FY 2026-27 Proposed Midcycle Budget

expansion of social media engagement, development of podcasts and digital content, utilization of video and streaming platforms, improved event marketing, multilingual outreach, and strategies to increase public awareness and participation in City initiatives. The report shall also identify staffing, technology, partnership, and funding needs necessary to create a more effective, accessible, and transparent public communications system that reflects the needs of Oakland residents, businesses, and visitors. Public Information and Community Engagement: Direct the City Administrator to establish a standardized public communication framework across all City of Oakland departments. This shall include ensuring every department has a dedicated Public Information Officer (PIO) representation—either through a department-specific role or a shared-agency liaison model—and an active, managed digital presence on relevant social media platforms to inform Oakland residents about services, updates, and avenues for community connection. A report shall be made to the City Council updating progress on these efforts by January 2027. Public Oversight and Accountability for Funded Travel: The City Council directs the City Administrator to establish a policy requiring that all overnight travel funded in whole or in part with City funds be approved by the City Council prior to travel. To promote efficiency and transparency, all proposed overnight travel requests shall be compiled into a single consolidated agenda item for Council consideration and shall include the name and title of each traveler, the purpose of the travel, destination, dates of travel, estimated costs, and funding source. The intent of this policy is to provide public oversight of taxpayer-funded travel expenditures and ensure that travel serves a clear public purpose. In cases of emergency travel necessary to protect public health, safety, or critical City operations, the City Administrator may authorize travel without prior Council approval, provided that such travel is reported to the City Council at the next regular meeting. Additionally, departments shall provide a brief post-travel report summarizing the activities attended and the benefit received by the City, further promoting transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. Office of the Inspector General Staffing Compliance Direct the City Administrator to return to the City Council as part of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Midcycle Budget process with a plan to ensure compliance with Oakland Municipal Code Section 2.45.100 regarding Office of the Inspector General (OIG) staffing requirements. The plan shall identify the staffing levels required under OMC 2.45.100, evaluate current staffing and funding allocations, and provide recommendations for achieving compliance utilizing the budget resources available through the Midcycle Budget.