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Agenda Item
8 25-0323 Subject: FY 2024-25 Budget Balancing
From: Office Of The City Administrator
Recommendation: Adopt The Following Pieces Of Legislation:
1) Resolution (1) Amending The FY 2024-25 Midcycle Budget (Resolution No. 90326 C.M.S.) To Authorize The Transfer Of Funds Into The General Purpose Fund And Adjust Other Appropriations; (2) Affirming The Budget Balancing Actions Taken By The City Administrator Pursuant To The Powers And Duties Granted Under The City Charter And The Authority Granted Pursuant To Resolution No. 90326 C.M.S. To Maintain The Fiscal Health Of The City; And (3) Making Extreme Fiscal Necessity Declarations Necessary To Utilize Restricted Funds; And
OakDOT has done incredible work since separating from Public Works; recombining them again may set us back years on that good work, slowing down our ability to meet the many ADA needs that we currently don't, and suffering litigation and penalties in the meantime, not to mention the worse quality for all our residents
Please don't cut budget items 1010 EWD & 1010 OPRYD. The arts are proven economic catalysts. Arts & culture industry generates $166.3 bl in economic activity nationwide, supports 4.6 ml jobs, and returns $27.5 bl in government revenue each year. Similar research confirms that thriving cultural sectors are directly linked to stronger local economies, enhanced civic engagement, and greater resilience during economic downturns.
Oakland itself has much to gain by maintaining strong support for the arts. According to local data, our city is home to more than 300 arts and cultural nonprofit organizations and over 5,000 working artists. These individuals and institutions foster a vibrant, creative ecosystem that draws visitors, energizes local commerce, and helps define our unique cultural identity. Take note of San Jose’s success: by maintaining robust arts funding, it has recovered to 115% of its pre-pandemic revenue levels. If we want Oakland to rebound swiftly, we must invest in our creative economy rather than diminish it.
Next year, federal and foundation funding will likely decline, placing an even greater responsibility on the City to ensure the survival of Oakland’s cultural sector. Slashing funds now will reduce cultural access, erode our city’s global reputation, and ultimately lead to deeper economic and social challenges, including increased poverty and vulnerability. Let’s not squander decades of creative investment over short-sighted budget decisions.
I oppose the recommended elimination of the Cultural Funding GPF for a total of $683K (further reduced from a initial $1.477 mil budget in fy 23-24). Among the grantees that will face funding cuts include Walk Oakland Bike Oakland's East Oakland Futures Fest, and also the likes of East Bay Refugee and Immigrant Forum, Black Joy Parade, Art and Soul, and more. This program efficiently runs a competitive grant process that allows projects across the city's vibrant arts and culture assets to flourish, to experience joyfulness, and generates revenue and positivity for the City on a very tiny budget. The effect of a reduction in $683K is miniscule on the city's budget, yet will have immense negative impact on the ability for Oakland to support its cultural vibrancy.
City Councilmembers, please ask for the details for the proposed transfer of $1,427,065 from the Facilities Fund 4400 to LLAD (2310) for "water charges". The LLAD does pay for water charges related to parks and parks and recreation facilities. LLAD cannot pay for water or any charges not related to landscape and lighting per the assessment under State law. The same goes for Measure Q (2244). So what are the $1.427,065 charges paying for now, which facilities are they adding to LLAD? A legal review of this is critical to assure LLAD is compliant with the legal constraints under the City Assessment District and State LLAD Law. Also, on the possible tax measures, I'm not feeling the community can trust in the use of restricted funds after seeing what happened in the mid-cycle budget with Measure Q and other restricted funds. The shifting of GF into administrative positions in Measure Q exceeded the 1% allowable amount and was not within the allowed uses. This is not related to the MOE provisions, which were exceeded based on "Extreme Fiscal Necessity" declaration. Balancing is going to hurt, but please retain integrity with restricted, voter approved funds. Without that it will get very challenging to ask the voters for more funding. Brooke A Levin, former City Employee 1991-2017 retired Public Works Director
Gail Wallace commenting on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Oakland: LWVO supports the independence of Oakland's oversight bodies and therefore encourages Oakland to explore the viability of a parcel tax which would fully fund Charter-mandated oversight bodies such as the PEC, the auditor's office and CPRA. We see this suggestion from the administration as a response in part to the City Council's directive to find funding mechanisms other than the general fund for the public campaign finance program approved when Measure W passed. We hope for opportunities to have further input into specifics of any such measure. Generally, we urge that, if such a tax is proposed, it be based on realistic estimates of the staffing and other costs the oversight bodies require to fully fulfill their respective missions. Competing for funds from the general fund has left these oversight bodies without resources adequate to the job. The principal goal of a parcel tax should be to provide sufficient resources and independence to these bodies.
