Oakland's best days are ahead of us — if we make the right choices today.
Oakland has everything it takes to be one of the best cities in the country, except a government that delivers. We're here to change that. One informed voter at a time.
Subscribe to the NewsletterWho We Are
Empower Oakland is on a mission to create a thriving Oakland through effective government. We know what Oaklanders want: safety, high quality public schools, and clean and thriving neighborhoods. We bring these city basics into focus through our content and community organizing — and deliver change at the ballot box.
Learn more about usWhat's Happening Now
Empower Oakland's First Event of 2026
Join us March 5 for the public launch of our Advisory Council.
RSVP on LumaWhy 30 Oakland School Principals Warned the School Board
Why 30 Oakland school principals warned the school board about its budget plan.
Read on SubstackWhat We've Delivered
Empower Oakland launched in 2023. In less than three years, we've become one of the most influential civic voices in Oakland.
In our first election cycle, more Oakland voters used our guide than any other source, including KQED and the Alameda County Democratic Party.
We backed Charlene Wang for the District 2 council seat. Outspent 3-to-1, our candidate won — proof that a great candidate + smart strategy beats big spending.
Oakland residents who get our independent analysis on City Hall, schools, and elections delivered to their inbox.
Our 2026 Priorities
Oakland is a great city with an underperforming government. We believe that's a solvable problem. In 2026, we're channeling our energy into three areas where Oakland needs the most progress.
Public Safety
Oakland deserves to be safe. Crime remains far above the national average, and police staffing is still among the lowest per-crime of any major U.S. city. We're pushing for full staffing of OPD and 911 dispatch, smart deployment of technology, and real accountability — for officers and for the leaders who set policy.
Read our full public safety agendaPublic Schools
OUSD is in crisis. The district faces a massive structural deficit, and school board decisions driven by political pressure — not student outcomes — have made it worse. With school board races on the 2026 ballot, this is the year to elect pragmatic leaders who will make tough decisions, boost math and literacy outcomes, and stabilize the district's finances.
Read our full education agendaFiscal Accountability
Oakland has a $2 billion annual budget — the highest per capita of any city in California — and too little to show for it. Irresponsible budgeting, missed grants, no-bid contracts, and dependence on one-time revenue have eroded public trust. We need transparent finances, independent oversight, and leaders who treat taxpayer money like it matters.
Read our full fiscal accountability agendaIndependent Analysis on the Issues That Matter Most to Oakland
Our newsletter covers City Hall, the school board, and Oakland elections — with the context and analysis you won't find anywhere else.
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