#city-politics

#city-politics

It was nearly a decade ago that Oakland voters overwhelmingly agreed in the ballot boxes that the city needed citizen oversight of the police department. Many hoped at the time that the newly established watchdog body would eventually take the reins from federal officials who have maintained control of the Oakland Police Department for now over two decades. But the commission comprised of seven volunteer members still seems to be struggling to gain footing within Oakland's complex bureaucratic tangles.

Speaker Adrienne Adams opposes pro-housing reforms to protect the Council's power, claiming they would undermine its ability to negotiate for housing, jobs, and local investments.