Thank you for holding this special meeting and for your service to this city.
My name is Alison Schmitt and I am an Oakland resident living in Jack London Square (District 2). I also work at an education and workforce nonprofit in Oakland and am a member of the Board of Trustees of Living Jazz, an Oakland nonprofit that transforms lives through the music, spirit, and culture of jazz.
Today I write to you to NOT support the proposal by the City Administrator to cut Cultural Funding's General Purpose Fund because of the strong negative impact it would have on Oakland’s economy, cultural vibrancy, and quality of life for residents.
Investing in the arts is beneficial for the economy because it generates jobs, attracts tourists, stimulates local businesses, increases property values, and generates tax revenue through the creation of a vibrant cultural scene. A $25k grant for Living Jazz allows us to put on a show at The Paramount Theater. These sold-out shows stimulate restaurants and bars downtown that struggle to recover from the pandemic.
I love living in Oakland because of how rich the city is with culture, art, food, music, and history. I strongly urge you to keep this grant program intact to ensure the organizations like Living Jazz that are essential to the cultural ecosystem can continue to operate and provide a valuable service to Oakland’s residents.
I hope this message finds you well. I would like to take a moment to thank you for your dedication and service to our city. I understand the immense challenges you face in these difficult times, and I deeply respect your commitment to Oakland and its residents.
My name is Jesse Engel, and I am a resident of Oakland District #1. For the past 20 years, I have been actively involved in the arts education and performance community through my work with the local organization Living Jazz. I am writing to express my strong opposition to the City Administrator's proposal to reduce the General Purpose Fund allocation for Cultural Funding.
This proposed cut would have far-reaching consequences for our city. Cultural funding is not merely financial support for the arts; it is a strategic investment that generates both economic and social benefits for Oakland. For example, a $25,000 grant enables us to host performances at venues like The Paramount Theatre, a city-owned landmark. These events draw audiences from within and beyond Oakland, boosting local businesses such as restaurants, bars, and hotels. Additionally, they bring positive attention to our city at a time when Oakland's public image faces significant challenges.
Cutting this funding risks diminishing these essential contributions.
Thank you for your service. I know you're in a difficult situation and I respect your willingness to serve during these trying times.
My name is LAURA ANDERSON and I am an Oakland resident, Board of Trustees member with Living Jazz a non-profit here in Oakland committed to arts/music for Bay area schools, and I spend money here in Oakland in my everyday living and enjoying all that Oakland has to offer.
Today I write to you to NOT support the proposal by the City Administrator to cut Cultural Funding's General Purpose Fund. Here's why:
Economic Impact
This grants program is not just money given to the arts, but rather an investment that yields both fiscal and social returns for the City of Oakland.
A $25k grant allows us to put on a show at The Paramount, a CITY OWNED venue.
People come from outside of Oakland for this and get drinks/dinner/stay in hotels.
Brings a positive light to Oakland at a time when the public image is so negative.
Education & Safety Impact
Attendance in schools
Encouraging youth to be proud of their city
Understanding of history and social justice in an approachable manner
What it means to take the stage at the Paramount through MLK
Cultural Impact
Oakland has been on the forefront of Arts & Culture across the world.
*I submitted a comment but then the browser took me to a registration page and I can't tell if my original comment went through or not.
I oppose the proposal, specifically the elimination of funding to the Cultural Funding’s General Purpose Fund. The Cultural Funding’s General Purpose Fund has already been reduced by more than 50% in comparison to FY23-24 and has done its part to enact austerity measures during this difficult time. Eliminating the funds altogether would cause significant damage to Oakland's performing arts businesses and could cause permanent damage. Oakland performing arts organizations employ hundreds of employees and artists and bring thousands of people to Downtown Oakland and other areas of commerce in Oakland who visit restaurants, bars and other shops and play a vital role in stimulating the local economy. Oakland performing arts groups had already made plans on staffing and expenditures thinking that the money that was awarded to them would be honored and paid. Cutting that funding will cause meaningful harm. The funding allocation of the Cultural Funding’s General Purpose Fund should not be cut at this time.
