1/8/2025 - MPNC Meeting
Resources
View the City Auditor's presentation
Sign up for the City Auditor’s newsletter and support audit accountability as “ARFU Champions.”
Next Steps & Action Items
Monitoring the Walgreens Property Sale – MPNC will track the finalization of the sale and identify the new owner.
Community Advocacy Letter – The Maxwell Park Neighborhood Council will draft a letter to the Walgreens property’s new owner outlining community concerns and priorities.
Emergency Response Audit Presentation – Jose will schedule a presentation from the Inspector General once the police staffing study is completed.
Neighborhood Council Elections – Community members to email Jose with nominations for open board positions (see below)
Public Safety Initiatives – Kevin Jenkins will work to ensure approval of Northeastern University’s policing MOU with the city.
Short Recap
The first Maxwell Park Neighborhood Council meeting of the year featured a surprise guest—Congresswoman Barbara Lee, who shared her personal experience with affordable housing in Oakland and outlined her plans for addressing housing and public safety issues.
Key Discussions & Updates
City Auditor’s Office & Emergency Response Audit
City Auditor Michael Houston and his team provided an overview of the auditor’s role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in Oakland’s operations. They also discussed the whistleblower program, encouraging community members to report fraud, waste, and abuse.
The ongoing Emergency Response Times Audit was a major focus, analyzing dispatch delays and police staffing challenges. The final report is expected by June.
Public Safety & Northeastern University Partnership
Captain Burch from Northeastern University outlined the $20 million initiative to add nearly 20 new police officers to East Oakland. The program will include community outreach and a regional crime center in partnership with Oakland PD. Discussions also explored ways to integrate Northeastern’s public policy program with local community projects.
Housing & Local Business Development
Community members discussed the future of the Walgreens property, which has been sold but is still pending finalization. Plans were made to draft a community letter to the new owner, advocating for neighborhood priorities.
Neighborhood Council Elections & Community Engagement
The council confirmed that board elections will take place in March, with nominations open for chair, membership secretary, treasurer, and at-large positions.
Community members were encouraged to engage with the Melrose Leadership Academy’s modernization plans and sign up for the City Auditor’s newsletter to stay informed on audit recommendations.
The next board meeting is scheduled for January 29th, where discussions will continue on board roles, governance, and upcoming community initiatives.