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Agenda Item

22-0162 2) A Resolution Overruling Protests And Objections And Accepting And Confirming Reports Of The City Administrator On The Costs Incurred By The City Of Oakland For Delinquent Business Taxes And Authorizing The Recordation Of Liens With Administrative And Assessment Charges As Necessary Pursuant To Chapter 5.04 Of The Oakland Municipal Code, And Directing The Notice Of Lien And Assessment Charges Be Turned Over To The County Tax Collector For Collection

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    Neighbors Defending Our Homes NDH Coalition, Neighbors Defending Our Homes over 2 years ago

    ITEM 3.2: PLEASE VOTE "NO" ON PROPERTY LIENS OF SMALL RENTAL PROPERTY PROVIDERS!

    Many people don’t know that:

    1. Under current Oakland City Code, someone owning property & living in units with their extended family (say children & grandchildren) that help with the mortgage is running a “business”.
    2. A person wIth several roommates pitching in on the mortgage of their property over the years owes business tax each year on each dollar of that “income”.

    Often such property owners are low-income and of Asian, Latino or African American minority cultures favoring extended family assistance & close proximity. Their property is the only source of historical family wealth. Many living in these or similar Oakland situations didn’t know they owed taxes until Oakland delivers a bill for past business taxes, penalties/late fees, & Interest. The City can & does go back decades, sometimes over 40 years, to collect tens of thousands of dollars, & place liens on their property. This is a prime example of how Oakland captures the property of unsuspecting & vulnerable victims, displaces longstanding residents who are often people of color, fosters gentrification, & increases homelessness.

    You must stop this practice now. Reform the Business Tax rates on those owning a small number of units, & stop placing liens, some over $50,000 going back many decades! Vote NO on such liens, & yes to equitable business taxes.

    NEIGHBORS DEFENDING OUR HOMES COALITION-- DEFENDRHOMES@GMAIL.COM