I’m excited to share the news that on July 18th the City Council adopted Oakland Municipal Code section 1.10, the Civil Protection of the People of Oakland Ordinance. This new law grants the Oakland City Attorney express authority to equitably enforce all of Oakland’s civil laws. The City’s laws include numerous protections for Oaklanders, from the right to dignified housing conditions, to fair and safe work environments, to safe and healthy neighborhoods.

My office now has clear authority to enforce all of the City’s laws in civil court, allowing us to utilize the full range of remedies to protect Oaklanders’ rights. The City’s enforcement authority is crucial to protect the rights of individuals, marginalized communities, small businesses and property owners. The City’s power to enforce its progressive laws is particularly important to protect the rights of Oaklanders who lack the resources to fund their own lawsuits, including Black, Indigenous and other People of Color who are disproportionately impacted.