The Oakland City Council has approved a $1 million contract for tenant legal assistance as part of the Oakland Housing Secure program, which has operated for seven years. This decision comes weeks after tensions arose when the mayor's office postponed a vote for funding due to budget concerns. The funding source was shifted from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to the city's Vacant Property Tax, as identified by Councilmember Rowena Brown. Tenant advocates stress the importance of this support in preventing eviction crises.
Pulling the item was a mayor's office request to pause so the city could evaluate possible options for the funding this contract would require, Sean Maher.
Now, the tenant legal aid program will be funded with revenue from the city's Vacant Property Tax, a special tax approved by voters in 2018.
Eliminating legal services would cause 'devastation,' say tenant advocates, highlighting the critical need for continued support in eviction defense programs.
Councilmember Rowena Brown said she identified the tax money as a 'clearer pathway' to funding the contract, demonstrating adaptability in addressing budget challenges.
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