Oakland's city council recently approved a $4.2 billion budget, focusing on essential city services termed a 'back to the basics' budget. The plan supports fire station operations, maintains police staffing, and funds initiatives to combat blight and illegal dumping, alongside providing homeless services. It aims to address a significant $265 million structural deficit over two years. However, to achieve these goals, the budget includes cutbacks, notably halting one police academy and implementing hiring freezes and pay cuts for new staff.
"We very quickly came to the idea that we need to do fewer things, but we need to do those things very well. In particular, those are public safety, safe streets, blight, infrastructure and economic development."
The budget aims to keep all 25 Oakland fire stations open, protect police staffing, and fund programs to combat illegal dumping and blight.
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