 A key policy focus for Oakland Starting Smart and Strong (OSSS) is uplifting early childhood as a priority in Oakland city government. With that in mind, we analyzed the City’s 2024-25 Midcycle Budget that was recently approved by Oakland City Council.  The City is facing a $177 million deficit, due to declines in tax revenue and police overtime spending. To close this deficit the Mayor and City Council authorized the sale of the Oakland Coliseum, which will bring in at least $105 million over the next two years. The final Midcycle Budget accounts for the Coliseum sale, and it keeps in place many services important to young children, parents, and early childhood educators, including funding for Head Start staff, playground improvements, and street safety measures. However, if Coliseum sale funds are not received by September 1, 2024, the City will immediately cut funding for public safety, affordable housing development, and other bond-funded projects.
The City remains in a structural deficit, which means that its spending surpasses the funds coming in. City leaders will propose more significant cuts in the coming budget cycle, which means that we should get ready to advocate to protect Oakland’s early childhood ecosystem. The 2025-2027 budget process will start in September 2024, three months earlier than usual. OSSS leverages the power of early childhood stakeholders to advocate for policies and funding that support Oakland children, families and early childhood educators most impacted by racial and economic inequity. Join the OSSS Policy & Advocacy Committee now to get involved. Comments are closed.
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