* Concurrent Meeting of the Oakland Redevelopment Successor Agency and the City Council - 2026-01-20
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
Oakland City Council rejected the Police Commission Selection Panel's slate of Ricardo Garcia Acosta and Omar Farmer (6-2 vote), citing concerns about the recruitment process despite both candidates being unanimously resubmitted by the selection panel. The council approved Mayor Barbara Lee's appointment of Judge Grillo to the Police Commission while deferring Doug Wong's appointment pending background check completion. East Oakland Community Project representatives testified about severe funding delays from the city totaling nearly $500,000, causing payroll disruptions and threatening operations serving homeless residents.
Key Decisions (5)
Police Commission Selection Panel Slate Rejection
City Council rejected the selection panel's unanimous resubmission of Ricardo Garcia Acosta (Chair) and Omar Farmer (Alternate) to serve on the Oakland Police Commission. Council members cited concerns about inadequate recruitment outreach and failure to interview 13 new applicants received since October 2025 rejection.
Business Tax Delinquency Liens Resolution
Council adopted resolution confirming liens on approximately 1,800 properties for delinquent business taxes totaling $5,583,524.10 (including $397,075 administrative fees) for tax years through 2025. Property owners have until August 10, 2026 to pay before liens are added to county property tax rolls.
Mayor's Police Commission Appointment - Judge Grillo
Council approved Mayor Barbara Lee's appointment of Judge Grillo, with over 20 years of judicial experience, to serve on the Oakland Police Commission. Doug Wong's appointment was separated from the item pending completion of background check.
Caltrans Maintenance Agreement for Litter Removal
Council approved amendment to Caltrans delegated maintenance agreement providing $375,000 for one year to fund city Public Works staff overtime to clean 29 freeway on and off ramps. Councilmember Gallo voted no, arguing Caltrans should clean their own properties.
OPD-Santa Clara Police Department MOU for Super Bowl
Council approved memorandum of understanding between Oakland Police Department and Santa Clara Police Department to send off-duty OPD officers to monitor Super Bowl events. Councilmember Gallo voted no, stating Oakland needs officers locally.
Market Signals (3)
Commercial Demand
89 businesses closed in Oakland in November 2025, with monthly closures ranging from 48-99 throughout 2025, and the city's only boutique hotel announced closure.
Housing Demand
Approximately 35,000 homes were lost to foreclosure in Oakland between 2007-2019, with current foreclosure rate of approximately 1 in 14 homeowners.
Sentiment
Business tax delinquencies increased from 869 properties in 2023 to over 2,000 in 2025, with staff attributing some increase to property owners under financial strain from rent regulations, utilities, taxes, and insurance premiums.