OakDOT has done incredible work since separating from Public Works; recombining them again may set us back years on that good work, slowing down our ability to meet the many ADA needs that we currently don't, and suffering litigation and penalties in the meantime, not to mention the worse quality for all our residents
Please don't cut budget items 1010 EWD & 1010 OPRYD. The arts are proven economic catalysts. Arts & culture industry generates $166.3 bl in economic activity nationwide, supports 4.6 ml jobs, and returns $27.5 bl in government revenue each year. Similar research confirms that thriving cultural sectors are directly linked to stronger local economies, enhanced civic engagement, and greater resilience during economic downturns.
Oakland itself has much to gain by maintaining strong support for the arts. According to local data, our city is home to more than 300 arts and cultural nonprofit organizations and over 5,000 working artists. These individuals and institutions foster a vibrant, creative ecosystem that draws visitors, energizes local commerce, and helps define our unique cultural identity. Take note of San Jose’s success: by maintaining robust arts funding, it has recovered to 115% of its pre-pandemic revenue levels. If we want Oakland to rebound swiftly, we must invest in our creative economy rather than diminish it.
Next year, federal and foundation funding will likely decline, placing an even greater responsibility on the City to ensure the survival of Oakland’s cultural sector. Slashing funds now will reduce cultural access, erode our city’s global reputation, and ultimately lead to deeper economic and social challenges, including increased poverty and vulnerability. Let’s not squander decades of creative investment over short-sighted budget decisions.
I oppose the recommended elimination of the Cultural Funding GPF for a total of $683K (further reduced from a initial $1.477 mil budget in fy 23-24). Among the grantees that will face funding cuts include Walk Oakland Bike Oakland's East Oakland Futures Fest, and also the likes of East Bay Refugee and Immigrant Forum, Black Joy Parade, Art and Soul, and more. This program efficiently runs a competitive grant process that allows projects across the city's vibrant arts and culture assets to flourish, to experience joyfulness, and generates revenue and positivity for the City on a very tiny budget. The effect of a reduction in $683K is miniscule on the city's budget, yet will have immense negative impact on the ability for Oakland to support its cultural vibrancy.
City Councilmembers, please ask for the details for the proposed transfer of $1,427,065 from the Facilities Fund 4400 to LLAD (2310) for "water charges". The LLAD does pay for water charges related to parks and parks and recreation facilities. LLAD cannot pay for water or any charges not related to landscape and lighting per the assessment under State law. The same goes for Measure Q (2244). So what are the $1.427,065 charges paying for now, which facilities are they adding to LLAD? A legal review of this is critical to assure LLAD is compliant with the legal constraints under the City Assessment District and State LLAD Law. Also, on the possible tax measures, I'm not feeling the community can trust in the use of restricted funds after seeing what happened in the mid-cycle budget with Measure Q and other restricted funds. The shifting of GF into administrative positions in Measure Q exceeded the 1% allowable amount and was not within the allowed uses. This is not related to the MOE provisions, which were exceeded based on "Extreme Fiscal Necessity" declaration. Balancing is going to hurt, but please retain integrity with restricted, voter approved funds. Without that it will get very challenging to ask the voters for more funding. Brooke A Levin, former City Employee 1991-2017 retired Public Works Director
Gail Wallace commenting on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Oakland: LWVO supports the independence of Oakland's oversight bodies and therefore encourages Oakland to explore the viability of a parcel tax which would fully fund Charter-mandated oversight bodies such as the PEC, the auditor's office and CPRA. We see this suggestion from the administration as a response in part to the City Council's directive to find funding mechanisms other than the general fund for the public campaign finance program approved when Measure W passed. We hope for opportunities to have further input into specifics of any such measure. Generally, we urge that, if such a tax is proposed, it be based on realistic estimates of the staffing and other costs the oversight bodies require to fully fulfill their respective missions. Competing for funds from the general fund has left these oversight bodies without resources adequate to the job. The principal goal of a parcel tax should be to provide sufficient resources and independence to these bodies.
