the non-emergency fire department number to get a MACRO response at this time.
Request MACRO via EMAIL
Please spread the word to the public and business owners that they can now request a MACRO response via direct email. MACRO teams will respond to requests for service for homelessness, some behavioral or mental health concerns, noise complaints and people appearing drunk (and nonviolent) in public. A complete list of MACRO Incident types is listed below. When emailing MACRO please use the template provided:
Email MACRO@oaklandca.gov
Subject: "Request for Service @ Address/Location + Call/Incident Type"
Body: Description of Incident, any relevant history and if possible, a picture.
DISCLAIMER: MACRO requests for service are for low acuity quality of life concerns and are NON-EMERGENT and NON-VIOLENT. If an immediate emergency response is required, please call 911. MACRO units do not respond inside anyone's home, a domestic violence call or anything that appears dangerous or violent.
6. Housing Element Draft Now Published - Give Feedback
The City of Oakland has released the 2023-2031 Housing Element Public Hearing Draft. This revised draft of the Housing Element addresses community feedback received from June 2022 to mid-October 2022 and fulfills requirements for compliance with state law.
You may provide feedback on the Housing Element Public Hearing Draft until December 29, 2022. Comment letters on the draft will be included as a supplemental document to the agenda reports for the Planning Commission and City Council public hearings beginning in January 2023.
Project milestone dates below for an overview of the process:
December 29, 2022 – End of the comment period for the Housing Element Public Hearing Draft
January 2023 – Public Hearings for Housing Element Adoption (Dates To Be Announced Soon)
How to Comment on the Housing Element
There are several ways to comment on the 2023-2031 Housing Element before it is adopted by City Council in early 2023:
Email feedback to: generalplan@oaklandca.gov
Participate in community events posted on our website
Attend upcoming public hearings at the Planning Commission and City Council on the Housing Element, beginning in January 2023. An email will be sent out when the public hearing dates are scheduled.
Questions?
For more information and to find out how to get involved, visit the General Plan Update website or please contact Lakshmi Rajagopalan at generalplan@oaklandca.gov.
Events
7. California’s Reparations Task Force Meets in Oakland - December 14th and 15th
The California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans (Reparations Task Force) will be meeting in-person for the first time in Oakland. The City of Oakland District 3 office is co-hosting the event and I gave the opening remarks.
The task force was established in September 2020 from the passage of Assembly Bill 3121 (AB 3121). AB 3121 charges the Reparations Task Force with studying the institution of slavery and its lingering negative effects on living African Americans, including descendants of persons enslaved in the United States and on society.
To date, the task force has presented a report in June 2022 that was an extensive study into the effects of slavery. The task force has also proposed three different models for evaluating harm and related compensation through reparations. This month's meetings will start to refine eligibility requirements and discuss what types of reparation proposals will be in the final report, set to be presented in June 2023.
All task force meetings are open to the public, additional information can be found on the AB 3121 task force website at https://oag.ca.gov/ab3121/meetings. The meeting will also be live streamed through the California Department of Justice’s website. Documents that will be reviewed during the meeting will be available on the task force’s website at: https://oag.ca.gov/ab3121/meetings in advance of the meeting. Recordings of the task force meetings will be available at: https://oag.ca.gov/ab3121/meetings.
The City of Oakland’s own Darlene Flynn Department of Race and Equity Department gave expert testimony on the subject and her presentation will be made available on the D3 social media pages. In addition, news coverage of the Oakland convening can be seen here:
ABC7: https://abc7news.com/california-reparations-task-force-oakland-black-americans-slavery/12571415/
NBC Bay Area: https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/california/reparations-proposal-meeting/3105537/
8. Measure Q Victory Party - This Sunday! December 18th
And I will end this newsletter with once again inviting you to the Measure Q Victory party this Sunday. See you soon
