Politics
Oakland Measure A Sales Tax Referendum for Housing and Its Effects on Renters and Property Owners
The proposed half-cent sales tax would generate funds for affordable housing units in Oakland, raising costs at local stores while directing resources to new construction in neighborhoods such as Fruitvale and West Oakland.
How we reported this
Oakland voters will decide on Measure A in November, a half-cent sales tax increase expected to raise $45 million each year for affordable housing development and tenant protections. The measure would apply to most retail purchases in the city, adding roughly 50 cents to a $100 grocery bill for households. Property owners of larger buildings would see new requirements tied to the revenue stream, while renters in targeted districts could gain access to subsidized units.
City budget shortfalls for housing programs reached $28 million in the 2025 fiscal year, according to the Oakland Housing and Community Development department annual report. Measure A responds to that gap by creating a dedicated local revenue source rather than relying on state grants that have fluctuated in recent cycles. Residents in high-cost areas have faced median rents above $2,400 for one-bedroom units, pushing more households toward displacement.
Impacts on daily costs and services
Shoppers at stores along International Boulevard would pay the added tax on everyday items, from food to clothing. The revenue would support construction of 800 new affordable units over five years, with priority for families earning under 60 percent of area median income. Landlords of buildings with 10 or more units would face updated reporting rules on rent increases if they receive any of the funds.
The city controller's office projects that the tax would collect $18 million from businesses inside Oakland and $27 million from non-resident shoppers passing through. Local advocates note that current housing voucher waitlists exceed 12,000 households, with average wait times stretching past three years. Measure A would expand the supply of below-market units without directly altering existing rent control ordinances.
Ballots will include the full text of the measure, along with arguments submitted by supporters and opponents by the August filing deadline. If approved, collections would begin in April 2027 and run for 10 years unless extended by another vote. The city auditor would issue annual reports on unit production and spending, with oversight from the existing Housing Commission.