Oakland's surplus mirage sets the stage for a $34 million tax increase

This six-minute video explainer is based on our parcel tax exposé, “44% of Oakland’s proposed $34 million tax increase would go to union payouts,” published on February 22.

We invite you to check it out, and share your thoughts.

A full transcript of the video is also provided below.

Thank you.

— Oakland Report editorial board

You can read the full text and primary source evidence in our exposé here:

Video transcript

Welcome to the explainer.

Today we are digging into a really puzzling situation unfolding in Oakland, California. It’s a story about a city surplus that, well, might not be what it appears to be, and it involves a new tax that could hit every single homeowner.

All right, let’s just jump right into the heart of the matter, because this is the paradox we need to unpack.

How on earth can the city of Oakland be telling its residents two completely opposite stories about its finances at the exact same time? It just doesn’t add up.

So on one side, you have this big announcement back in February of a $73.6 million surplus. Sounds great right?