The Brief
- Oakland is hosting a series of town halls for residents to sound off on the new budget proposal.
- A two-year, $4.4 billion budget plan would close the city’s mounting deficit.
- Some proposed cuts include eliminating 400 jobs and reducing police overtime.
OAKLAND, Calif. – The Oakland City Council is taking steps to try to close a projected budget gap of more than $100 million for the next fiscal year. A town hall was held Wednesday night, with many residents expressing worry about potential cuts, amid ongoing concerns about crime and quality of life.
Oakland faces mounting budget deficit
What they’re saying:
“A budget is a reflection of our values,” said Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee.
Leaders in Oakland are grappling with how to tackle a structural budget deficit that threatens to keep the city in the red for years to come. …