Business

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

Published

7 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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Oakland Post: Week of July 1 – 7, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of July 1 – 7, 2026

Published

3 days ago

July 5, 2026

Oakland Post

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Arts and Culture

Prescott Circus Theatre Presents Free Summer Performance Series

Now in its 41st year, the Prescott Circus Theatre is a nationally recognized performing arts education program for Oakland youth. The circus offers safe environments that challenge Oakland youth, through circus arts training, to develop the skills and confidence to thrive on stage, in school, and in life.

Published

2 weeks ago

June 26, 2026

Oakland Post

Prescott Circus showcase pathways pyramid. Photo courtesy of Prescott Circus.

By Post Staff

The Prescott Circus, Oakland’s longest-running youth circus, is returning this summer with its free shows. Join the Prescott Circus’s young stars as they share their joys and talents through stilt-dancing, tumbling, juggling, and more.

At the heart of this one-hour show, which demonstrates teamwork, pride, and joy, are Oakland Unified School District students ages 8 – 17 from more than 10 different schools

This is accomplished through no-cost school and community programs for more than 300 Oakland youth each year. Performing company members from Prescott, where the program began, perform and make appearances at as many as 40 Bay Area events each year.

The summer program is funded in part by Oakland Fund for Children and Youth, California Arts Council, Port of Oakland, and the West Davis & Bergard Foundation.

Performances will be held Tuesday, July 14, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (ASL interpreted) and Wednesday, July 15, 11 a.m., at the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, 1428 Alice St., Oakland. For free reservations go to

https://PrescottCircusSummerShows.eventbrite.com

For group reservations for camps, childcare centers, senior centers, go to www.prescottcircus.org

A community show will be held Saturday, July 18, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., at DeFremery Park,1651 Adeline St., Oakland.

Oakland Post

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Activism

NPRC Joins National Grand Jury Proceedings Seeking Accountability, Constitutional Restoration

Organizers state that testimony will explore historical and political developments that they believe have contributed to the expansion of corporate influence over public institutions and governmental decision-making. Participants are expected to discuss concerns regarding constitutional governance, individual liberties, property rights, and the protection of vulnerable populations, including seniors and persons with disabilities.

Published

2 weeks ago

June 26, 2026

Oakland Post

Photo by Billie Powers.

Special to The Post

The National Probate Reform Coalition (NPRC) has joined Toll and Roll and a growing coalition of advocacy organizations, victims, whistleblowers, and citizen groups in support of a nationally broadcast People’s Grand Jury proceeding scheduled for July 1 and July 7.

Organizers describe the event as a public forum designed to examine allegations of government abuse, judicial misconduct, legislative failures, and the erosion of constitutional protections affecting millions of Americans.

The proceedings will feature testimony from victims, families, advocates, and organizations from across the country who contend they have experienced harm through government actions, institutional neglect, and failures of oversight.

According to organizers, the People’s Grand Jury will focus on concerns involving probate courts, guardianships, conservatorships, child welfare systems, property rights, civil liberties, and what participants view as a growing disconnect between government institutions and the constitutional rights of the people they are sworn to serve.

NPRC is participating because many of the issues being examined mirror the concerns raised by advocates, victims, and families who have participated in its monthly town halls. For years, families have reported cases involving exploitation of elders, questionable guardianships, estate depletion, denial of due process, and a lack of meaningful oversight within probate court systems.

“This proceeding gives victims and advocates an opportunity to place their experiences on the public record,” said Tanya Dennis, lead facilitator of NPRC. “For too long, families have struggled to have their voices heard regarding elder abuse, probate exploitation, and government inaction. This forum allows those stories to be shared before a national audience.”

In keeping with principles of transparency and fairness, invitations have been extended to legislators, members of the judiciary, law enforcement representatives, and other public officials who may wish to respond to concerns raised during the proceedings or defend actions taken by their respective institutions.

One of the primary outcomes sought by organizers is public consideration and support for the People’s Remedy and Restoration Act, a proposed legislative framework that advocates believe would strengthen oversight, increase accountability, provide remedies for victims of governmental abuse, and restore constitutional protections.

The proceedings are expected to be broadcast nationally, providing citizens throughout the United States an opportunity to observe testimony, review evidence presented, and participate in an ongoing conversation regarding government accountability and the protection of individual rights.

Advocates hope the hearings will encourage meaningful dialogue, legislative reform, and renewed public engagement in the democratic process.

Individuals, organizations, public officials, and members of the media interested in attending or obtaining access information may contact the organizers at tollandroll2025@gmail.com.

As Americans continue to debate the future of constitutional governance, judicial accountability, and the protection of vulnerable citizens, the July proceedings are expected to serve as a significant forum for public testimony and civic engagement. For more information, go to https://tollandroll.com