Skip to main Content

Article

by Noah Smith | July 15, 2024

Improve disability housing access, Take Action now!

Dear disability housing advocates:

This Tuesday, July 16, the Oakland City Council will consider a new law to increase safety and accessible housing for people with mobility disabilities. If passed, the law would establish protections for disabled tenants living in residential buildings with elevators, including:

Image via,  Wikimedia
  • Require landlords to maintain their elevators in working order
  • Require them to repair broken elevators within 24 hours
  • If an elevator cannot be repaired in 24 hours, require them to temporarily re-house disabled tenants until repairs are completed.

It would also require landlords to notify their disabled tenants when the elevator will be out for service and repair. If the law is violated, disabled persons may sue for damages. 

Berkeley has had a similar ordinance in place since 1994. Now Oaklanders can get the same protections. 

You can help pass this important law! Please forward this email to your network, so our community can make its voices heard. To comment, people have several options:

  • Send written comments in advance (deadline July 15th, 1:30 p.m.)
  • Attend the council meeting by Zoom (deadline to register July 15th, 1:30 p.m.)
  • Attend in person, the meeting at 1:30 p.m. on July 16 th . City Hall, 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 3rd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612

The Oakland Mayor’s Commission on Persons with Disabilities has been advocating passage of this ordinance for years; we’re very excited to see it on the verge of becoming law. There has been some pushback and misunderstanding about how important it is to ensure landlords follow the law to keep their elevators working. In order to ensure the ordinance passes, we would love to see as many people there in person as possible, to demonstrate the size and strength of our community. We envision the aisles crowded with wheelchairs, canes and walkers! But please make your voices heard in any way you can.

Here are some things you can tell the Council:

  • Tell your story! Have you ever been trapped or endangered by a broken elevator in your housing? Know someone who has? How will this law make you feel safer and more secure?
  • Explain how this law will encourage better elevator maintenance, increasing safety and community access for disabled people.
  • Explain how this law provides clarity for both landlords and tenants, so everyone understands what is a reasonable expectation for elevator maintenance and repair.

Attached is more information, including a copy of the ordinance, the City Attorney Report recommending the Council pass the ordinance, detailed instructions about how to comment and appear in person or by Zoom, and a copy of Tuesday's Agenda. Please note that the ordinance is last on the Agenda and we expect it may not come up for discussion until mid-afternoon.

Thank you for your help spreading the word,

Noah Smith
Commissioner
Oakland Mayor's Commission on Persons With Disabilities

Take Action: Commenting on Matters before the Oakland City Council

Electronic Comments:

eComment. To send your comment directly to Council members go to https://oakland.legistar.com/calendar.aspx and click on the “eComment” link for the corresponding meeting. Please note that eComment submission closes twenty-four (24) hours before meeting start time.

In Person Comments:

  • To Comment In Person Members Of The Public Must Submit A Separate Speaker Card For Each Item On The Agenda To The City Clerk Before The Item Is Called.
  • Please see below for instructions how to Submit An Electronic Speaker Card in advance. Or, just show up before the agenda item is called!

Zoom Comments:

  • To Submit An Electronic Speaker Card, Members Of The Public Must (1) Visit The City Of Oakland Meeting Calendar Website At: https://oakland.legistar.com/calendar.aspx (2) Click the hyperlink labeled ‘eComment’ in the far right column of the meeting you wish to participate, (You Will Be Redirected To The Specific Meeting Webpage); And (3) Register To ‘Sign In To Speak’ For Each Agenda Item(s) You Wish To Speak to. PLEASE NOTE, ELECTRONIC SPEAKER CARDS MUST BE SUBMITTED 24 HOURS BEFORE THE SCHEDULED MEETING START TIME
  • To Be Recognized To Speak Via ZOOM, Speaker Cards Must Be Submitted and Received Before The Submission Cutoff Time
  • Once You Have Submitted Your Speaker Card - Your Zoom Profile Name Will Be Acknowledged To Speak When Public Comment Is Taken. When your name is called please raise your hand in zoom (By Pressing “*9”) and Unmute Your Self By Pressing *6. You Will Be Permitted To Speak During Your Turn. Instructions On How To “Raise Your Hand” Is Available At: https://Support.Zoom.Us/Hc/En-Us/Articles/205566129

If you have any questions, please email the Agenda Management Unit at: cityclerk@oaklandca.gov

Additional Resources

Join our Mailing List

We regularly send out monthly updates and occasional announcements to subscribers of our mailing list. Those who choose to subscribe to SMS can receive emergency updates regarding natural disasters and the status of our services during them.

Translate our Site