Measure NN will shape Oakland’s public safety–but risks being overlooked

With critical public safety services at risk, Oakland’s Measure NN aims to provide stable funding for police and fire services, and violence prevention programs—but risks getting overlooked among high-profile ballot issues.

Measure NN is projected to generate $47 million annually through parcel taxes and an increase in parking citation fees. Single-family home parcel taxes would increase from $133.45 to $198. If passed, the measure would extend for nine years, funding key emergency services and mandating accountability measures

Measure NN would replace and extend the expiring Measure Z (2014) and continue the goals of 2004’s Measure Y, or the Violence Prevention and Public Safety Act of 2004.

Supporters want increased violence prevention funds

“If it fails, we will absolutely lose a bunch of services that are currently funded through Measure Z,” said Anne Marks, a volunteer on the Measure NN steering committee. “This funding is essential to the city’s safety strategy and if it goes away we will cripple the police and fire departments.” 

Marks is a former city employee who worked on measure Y and is now managing director of the Coalition to Advance Public Safety, a national coalition of Cities United and three other violence prevention organizations.” 

Measure NN will mandate a multi-department violence reduction plan. 

Measure NN also includes accountability measures, such as public financial audits and a Citizen’s Planning and Oversight Commission to review fund allocation.

Opponents want less taxes, increase transparency, more cops

Opponents of the measure express concerns about transparency, the financial impact on property owners, and question the effectiveness of proposed programs. Measure NN opponents said that it does not provide enough police, and cite Measure Y’s goal of 800 sworn officers 20 years ago.

“The answer to the problems of public safety in Oakland should not rely on parcel tax money,” said Oakland attorney Marleen Sacks, a member of the Alameda County Taxpayers Association. ACTA opposes Measure NN. Oakland residents should demand more than proposed 700 police officers. 

“No city should ever have to rely on parcel tax money for basic city services like a bare minimum of 700 police officers. If Oakland were to have a parcel tax, the bare minimum we should ask for is between 800 and 1000; offering up 700 as a minimum is an insult to the voters,” Sacks said. 

Impact of the election on violence prevention

In the City’s current budget crunch, a loss of the funds from Measure NN would force more cuts to police and fire services.

Measure NN still needs 60% voter approval and it might get lost in the blizzard of election mail and campaign ads.

Marks said that most Oakland political figures support Measure NN. “No matter our political differences, most people see this as essential,” Marks said. “And there’s not an organized campaign against it for that reason.”

The increase on annual taxes for property owners range from $198 on single family residential units to $132 per unit for multiple residential properties.

To learn more about Measure NN, see the Ballot Summary and Statements, or see coverage from The Oaklandside and KALW, and Open Disclosure’s analysis of campaign contributions.