Overview

• The council approved a two-year, $4.36 billion budget in a 6-1 vote, staving off staff layoffs and securing funding for fire services.
• The plan addresses a projected $425 million shortfall by assuming voter approval of a parcel tax next year and other yet-to-be-secured revenues.
• It cuts one of six police academies and reallocates a $7 million legal settlement fund to bolster community services.
• Oakland’s police recruitment push remains intact as officials aim to meet the 700-officer staffing requirement tied to last year’s safety tax.
• Councilmember Janani Ramachandran led the budget process as a symbol of unity, though Councilmember Noel Gallo cast the sole dissent over the proposed parcel tax and staffing levels.