Dear Oakland Elected Officials,
Thank you for holding this special meeting and for your service to this city.
My name is Alison Schmitt and I am an Oakland resident living in Jack London Square (District 2). I also work at an education and workforce nonprofit in Oakland and am a member of the Board of Trustees of Living Jazz, an Oakland nonprofit that transforms lives through the music, spirit, and culture of jazz.
Today I write to you to NOT support the proposal by the City Administrator to cut Cultural Funding's General Purpose Fund because of the strong negative impact it would have on Oakland’s economy, cultural vibrancy, and quality of life for residents.
Investing in the arts is beneficial for the economy because it generates jobs, attracts tourists, stimulates local businesses, increases property values, and generates tax revenue through the creation of a vibrant cultural scene. A $25k grant for Living Jazz allows us to put on a show at The Paramount Theater. These sold-out shows stimulate restaurants and bars downtown that struggle to recover from the pandemic.
I love living in Oakland because of how rich the city is with culture, art, food, music, and history. I strongly urge you to keep this grant program intact to ensure the organizations like Living Jazz that are essential to the cultural ecosystem can continue to operate and provide a valuable service to Oakland’s residents.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Alison Schmitt
Dear Oakland Elected Officials,
I hope this message finds you well. I would like to take a moment to thank you for your dedication and service to our city. I understand the immense challenges you face in these difficult times, and I deeply respect your commitment to Oakland and its residents.
My name is Jesse Engel, and I am a resident of Oakland District #1. For the past 20 years, I have been actively involved in the arts education and performance community through my work with the local organization Living Jazz. I am writing to express my strong opposition to the City Administrator's proposal to reduce the General Purpose Fund allocation for Cultural Funding.
This proposed cut would have far-reaching consequences for our city. Cultural funding is not merely financial support for the arts; it is a strategic investment that generates both economic and social benefits for Oakland. For example, a $25,000 grant enables us to host performances at venues like The Paramount Theatre, a city-owned landmark. These events draw audiences from within and beyond Oakland, boosting local businesses such as restaurants, bars, and hotels. Additionally, they bring positive attention to our city at a time when Oakland's public image faces significant challenges.
Cutting this funding risks diminishing these essential contributions.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jesse Engel
Dear Oakland Elected Officials,
Thank you for your service. I know you're in a difficult situation and I respect your willingness to serve during these trying times.
My name is LAURA ANDERSON and I am an Oakland resident, Board of Trustees member with Living Jazz a non-profit here in Oakland committed to arts/music for Bay area schools, and I spend money here in Oakland in my everyday living and enjoying all that Oakland has to offer.
Today I write to you to NOT support the proposal by the City Administrator to cut Cultural Funding's General Purpose Fund. Here's why:
Economic Impact
This grants program is not just money given to the arts, but rather an investment that yields both fiscal and social returns for the City of Oakland.
A $25k grant allows us to put on a show at The Paramount, a CITY OWNED venue.
People come from outside of Oakland for this and get drinks/dinner/stay in hotels.
Brings a positive light to Oakland at a time when the public image is so negative.
Education & Safety Impact
Attendance in schools
Encouraging youth to be proud of their city
Understanding of history and social justice in an approachable manner
What it means to take the stage at the Paramount through MLK
Cultural Impact
Oakland has been on the forefront of Arts & Culture across the world.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Laura Anderson
*I submitted a comment but then the browser took me to a registration page and I can't tell if my original comment went through or not.
I oppose the proposal, specifically the elimination of funding to the Cultural Funding’s General Purpose Fund. The Cultural Funding’s General Purpose Fund has already been reduced by more than 50% in comparison to FY23-24 and has done its part to enact austerity measures during this difficult time. Eliminating the funds altogether would cause significant damage to Oakland's performing arts businesses and could cause permanent damage. Oakland performing arts organizations employ hundreds of employees and artists and bring thousands of people to Downtown Oakland and other areas of commerce in Oakland who visit restaurants, bars and other shops and play a vital role in stimulating the local economy. Oakland performing arts groups had already made plans on staffing and expenditures thinking that the money that was awarded to them would be honored and paid. Cutting that funding will cause meaningful harm. The funding allocation of the Cultural Funding’s General Purpose Fund should not be cut at this time.