Business

Councilmember Taylor Submits Cannabis Tax Relief Focused on Equity and Small Businesses

Published

6 years ago

October 10, 2019

Oakland City Councilmember Loren Taylor wants to incentivize Cannabis Business operators to help the city reach its goals of hiring those who live in Oakland and those who were adversely affected by incarceration from drug activities.

Although the revenues for 2018-2019 have grossed more than $13.8 million for the general fund that helps to fund police, homeless services, public works and other functions, “there is a need to make sure we honor our commitments to diversity in the workforce of this industry as well,” said Taylor.

Taylor wants data that measures who benefits because “if you can’t measure, you can’t improve.”

He cited how SB1294 provided $millions in grants to Oakland, yet some of the money (approximately $200,00) is just sitting in an account.

Taylor also acknowledged that achieving true equity throughout the vertically integrated industry is difficult but he is hopeful that the new cannabis entrepreneurs are willing, “With some tax rebate incentives we can close the gaps.”

He introduced a draft ordinance to the City’s Finance Committee on Oct. 8 that aims to improve upon Oakland’s Cannabis Equity Program and make it more successful.

“As Oakland builds on the work that has already been done, I aim to direct our collective knowledge towards a cannabis solution that focuses on equity and small businesses,” said Taylor. “I have heard from many different stakeholders on this critical issue and know we must incentivize the behaviors we wish to see.”

In June of this year there was a proposed across-the-board tax reduction for cannabis businesses, but Loren recognized that advancing this proposal would merely exacerbate the status quo in the cannabis industry : the fast growth of companies whose majority white- ownership and employee base does not reflect the diversity of Oakland nor provide meaningful wealth creation opportunities for the intended targets of its Cannabis Equity Program – Oakland’s Black and Latino residents who have been significantly negatively impacted by the war on drugs.

Taylor’s proposal ensures that business tax relief is tied to the behaviors and outcomes he believes will deliver on Oakland’s stated priorities. These priorities are::

1. Repairing the harm cause by local, state and federal governments’ past actions (e.g., the war on drugs that had a disproportionate impact on the Black Community)

2. Increasing the quality of life for all Oakland workers

3. Driving greater business opportunities for Oakland businesses

To see a video of Councilmember Taylor’s presentation to the Finance Committee, visit http://oakland.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=3400&meta_id=283804

J Barry Washington

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Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors

Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.

Published

1 week ago

December 4, 2025

Oakland Post

Seth Curry is a point guard on the GSW team.Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.

At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.

The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.

Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.

Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.

While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.