Oakland Voters Will Decide on Measure EE in November

The proposed ballot measure seeks to shift the city toward a strong-mayor model of governance.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of an institutional city hall facade, representing local governance and municipal policy decisions. — Oakland voters will decide the future of the city's governance structure by voting on Measure EE in the November 2026 general election. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should the city increase the mayor's authority over municipal administration?

Oakland voters will consider Measure EE on the November 3, 2026, ballot to amend the city charter. The proposed change would transition the city from its current hybrid system to a strong-mayor model.

Why it matters

The measure aims to reorganize municipal administration by granting the mayor greater authority over city operations. If approved, the governance structure will shift away from the city's current hybrid model.

Measure EE appears on the ballot for November 3, 2026. The amendment mandates a transition from the existing hybrid governance system to a strong-mayor model.

The details

Voters must approve the charter amendment for the new governance model to take effect. The proposal specifically increases mayoral authority over the administration of the city.

November 3, 2026: Voters decide on the charter amendment.

Political Context

The proposal to modify the Oakland City Charter represents a significant shift in governance structure that follows a pattern seen in other urban reform efforts. Opposition concerns typically focus on the potential for reduced legislative oversight when executive authority is expanded.

The passage of Measure EE would fundamentally alter how the city administration operates and how the mayor exercises executive power. Residents will be voting on a new governance structure that directly impacts the city's oversight and administrative accountability.

The takeaway

Voters face a significant decision regarding the future management of Oakland by choosing between the current hybrid model and a strong-mayor system. Understanding the implications of this charter change is essential for residents ahead of the November election.