Contact Your City Councilmember!
Last year, Oakland voters passed Measure W (Fair Elections Oakland) with over 74% of the vote, which established the nation’s second-ever Democracy Dollars program. This innovative program will provide all eligible Oakland residents with four $25 Democracy Dollars vouchers they can donate to the qualifying local candidates of their choice, boosting the power of small donors in Oakland elections.
If we want a truly representative Oakland we must ensure that the Democracy Dollars program has the proper funding necessary. We need the Mayor and City Council to be on board with creating fair elections and an equitable democracy in Oakland, which a majority of Oaklanders support. We can’t wait to bring about change to our communities - we need the Mayor and City Council to agree to fund Democracy Dollars.
We need your help to urge your City Councilmember to push for funding that will enable Democracy Dollars to be piloted soon. Let them know that Oaklanders want an accountable local government that represents all of us and that investing in a more inclusive, transparent, and equitable democracy is essential!
Timeline
May 1st - Mayor released budget proposal
May 17th - June 5th - Councilmembers’ District Budget Forums
May 30th - City Council Budget Study Session #1
June 14th - Council proposes budget amendments
June 26th - Meeting to potentially adopt final budget
June 28th - Secondary meeting to potentially adopt final budget
*We believe advocacy will be most important in the lead up to the June 14th council meeting.*
You can email or call your City Councilmembers below. You have two City Councilmembers who represent your district : one City Councilmember who directly represents your district and one At-Large City Councilmember who represents all districts (Rebecca Kaplan). Please reach out to both of your district’s City Councilmembers.
Click here to find out who your City Councilmember and TAKE ACTION: