Oakland City Council faces backlash over proposed budget cuts to senior services

The Oakland City Mayor's Commission on Persons with Disabilities convened on December 16, 2024, to address pressing issues affecting seniors, persons with disabilities, and veterans in the city. The meeting, chaired by Lenore Gunst, highlighted the severe impact of the city's ongoing fiscal crisis on essential services.

Gunst opened the meeting by expressing concern over the upcoming city council decision regarding mid-cycle budget reductions. She emphasized that these cuts would drastically affect vulnerable populations who rely on Oakland's senior services. Many of the individuals utilizing these services are low-income and people of color, making the situation an equity issue as well as a matter of public safety and well-being.

A significant point of discussion was the potential closure of senior centers, which are critical for the community. Gunst noted that the city administrator had proposed a set of cuts, claiming to have the support of department directors in adult and aging services. However, it was revealed that Adult and Aging Services had not been consulted about these proposed cuts, raising concerns about the decision-making process.

The meeting also touched on the operational changes at senior centers, with plans for a single center director to rotate among three centers, limiting access to just one day a week for each location. This plan raised alarms among attendees, who argued that such a reduction in service would not meet the needs of the community.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the urgent need for advocacy and support for Oakland's senior services amid budgetary constraints. The commission plans to continue its efforts to ensure that the voices of seniors and persons with disabilities are heard in the city's decision-making processes.