FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- September 1, 2026
Media Contact:
Pecolia Manigo
Executive Director, Oakland Rising
Oakland Rising endorses Measure EE: Oakland’s Charter Reform
Advancing Stronger Governance to Move Oakland Forward
Oakland, Ca - Oakland Rising, a collaborative of racial, economic, and environmental justice organizations, announces its official endorsement of Measure EE, set to appear on the upcoming general election ballot.
Measure EE represents a critical opportunity for residents to clarify the governance role of the Oakland Mayor and City Council, so we, as residents, know who to hold accountable for the execution of voter-approved and budgeted services within city departments.
If approved, Measure EE would reform Oakland’s charter to strengthen the role of the Mayor as the CEO of Oakland, with the City Administrator being hired and managed by the Mayor explicitly. The measure would also strengthen oversight of city departments by mandating reporting directly to the City Council. The measure will also give the Mayor veto power in approving policies and the budget. City Council can override the Mayor with a supermajority, which is a reflection of a healthy democracy.
Measure EE was placed on the ballot by City Council in June 2026. For over half a year, the Mayor’s working group on charter reform engaged residents and elected officials on the options for governance of Oakland. That work led them to Measure EE.
“Oaklanders need clarity about who is responsible for the management of our city departments, our tax dollars, and our voter-approved ballot measures,” said Pecolia Manigo, Executive Director of Oakland Rising. “The average resident believes that we already have a strong mayor system. However, this is simply not the truth in our city charter. It is time for us to stop talking about the charter changes Oakland needs. This is the first of many charter reforms that are needed to improve conditions in Oakland, especially the flatlands. It's time all voters start paying attention to who is making decisions for Oakland. This election allows us to say how we believe Oakland should be governed.”
Oakland Rising encourages voters to vote Yes on Measure EE in the upcoming election.
Oakland’s general election will take place on November 3, 2026. Oakland Rising shares our endorsements with the community through a printed and online voter guide.
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Oakland Rising uses the civic process to build political power for and with BIPOC, working-class, immigrant, and formerly incarcerated community members to bring about systemic change. By flexing people power, aligning like-minded forces, and developing values-based leaders, we are dismantling systems of oppression and building a real Democracy that is inclusive of and led by the communities who have historically and systemically been left out of the political and policy decisions.
For more information about Oakland Rising, please visit OaklandRising.org
