Mayor Barbara Lee celebrates over $14 million in State Budget funding

Today, Mayor Barbara lee announced that the City of Oakland and local community partners will receive over $14 million in direct investments from California’s newly signed 2026-27 State Budget. Securing $4.25 million for City programs and $10 million for local community organizations, these state funds were prioritized and championed by Senator Jesse Arreguin and Assemblymembers Mia Bonta and Buffy Wicks, with support from Governor Gavin Newsom.

Securing state and federal funding and bringing in outside resources to address the City’s most pressing needs continues to be a top priority for the Mayor. These direct state investments in City programs will revitalize Oakland’s commercial corridors and foster economic growth, strengthen community violence prevention strategies, and expand transitional housing, while supporting beloved community spaces.

“Thank you so much to Senator Jesse Arreguin, Assemblymember Mia Bonta, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, and Governor Gavin Newsom for investing in Oakland,” said Mayor Barbara Lee. “We are fortunate to have strong, dedicated leaders representing Oakland in Sacramento who consistently deliver for our residents and businesses. This critical funding directly addresses some of our most pressing challenges, including supporting our small businesses, building vibrant neighborhood corridors, advancing violence intervention, and housing our unsheltered neighbors.”

California’s balanced 2026-27 State Budget protects essential services like healthcare, education, and social safety nets, while directing critical investments into local programs that build stronger and healthier communities. These direct investments in Oakland will allow the City to build on Mayor Lee’s economic development, public safety, and homelessness priorities, while leveraging state resources to expand the impact of local funding.

$4.25 Million Secured for Direct City Projects:

• $2,500,000 for the Facade and Tenant Improvement Grant Program to support small businesses and revitalize commercial corridors across Oakland.
• $1,000,000 for the Department of Violence Prevention to enhance staffing and program capacity for community-led violence reduction strategies.
• $750,000 for The Holland transitional housing facility, providing essential resources to help unhoused residents move off the streets and into safe housing.

$10 Million Secured for Oakland Community Anchors:

• $5,000,000 for Children’s Fairyland to fund its strategic capital investment plan, including essential infrastructure, accessibility, and facility upgrades.
• $3,000,000 for the Juntos Fruitvale Cultural Arts Center to create a multi-use space for performances, exhibitions, workshops, neighborhood meetings, and cultural celebrations in the Fruitvale neighborhood.
• $2,000,000 for Samuel Merritt University to institutionalize and expand its nationally recognized Human Trafficking Prevention and Response Initiative.

“State investments in Oakland’s nonprofit and educational organizations highlight their deep value not just to our City, but their importance to the entire state,” added Mayor Lee. “Oakland has long served as a hub for inclusive arts and culture and as a community that protects its most vulnerable members. Today these values were reinforced through direct financial investments that will revitalize neighborhoods and keep Oakland strong for future generations.”

"This investment is a commitment to Oakland's health, safety, and future. In partnership with my state colleagues, Mayor Lee, and our community partners, we are strengthening our response to human trafficking and gun violence, to create safer neighborhoods, and improve the quality of life of all Oakland residents," said Senator Jesse Arreguin.

“Investing in Oakland means investing in California’s future. I’m proud to be a voice for the beautiful people of Oakland in the State Capitol and to deliver real funding wins that ensure our shared safety, expand housing opportunities, and preserve the artistic and cultural legacy of Oakland. Our community will not be overlooked, and I am committed to continuing to use my role as a legislator to fight for the East Bay and the families who call it home,” said Assemblymember Mia Bonta.