Department of Transportation Caught in Political Tug of War in Oakland

The political debate surrounding the future of Oakland's streets has recently turned up a notch.

1 minute read

June 5, 2019, 12:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Oakland, California

trekandshoot / Shutterstock

"Oakland’s City Council president wants to cut the city’s new Department of Transportation and fire its director, just as he embarks on a $100 million plan to fix deteriorating roads and fill potholes," report Rachel Swan and Sarah Ravani.

City Council President Rebecca Kaplan proposed the changes in a draft budget released as an alternative to a budget proposed by Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf in May.

The political spat is putting focus, again, on the city's infamously pothole-ridden streets, the subject of a controversial $100 million repair plan that made news in March in part because of its innovative approach to equity.

"Schaaf created the Department of Transportation three years ago, intending to transform the urban environment in Oakland, create a bike lane network and secure funding for major infrastructure projects," according to the article, but progress has been slow and resistance has been strong.

Saturday, June 1, 2019 in San Francisco Chronicle

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog