Oakland Charter Reform Project

Why Charter Reform?

"Oakland's government is designed to fail."

Since January 2025, we've communicated with roughly 200 stakeholders about Oakland's government structure (see who we are here). Everyone we've met with – many with decades of experience working for, or in partnership with, the Oakland city government – told us that Oakland's flawed city charter is either partly or largely responsible for the City's dysfunction.

The recent recall of Mayor Sheng Thao represents a peak moment of dissatisfaction with Oakland's government. No other mayor in Oakland's 173-year history has ever been recalled from office. An astonishing 79% of Oakland residents feel the City is on the wrong track.

As SPUR said in their 2021 report, Oakland's hybrid structure "makes it difficult to establish accountability for the effective functioning of government, since it leaves open the question of which branch of government is in charge". In other words - the buck stops nowhere.

79%

of Oaklanders think the city is on the wrong track

200+

stakeholders consulted about charter reform

Our Principles

Accountability

Clear lines of responsibility so the buck stops somewhere definite, enabling residents to hold their government accountable.

Effectiveness

A government structure that combines democratic governance with professional management to enable efficient delivery of services and implementation of policies that improve quality of life.

Representation

Ensuring all Oakland residents have their voices heard and interests represented in city government.

Transparency

Open and accessible government processes that allow residents to understand how decisions are made.

Our Approach

The Oakland Charter Reform Project has conducted extensive research and community engagement to learn what concerns the community has and to inform our approach to charter reform:

Three focus groups with diverse Oakland stakeholders, including the League of Women Voters, SPUR, Oakland Chamber of Commerce, and longtime City employees, commissioners, board members, and more
One-on-one interviews with key stakeholders, including the Oakland NAACP
Special one-on-one sessions with Oakland City Councilmembers, the City Auditor, and others who reached out to us
Presented at a SPUR community forum
Gathered community feedback on social media

With this feedback, we have decided to gather signatures for a charter amendment to move Oakland to a Council-Manager form of government, aiming to put the measure before the voters in June 2026.

Why June? Because settling matters about the City's organization in advance of the November 2026 mayoral election will allow candidates to run for a clearly defined role in the new system.

December 2024 - March 2025

Initial research and stakeholder interviews

April - June 2025

Draft charter amendments and community feedback

July - December 2025

Gather signatures to place on ballot

January - May 2026

Organize grassroots campaign

June 2026

Charter reform measure on ballot

Proposed Amendments

Based on extensive research, stakeholder input, and the guidance of the National Civic League's Model City Charter, we are proposing the following potential amendments to the Oakland City Charter:

Council-Manager Form of Government

Oakland's current hybrid governance structure has created confusion about who is responsible for what. Based on best practices from the National Civic League, we propose:

A Unitary System: All powers of the city would be vested in a popularly elected council, which appoints a professional manager who is continuously responsible to and removable by the council.
Stronger Political Leadership: The mayor would serve as chief legislator and leader of the policy-making team, focused on facilitative leadership rather than administrative details.
Professional Management: A qualified city administrator would handle day-to-day operations, provide professional expertise, and ensure effective implementation of council-approved policies.

Learn more about the Council-Manager form of government.

City Attorney Appointment

Currently, Oakland's city attorney is independently elected, creating potential conflicts between serving voters' interests and the municipal corporation's needs. We propose:

Changing to an appointed city attorney who is hired by and answers to the City Council
Ensuring the city attorney views the City Council and City Administrator as their client

Get Involved

Join us in building a better Oakland through charter reform. Contact us to learn more, share your ideas, or get involved.

Email: oaklandcharterreformproject@gmail.com