Oakland Mayor Backs Council Pay Raise Amid City's Fiscal Woes

Oakland city council members could see their pay and benefits increase by approximately $108,000 under Measure EE, a proposal backed by Mayor Barbara Lee. This potential compensation hike comes as the city grapples with a severe illegal dumping epidemic, high crime rates, a homelessness crisis that has doubled in a decade, and a structural budget deficit impacting essential services.

Measure EE aims to give the mayor greater control over City Hall while opening the door for substantial compensation increases for the eight-member council. An analysis by the Oakland Report estimates that the annual compensation for council members could reach around $256,500 with the proposed changes. Currently, council members earn a base salary of $114,243, with total compensation including benefits estimated at approximately $148,500.

The proposal surfaces as the city faces significant fiscal challenges. City Auditor Michael Houston projects that the salary and benefit increases could add between $36,000 and $108,000 per council member, potentially costing the city up to $867,000 in the first year alone for the entire council. The campaign supporting Measure EE has reportedly not detailed these potential raises, instead focusing on making council service a full-time commitment and enhancing accountability.

This measure is being considered while the city is still dealing with the fallout from a public corruption scandal. Former Mayor Sheng Thao, her partner, and executives from the city's recycling contractor are currently on trial, accused of a pay-to-play scheme. Prosecutors allege Thao offered preferential treatment to businesses in exchange for political mailers and financial benefits.

Measure EE would also eliminate the existing restriction that caps council salary increases at 5% every two years. Starting in 2027, the Public Ethics Commission would determine compensation by comparing it to full-time council members and county supervisors in selected California jurisdictions. The measure does not set a specific salary cap.

Supporters of the measure argue that increased compensation would make public service more accessible to individuals who do not possess personal wealth or outside income. The ballot question itself discloses the proposed change in salary-setting rules.

The broader implications of Measure EE include a significant shift in mayoral power, granting Mayor Lee veto authority over legislation and budget items, with overrides requiring six council votes. Council members would, however, gain oversight tools and access to an independent budget and legislative analyst's office.

The financial implications of the proposed changes are substantial. The entire package is estimated to add between $2 million and $2.6 million in costs during its first year, posing an additional burden on a city already struggling with its finances.

Oakland's homeless population has seen a significant increase, roughly doubling from 2,191 in 2015 to 4,410 in 2026, despite a recent decline over the past two years. The city also faces a considerable challenge with illegal dumping; in August and September alone, crews removed 1,701 tons of illegally dumped material, a 46% increase compared to the same period the previous year.

In June, voters rejected a parcel tax that would have generated approximately $34 million annually, leading to anticipated cuts in city services, including the freezing of vacant positions and the closure of around 190 homeless shelter beds. The measure to place Measure EE on the ballot was only possible due to Mayor Lee breaking a 4-4 tie vote among council members in June.