A campaign to "cancel" the city of Piedmont, a small municipality geographically surrounded by Oakland, California, is facing criticism for targeting a community lauded for its effective governance. Activists, including Oakland transit planner Jesse Rosemoore, have promoted slogans and merchandise calling for Piedmont's dissolution, arguing that its prosperity and order are intolerable.
Piedmont, with a population of 11,000, has operated as a charter city since 1923, managing its own local governance, including electing leaders and setting taxes. The city is described as having strong schools, clean streets, safe parks, and an engaged citizenry. Critics of the "cancel" movement contend that these characteristics represent the kind of local democracy many citizens desire.
Those advocating for Piedmont's "cancellation" suggest its success, high property values, and involved parent community are inherently problematic. However, opponents argue that Piedmont's achievements are the result of sustained effort by its residents, including families, teachers, and taxpayers, and that its success is a demonstration of effective local governance.
Rosemoore and his supporters acknowledge that direct annexation of Piedmont by Oakland is not feasible without Piedmont's voter approval. The campaign is therefore characterized by critics as largely performative, focusing on messaging rather than practical governance.
Piedmont is required to meet state housing targets, including provisions for lower-income units, and is judged by its adherence to such laws. Critics of the movement suggest that it conflates resentment with genuine reform, and that rather than seeking to dismantle successful communities, neighboring areas might benefit from observing and learning from their effective models. The campaign to "cancel" Piedmont is seen by some as an attack on a working example of local democracy, rather than a constructive approach to addressing challenges in neighboring communities.