FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 21, 2026

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OAKLAND TURNS A CORNER: VOTERS SAY CITY IS HEADED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 2017

Voters See Real Gains on Public Safety and Want the Same Urgency on the Economy

OAKLAND, CA — For the first time in nine years, more Oakland voters say their city is headed in the right direction than on the wrong track, according to the annual Oakland Pulse Survey released today by the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. 

“Oaklanders are making progress possible through their hard work, determination, and commitment to their communities,” said Mayor Barbara Lee. “We are building on our public safety strategy, addressing illegal dumping, tackling homelessness, expanding housing opportunities, creating jobs, advancing inclusive economic development, and strengthening transparency and accountability at City Hall. I remain committed to working alongside residents to make Oakland the safest, cleanest, and greenest city in America, and I’m optimistic about our future because of the resilience and hope of our residents.”

Voters credit the City with real progress on public safety, and now they want the same momentum on the economy.

“Oakland is turning a corner, and voters feel it,” said Barbara Leslie, President & CEO of the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. “Voters can see the progress on public safety. Now they want the same urgency on jobs and downtown by making it easier to open a business, bring investment back, and by proving to taxpayers that City Hall is spending their money well. Oaklanders believe in this city again. They’re willing to invest in it, and it’s up to City Hall to give them proof that they can deliver.”

Key findings from the survey:

• Oakland’s direction: 46% say the city is headed in the right direction and 36% say it is on the wrong track, the first net-positive reading since 2017.
• Civic pride: 84% are proud to live in Oakland, 77% would recommend it as a place to live and 74% as a place to visit.
• Public safety: 46% say public safety and crime are getting better and 14% say worse, up from 40% better and 26% worse last year.
• Police and cameras: 62% want more Oakland police officers. 74% support City monitoring of private security cameras with owners’ permission, and 63% support City-operated cameras in neighborhoods and commercial corridors. 79% support speed cameras on high-risk streets and intersections, and 58% support drones to monitor public safety incidents, with 37% opposed.
• The economy: 95% say more small retailers and restaurants would be good for Oakland, 92% say the same of large companies, and 91% say making it easier to open a business would help revitalize downtown. 74% say more tax incentives would help attract businesses, 56% say employers need incentives to grow here, and 79% say sporting, entertainment and cultural events are extremely or very important to Oakland’s economy.
• Mayor Barbara Lee: 68% view the mayor favorably and 23% unfavorably, up from 61% and 30% last year. 52% rate her job performance as excellent or good, and 43% as fair or poor.
• Measure EE: 71% support the strong-mayor charter amendment, including 47% who will definitely vote yes, with 15% opposed.
• Return to office: 69% support requiring city employees to return to working in person full-time at City Hall, with 22% opposed.
• Taxes and accountability: Just 15% are ready to support new taxes now, while 60% would consider them once they see accountability and progress from past taxes. Majorities would pay more in taxes for core services: streets and potholes (78%), 911 response times (76%), cleaner/safer parks (75%), homelessness services (74%), storm drains (73%), illegal dumping cleanup (71%), homeless encampments (70%) and supporting local businesses (60%).

The poll was conducted by FM3 Research from October 10–18, 2026, and surveyed 720 likely Oakland voters with a margin of sampling error of ±3.7%. Click HERE for the survey results.