FY 2026-27 Proposed Midcycle Budget

Mid-Cycle Policy Directives _____________________________________________________________________________ DATE: June 8, 2026 TO: Oakland City Councilmembers and Members of the Public FROM: Councilmembers Kevin Jenkins (District 6), Janani Ramachandran (District 4), Rowena Brown (At-Large), Zac Unger (District 1) SUBJECT: Council Budget Team Policy Directives These policy directives are intended to strengthen the City of Oakland's ability to deliver services, maintain fiscal stability, improve transparency, modernize government operations, and enhance accountability to residents. The directives focus on strengthening long-term financial planning, improving hiring and employee retention, modernizing public communications and community engagement, and increasing oversight of public resources. They also seek to improve the City's response to homelessness by exploring Housing Resource Centers in partnership with Alameda County and evaluating opportunities to better coordinate homelessness-related services under the Office of Homelessness Solutions. Together, these initiatives are designed to improve efficiency, reduce barriers to service delivery, increase public trust, and ensure City resources are aligned with Oakland's priorities. Regular reporting and implementation plans will help measure progress and reinforce the City's commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective governance. City Administration to Develop a Coordinated Plan for Oakland Housing Resource Centers: The City Council directs the City Administrator to work collaboratively with Alameda County to develop and return with a plan for the establishment of two Housing Resource Centers for unhoused individuals and families—one located in East Oakland and one located in the West Oakland/Downtown area. The centers should be located near major transit corridors and serve as centralized access points for housing navigation, medical and behavioral health services, case management, showers, food assistance, and other supportive services. The plan shall identify potential locations, estimated infrastructure costs, operating models, and funding sources, with the intent that the City of Oakland fund the development and infrastructure of the facilities while Alameda County funds or coordinates ongoing programming, service delivery, and supportive care. The City Administrator shall also identify partnership opportunities with community-based organizations, healthcare providers, and regional agencies to maximize the effectiveness of the centers and improve outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness by January 2027. Operational Review and Coordination of Homelessness Services: To optimize the City of Oakland’s expanded capacity under the Office of Homelessness Solutions and maximize the impact of services to address homelessness, the City Council directs