FY 2026-27 Proposed Midcycle Budget

Oakland, 2) consultant support to identify and implement policy and programmatic changes based on the findings and recommendations of recent study, and 3) additional financial, strategic planning and/or policy development consultant support. Equity Consideration: Extension of the contract with Ben Rosenfield Consulting, LLC will enable the consultant to continue implementing an action plan to address the City of Oakland’s long-term fiscal sustainability. The City's financial health directly impacts its ability to deliver core services and programs; implementing a fiscal sustainability action plan will help guide the City's financial planning and decision making to help ensure all residents, and particularly underserved groups, receive core services and can access other City programs, resources, or information on a consistent basis. A recent study analyzed the utilization, availability, and disparity of minority and women-owned businesses as both prime and subcontractors, as well as the components of the City's Local and Small Local Business Enterprise Program and compliance with the affirmative action provisions on federally assisted contracts. The proposed funding will support a consultant contract(s) to identify, develop and implement policy and/or programmatic changes in accordance with the findings and recommendations of this study to ensure compliance and equitable opportunity in the City's contracting and procurement processes.    Restores 1.0 FTE Human Resources Analyst, Principal in the Employment Investigations & Civil Rights Compliance (EICRC) division to create an expert-level supervisory role in the division, reporting to the EEO & Civil Rights Director. Among other duties, this position is responsible for 1) providing consultation to the City Attorney, City Administrator, other management staff, and direct subordinate staff, in regard to the investigation, response and settlement of employment discrimination and sexual harassment complaints, 2) monitoring the City for compliance with laws, regulations and guidelines, 3) developing and amending EEO policies and procedures, and 4) interpreting and explaining policies.  Equity Consideration: Addition of this position supports succession planning in the EICRC division an intermediary, supervisory position to oversee and support the work of the Equal Opportunity Specialist positions. This division is responsible for ensuring compliance with equal employment laws and enforcing regulations that prohibit discrimination and harassment in the workplace based on race, color, or national origin, gender, or disability, as required by Title VII of the American Civil Rights Act (Federal), Fair Employment and Housing Act (State), and City Administrative Instruction 71 (City).  4. Adds $400,000 of Miscellaneous Personnel (one-time) for Outreach in the Office of Homelessness Solutions, to enhance/expand outreach to unhoused residents, such as to inform of scheduled cleanings or provide information about available services, in high-priority zones in the city. This service will enhance our support for unhoused individuals and better facilitate individuals moving away from sleeping conditions that are not habitable and into permanent housing solutions. Additionally, this funding will support individuals in need with wrap around services and expose individuals to more access to available resources. Equity Consideration: During the last point in time count in 2024, 5,485 were identified as experiencing homeless in Oakland, representing 58% of Alameda County's total. By combining this data with targeted, equity-focused wraparound services, such as housing navigation services and connections to resources, the City aims to address racial disparities and stabilize vulnerable residents, specifically targeting those most at risk.  5. City Attorney Restorations Restores 1.0 FTE Deputy City Attorney IV, PPT. Equity Consideration: By restoring legal staffing capacity, the Neighborhood Law Corps (NLC) focuses on addressing blight and nuisance conditions in neighborhoods, preventing illegal dumping, suing abusive landlords who violate the rights of Oakland tenants and shutting down hotels, massage parlors, and other businesses that collude in human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of minors.  1. City Auditor Restorations Reallocates $140,266 for contracts to assist with scheduled audits and various other projects, enabling existing staff to complete current performance audits timely.  Equity Consideration: Contracting with external auditors/graduate fellows reduces our staff's workload and ensures the more timely completion of our operational performance audits and investigations, which may address critical equity issues requiring timely remediation.  1. Reallocates $383,735 to contract with an outside agency to conduct audits mandated by the City’s municipal code, enabling existing staff to complete current performance audits timely.  Equity Consideration: Contracting with external auditors for recurring, mandated audits reduces our staff's workload and ensures the more timely completion of our operational performance audits and investigations, which may address critical equity issues requiring timely remediation.  2. Restores the City Auditor’s Office to be in full compliance with Measure X by adding 1.0 FTE Performance Auditor position. Adding a Performance Auditor position will enable the City Auditor’s office to complete more audits at a quicker pace and reduce the costs of outsourcing.   Equity Consideration: Our Office integrates equity considerations into our audit planning process for all operational performance audits. Our annual risk assessment and work plan process considers audits that are responsive to community concerns, as well as existing and emerging risks. Staff resources allow our Office to audit City programs for equitable access, as well as compliance, efficiency, and effectiveness. Equity-focused audits help to uncover systemic