Key Projects

What Oakland is deciding right now

Happening now Meetings and comment deadlines, next 14 days.

Rules & Legislation Committee — Thursday, November 5 · 10:30 AM
Comment by Wednesday, November 4.

Rules & Legislation Committee — Thursday, November 12 · 10:30 AM
Comment by Wednesday, November 11.

Full picture →
Legistar data checked Saturday, October 31, 2026.

“Just happened” and “In the news” were written Tuesday, June 30, 2026 (about 4 months ago). Deadlines, schedule and agenda on this page are rebuilt from Legistar after each Council meeting; those two sections are a snapshot from when they were written. Homepage →

The 5 issues shaping the city in 2026

Active — June 30 deadline

Howard Terminal & Coliseum Redevelopment

Two competing finalists for Howard Terminal (Oakland Roots vs Industrial Realty Group). Coliseum sale to AASEG at $125M/half faces June 30 closing deadline. Largest land-use decisions of the decade.

Key players: Mayor Barbara Lee, Port of Oakland, AASEG (Ray Bobbitt), Oakland Roots SC

Next milestone: June 30 — Coliseum closing deadline

Sources: Oaklandside

Critical — $265M gap

Budget Crisis & Structural Deficit

$265M deficit partially closed via one-time cuts. Measure E parcel tax ($34M/yr) failed at June ballot. City declared “extreme fiscal necessity.” Federal funding cut 34%.

Key players: Mayor Barbara Lee, City Council finance committee

Next milestone: FY 2026–27 budget adoption

Sources: Oaklandside · ABC7 · SPUR

Contentious — new policy April 2026

Homelessness & Encampment Policy

New encampment abatement policy allows camp removal without shelter alternatives. Encampment closures surged 5x to 1,212 in 2025. ~5,500 homeless, fewer than 1,300 beds.

Key players: Councilmember Ken Houston, Carroll Fife, Janani Ramachandran

Next milestone: Policy implementation review

Sources: Oaklandside · CBS SF

On ballot — November 2026

Strong Mayor Charter Reform

Charter amendment to give mayor veto power and direct control over city admin. Barbara Lee cast tie-breaking vote June 16. Most fundamental governance change in decades.

Key players: Mayor Lee, Jenkins, Wang, Fife, Brown (yes); Unger, Ramachandran, Gallo, Houston (no)

Next milestone: November 2026 ballot

Sources: Oaklandside · KTVU

Improving — crime down 30%

Crime Reduction & Public Safety

Violent crime down 22%, homicides down 39% Q1 2026. New 5-year violence reduction plan adopted. Federal blitz with FBI/ATF/DEA. But OPD only 500 officers vs 877 recommended.

Key players: Interim Chief James Beere, Mayor Lee, Police Commission

Next milestone: Chief of Police permanent appointment

Sources: KQED · CBS SF