Local measures for Oakland voters on the Nov 3, 2026 ballot (Alameda County). Statewide measures are not included.
Election Day: Tue, Nov 3, 2026Nonpartisan · no endorsements
California: vote in person or drop off by 8 PM on Nov 3; mailed ballots must be postmarked by Nov 3 and arrive by Nov 10.
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Charter changes: mayor and council powers
City of Oakland
Makes the Mayor the City's chief executive with a veto and a line-item budget veto (6 Councilmembers can override). Gives the Council power to confirm some department heads, hold hearings and issue subpoenas, and lets the Council create an independent budget and legislative analyst office. Makes Council jobs full time, has the Public Ethics Commission set Mayor and Council pay, and ends the Mayor's tie-breaking vote.
Yes meansThe Charter changes take effect.
No meansThe Charter stays as it is: the City Administrator runs most departments; the Mayor has no veto and keeps the tie-breaking vote.
MoneyNo tax. City Auditor estimates $2.0M–$2.6M in first-year costs.
Ends the exemption from Oakland's real property transfer tax for most foreclosure-related sales, starting Jan 1, 2027. Three exceptions remain: commercial property converted to shelter, affordable or supportive housing, or a healthcare facility; transfers to community banks (under $10 billion in assets); and properties of 1–4 homes bought by a person or family trust. The Council could change these later. Money goes to the General Fund.
Yes meansMost foreclosure sales pay the existing transfer tax.
No meansForeclosure sales stay exempt.
MoneyExisting rates · ballot estimate $4M–$13M a year (City Auditor: $10.4M–$13.8M first year) · until repealed
Adds a 0.5% sales tax in Alameda County (1% in San Francisco) for 14 years to fund BART, Caltrain, Muni, AC Transit, VTA and other transit, plus some repaving of roads that buses use, with an independent oversight committee.
Yes meansThe 0.5% sales tax is added in Alameda County for 14 years.
No meansNo regional transit sales tax.
Money0.5% sales tax · about $980M a year across all 5 counties · 14 years
Summaries are written from each county's or city's official ballot text and impartial analysis. They are not endorsements. Read the official text before you vote, and check your own sample ballot: some measures only appear if you live in that district.