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from the Oakland Chamber of Commerce
Mayor Barbara Lee, alongside Councilmembers Unger and Ramachandran, has announced a new ballot measure that would deliver significant tax relief to Oakland’s small and emerging businesses. The proposal, set to appear on the June 2026 ballot, reflects a bold commitment to strengthening Oakland’s business climate and ensuring entrepreneurs can open, operate, and thrive in every neighborhood.
This measure introduces two targeted incentives:
- Small Business Incentive – Eliminates the gross receipts tax for businesses with under $1 million in sales in 2027, supporting neighborhood commerce and foot traffic.
- New Business Incentive – Provides a tax exemption, up to $1 million, for businesses opening a new commercial location in Oakland in 2027 (applies to the 2028 tax year), encouraging investment and activating vacant spaces.
Together, these provisions represent one of the City’s most forward-thinking efforts to revitalize commercial corridors, reduce barriers for new enterprises, and support local job creation. As long-time advocates for tax relief for small and new businesses, we commend our elected leaders for demonstrating their support to our business community through this initiative.
Councilmember Unger emphasized the importance of making Oakland more competitive: “I have lived in Oakland my whole life and have seen how crucial our business community is for our City. We have seen San Francisco and other municipalities successfully implement tax relief programs, and we can use those best practices to make sure Oakland remains a competitive place to establish and operate a business.”
Councilmember Ramachandran underscored the economic impact, noting that the measure will support small businesses while incentivizing new investment citywide.
Mayor Barbara Lee affirmed that this initiative is central to Oakland’s economic future: the plan will “reduce barriers, encourage new businesses to open their doors in Oakland, and reaffirm our commitment to a vibrant, inclusive economy.”
Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Barbara Lesliereinforced the significance of this measure to our business prosperity: “Oakland’s plan to prioritize tax relief and targeted incentives shows the city understands what truly drives our economy: a strong, sustainable business ecosystem. Our small businesses and entrepreneurs create the culture and community that make Oakland special, and our larger employers provide the jobs that keep it thriving. This program sends a clear message that Oakland is committed to supporting our local economy and is open for business.”
This ballot measure comes at a critical time, as small businesses continue to navigate post-pandemic challenges. By removing financial barriers and encouraging new businesses to open in Oakland, the proposal will strengthen neighborhood vibrancy, attract new investment, and keep Oakland competitive in the regional economy.
The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce remains committed to supporting policies that foster economic vitality, reduce barriers for businesses, and promote a thriving, inclusive economy for all who live and work in Oakland.
For more details on the legislation, review the full ordinance here.
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