Oakland Measure EE to Revamp Council Pay
The proposed measure would alter how city council compensation is determined for future terms.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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Should city council members receive significant pay raises during ongoing municipal budget deficits?
Oakland voters will decide on November 3, 2026, whether to approve Measure EE, a proposal to restructure city government and modify council compensation. The measure seeks to shift salary-setting authority to the Public Ethics Commission.
Why it matters
Proponents argue that providing competitive salaries for full-time work makes municipal office more accessible to candidates who lack independent wealth. The proposal arrives amid broader debates about city spending and governance priorities.
Measure EE would replace the current 5% biennial salary cap with a system tied to peer jurisdictions, with first-year package costs projected between $2 million and $2.6 million. Council members currently earn a base annual salary of $114,243.
The players
Barbara Lee
Barbara Lee is the Mayor of Oakland who cast the tie-breaking vote to place Measure EE on the ballot.
Michael Houston
Michael Houston serves as the City Auditor and provided the cost projections for the proposed salary changes.
Sheng Thao
Sheng Thao is the former Mayor of Oakland currently facing trial for an alleged pay-to-play corruption scheme.
The details
Mayor Barbara Lee broke a 4-4 council deadlock in June to place the measure on the ballot, which would grant the Public Ethics Commission power to set compensation. The plan contrasts with the city's recent fiscal challenges, including the rejection of a $34 million parcel tax by voters in June 2026.
Timeline
2015: Homeless population in Oakland was recorded at 2,191.
June 2026: Voters rejected a proposed parcel tax.
August and September 2026: City crews removed 1,701 tons of illegally dumped material.
2026: The city's homeless population reached 4,410.
2027: The proposed start date for the new salary-setting rules.
Political Context
Opponents of the measure point to the city's ongoing financial struggles and the rejection of the June 2026 parcel tax as evidence that increasing government spending is ill-timed. Critics emphasize that the city must address urgent infrastructure and homelessness issues before raising elective compensation.
The measure introduces a new model for determining council pay, which could impact the city's general fund and overall municipal budget. Taxpayers will see the financial results of these changes reflected in future city spending reports if the measure is approved.
The takeaway
Measure EE represents a significant shift in how Oakland handles its governance and internal compensation structure. Voters must weigh the potential for increased government costs against the argument that higher pay could improve the accessibility of public office.
What happens next
Voters will cast their final decisions on the ballot measure on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local governance, visit Oakland Civic Engagement.
Live Poll
Should city council members receive significant pay raises during ongoing municipal budget deficits?
