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.

InBrief Series: Understanding Oakland's Charter

InBrief #1: Oakland's Charter Doesn't Work. Here's Why.

Oakland's Federal-style charter creates a weak mayor, frustrated council, conflicted city attorney, and a revolving door of leadership. This system, designed for checks and balances at the national level, leads to inefficiency and lack of accountability at the city level. Read the full InBrief (PDF)

InBrief #2: How Other California Cities Are Organized – and Why

Most California cities use a unitary council–manager system, which is more efficient and accountable. Case studies from San Jose, Long Beach, and Sacramento show why this model works and how it addresses common critiques. Read the full InBrief (PDF)

InBrief #3: A Plan for Oakland – A Unitary Strong-Mayor System

We propose a Unitary Strong-Mayor system for Oakland, blending the best of council-manager and strong-mayor models. This would empower the mayor, clarify council and attorney roles, and bring stability to city management. Read the full InBrief (PDF)

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 are partnering with Mayor Lee and the City Council to advance a charter amendment through a task-force process, with the goal of placing the measure before 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

Community engagement and broader outreach

July - December 2025

Work with Mayor & Council on task force

February 2026

Council places measure on ballot

March - June 2026

Organize grassroots campaign

June 2026

Charter reform measure on ballot

If the Council does not place the measure on the ballot in February, we plan to launch a signature drive to qualify the measure for the November 2026 election.

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:

Unitary Strong-Mayor System

We propose a modern "best-of-both" model that pairs a visible, city-wide elected Mayor with a professional City Administrator. The Mayor leads and sets policy; the Administrator runs day-to-day services. Clear roles mean faster action, less finger-pointing and better results for Oaklanders.

One Government, One Leader: The Mayor chairs the City Council, helps set the agenda and can veto legislation—so everyone knows who's in charge and whom to hold accountable.
Professional Management: The City Council - led by the Mayor - hires a proven, non-political City Administrator who keeps City Hall running smoothly no matter who is in elected office.
Shared Power, Clear Roles: The Mayor provides big-picture leadership, the Council passes laws and budgets,and the Administrator delivers results—ending today's confusion about "who does what."
Better Everyday Service: With clear authority and professional management, potholes get filled, budgets stay balanced and residents get answers faster.

Learn more about the Council-Manager form of government.

One City Attorney—One Client

Under the Unitary Strong-Mayor structure, the City Attorney would be appointed by (and answer to) the Council, representing the municipal government as a single client. This ends today's built-in conflict and provides clear, reliable legal guidance to both Mayor and Council.

Appointed by the City Council, not elected—so legal advice stays professional, not political.
Serves the City as a whole, ensuring consistent, accountable counsel for both policy and operations.

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