Members of the LWVO’s Observer Corps have had a ringside seat to some impactful – and dramatic – events in 2025, and particularly in the most recent quarter.
The resignation of Oakland Police Department (OPD) Chief Floyd Mitchell dominated local headlines and was discussed (sometimes heatedly) at the Oakland Police Commission (PC) meetings. Also closely covered was the City Council’s rejection of the PC Selection Committee proposal to reappoint two commissioners (Garcia-Acosta and Farmer). The Observer Corps has been observing meetings of the OPD’s Militarized Equipment Ad Hoc Committee, whose recommendations were also discussed (with a high level of engagement from the public) at recent PC meetings.
The state of Oakland’s finances was a frequent topic at the Finance and Management Committee and Budget Advisory Commission (BAC) meetings. Councilmembers and commissioners brainstormed strategies to raise revenue by reining in costs (for police overtime, for example), by raising awareness (regarding business tax obligations), and by examining ways to increase collection of tax revenue (such as through utility taxes).
Concern about Oakland’s finances was also apparent at meetings of the Public Works Committee. Due to budget cuts, Oakland has fewer employees keeping our city clean and the streets and sidewalks safe. Additionally, much of the Public Works Department’s equipment is aging and in need of replacement. In a nod to public safety, the Public Works committee discussed lowering the speed limits in Oakland to no more than 25 MPH. And in contrast to recent directives at the federal level, Oakland is moving ahead with plans to set up new charging stations and purchase electric vehicles for the city fleet, as well as increase the availability of e-bikes for affordable rentals to residents (including low-income residents).
The Budget Advisory and Public Ethics Commissions devoted meeting time to discussing plans to fill open seats on committees and commissions. League members interested in serving the city as a member of a commission, please take note!
One of the Observer Corps’ main functions is to report on whether our local elected officials are conducting business openly and adhering to transparency rules with respect to public meetings. Although some of the data that we collect – was the agenda posted 72 hours in advance of the meeting, was a quorum present, how many members of the public attended and gave comments – seems mundane, these data are actually critical barometers of the health of our democracy that the public has a right to know.
I’d like to thank the many observers who participated in the Observer Corps in 2025 – you have all played a vital role in the process and have done a great job keeping us informed about local government!
If you’re interested in learning more about how local government works, the Observer Corps is a great place to start. We need Observers for the Public Safety Committee, the Public Safety Planning and Oversight Commission, and the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. To learn more about Oakland’s Observer Corps, please contact Liz Hartka (lizhartka4@gmail.com).