Income inequality is an existential threat to society, impacting public health, educational outcomes, and housing security. We must address this pressing issue through local taxes.
"I ask you for your full support," Councilmember Noel Gallo said at Tuesday's meeting. "I was here from the very beginning when we brought Becker Boards to Oakland, and I will tell you my experience has been an extremely positive one."
We have to take this very, very seriously, said Councilmember Marilyn Librers, who recalled that in the late 90s, tight budgets forced the city to shut down several programs and services. This polarized the community and impacted public trust. Tackling this issue now is critical to ensure we don't repeat that history.
The Big Beautiful Bill is likely to increase the budget deficit, with estimates from CBO and CRFB suggesting an additional $2.3-$3.1 trillion over 10 years due to tax cuts outweighing spending reductions.
"I wanted you to hear each and every name of every staff member and their work and their position, because as of this moment, in this second right now, after this payroll, we got work to do."
Berkeley's hiring freeze aims to mitigate a budget deficit through summer 2026, reflecting the city's fiscal challenges due to dwindling one-time resources and economic uncertainty.
Suffolk County may face a $91 million debt from illegal fees of its red-light camera program, casting shadows over its upcoming budget amidst a $552 million deficit.
Now, the African American Sports and Entertainment Group, or AASEG, has received another year to square away its purchase of both the city's half of the Coliseum and the other half that the county was in the process of selling to the A's baseball franchise.
Ray Dalio, the founder of hedge fund Bridgewater Associates, said he met with House Budget Chair Jodey Arrington and House Republicans to discuss the national debt on Tuesday.