California Today

Oakland homeless shelter tax may go to voters

11 May 2026 12:10

Oakland faces a homelessness crisis with 5,500 homeless individuals and only 1,300 shelter beds. Councilmember Charlene Wang proposes a ballot measure called SAFER to tax foreclosed property transactions and fund shelters.

The measure targets early intervention within three months of homelessness. If approved by the council, it needs two-thirds voter support in November.

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