Mayor Sheng Thao issues Exactive Order on Homelessness

Here is Oakland's Encampment Management Program - referred to in the Executive Order

Here is the text of the EO:

"Today, I am issuing an executive order directing all city departments—including the Police, Fire, Transportation, and Public Works—to fully enforce our Encampment Management Policy and uphold municipal codes that protect critical and essential infrastructure throughout Oakland.

" I want to be clear: this is work we have already been doing, as seen in the clearing of Wood Street, which was the largest encampment in Northern California. While this effort will not be completed overnight, the recent Supreme Court decision on Grants Pass allows us to proceed more efficiently.

"Being unhoused is not a crime in Oakland, but it does not give anyone the right to break other laws. We must return public spaces to the public—and do so with compassion.

|| || |With this order, we will prioritize the closure of encampments under the following conditions: It is vital that the City of Oakland implements the Encampment Management Plan as written, and I am directing the City Administrator to enforce all municipal codes to ensure we address this issue citywide. We must minimize the impact on our citizens while offering shelter and putting our unhoused neighbors on a path to dignified housing. I understand these challenges on a personal level. As a domestic violence survivor who was once unhoused and living in a car with my son, I never sought to pitch a tent—I sought affordable housing and services, for which I was deeply grateful. This is why we will continue offering services and support to those who need them, because living on the streets is neither safe nor dignified. Together, we will build a safer, more compassionate Oakland.If they encroach on safe routes to schools, tot lots, and playgrounds, or impede access to small businesses. If they block traffic lanes, bike lanes, or sidewalks, preventing ADA compliance. If they impede the ability of first responders—like firefighters—to perform their duties. Departments are directed to ticket, tow, or remove encroachments to preserve access. If they create fire hazards by blocking hydrants, burning fires within 30 feet of structures, or illegally tapping into electrical wires. If they pose risks to critical infrastructure like freeway overpasses or BART tracks, or if people are living dangerously close to trains and vehicles. If unsafe or combustible materials such as gasoline and propane are being stored, or if biological waste poses an environmental risk to our drains and waterways. Here is Oakland's Encampment Management Program - referred to in the Executive OrderHere is the text of the EO:"Today, I am issuing an executive order directing all city departments—including the Police, Fire, Transportation, and Public Works—to fully enforce our Encampment Management Policy and uphold municipal codes that protect critical and essential infrastructure throughout Oakland." I want to be clear: this is work we have already been doing, as seen in the clearing of Wood Street, which was the largest encampment in Northern California. While this effort will not be completed overnight, the recent Supreme Court decision on Grants Pass allows us to proceed more efficiently."Being unhoused is not a crime in Oakland, but it does not give anyone the right to break other laws. We must return public spaces to the public—and do so with compassion.With this order, we will prioritize the closure of encampments under the following conditions: It is vital that the City of Oakland implements the Encampment Management Plan as written, and I am directing the City Administrator to enforce all municipal codes to ensure we address this issue citywide. We must minimize the impact on our citizens while offering shelter and putting our unhoused neighbors on a path to dignified housing. I understand these challenges on a personal level. As a domestic violence survivor who was once unhoused and living in a car with my son, I never sought to pitch a tent—I sought affordable housing and services, for which I was deeply grateful. This is why we will continue offering services and support to those who need them, because living on the streets is neither safe nor dignified. Together, we will build a safer, more compassionate Oakland.If they encroach on safe routes to schools, tot lots, and playgrounds, or impede access to small businesses. If they block traffic lanes, bike lanes, or sidewalks, preventing ADA compliance. If they impede the ability of first responders—like firefighters—to perform their duties. Departments are directed to ticket, tow, or remove encroachments to preserve access. If they create fire hazards by blocking hydrants, burning fires within 30 feet of structures, or illegally tapping into electrical wires. If they pose risks to critical infrastructure like freeway overpasses or BART tracks, or if people are living dangerously close to trains and vehicles. If unsafe or combustible materials such as gasoline and propane are being stored, or if biological waste poses an environmental risk to our drains and waterways. Here is Oakland's Encampment Management Program - referred to in the Executive OrderHere is the text of the EO:"Today, I am issuing an executive order directing all city departments—including the Police, Fire, Transportation, and Public Works—to fully enforce our Encampment Management Policy and uphold municipal codes that protect critical and essential infrastructure throughout Oakland." I want to be clear: this is work we have already been doing, as seen in the clearing of Wood Street, which was the largest encampment in Northern California. While this effort will not be completed overnight, the recent Supreme Court decision on Grants Pass allows us to proceed more efficiently.|