Redevelopment Ends – City cuts millions from budget

The Oakland City Council voted to support most of the cuts proposed by Mayor Quan and City Administrator Deanna Santana to balance the City budget after the elimination of the Oakland Redevelopment Agency (RDA) as required by state law. Overall about $8million was cut from the final 5 months of this years’ budget and $20 million was cut from the 2012-23 fiscal year.

The Revised budget maintains funding for sworn police officers and firefighters. Funding was also preserved for Children’s Fairyland and the Oakland Zoo despite proposed cuts. The number of jobs that will be cut has been declining over the last week or two as City staff and City Council worked out details. While some work rule seniority issues may still affect the particular positions eliminated the number of lost jobs will likely be close to 80.