Small businesses and residents in Oakland are struggling with rising crime and safety issues, according to Chris Moore, a board member of the Bay Rental Housing Association. In an interview, Moore cited statistics showing over 6000 small businesses stopped paying business taxes in 2023, and businesses like In-N-Out Burger and a popular restaurant called Snail Bar have closed or been damaged by theft.
Moore criticized Oakland City Council policies around public safety, noting the council has proposed defunding the police by 50% while crime rates for offenses like armed robbery and car theft have increased sharply. A restaurant owner described being burglarized three times and receiving only duct tape from the city to board up the damaged windows.
Residents say the current city council downplays rising crime by only comparing murder rates to past decades, ignoring other crime trends. Communities of color in East and West Oakland face significant blight and violence that city leaders do not adequately address, according to Moore.
Oakland also faces a looming $130 million budget deficit on top of $361 million in prior shortfalls. Moore argues the county may need to intervene to help Oakland address its public safety, financial, and management issues through measures like assisting the understaffed police force. The county budget relies on small businesses that are struggling under the current conditions.
With five city council seats up for election in November and a recall effort against the mayor, Oakland voters will have opportunities to enact political change. However, county assistance may be necessary in the short term to help stabilize Oakland’s deteriorating situation until long-term reforms can take effect.
*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.
