Memo CITY OF
MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Council President Kevin Jenkins and Councilmember Janani Ramachandran DATE: Feb 5, 2026
SUBJECT: Travel Reimbursement for Councilmembers Kevin Jenkins and Janani Ramachandran – Federal Advocacy Travel
SUMMARY
This memorandum accompanies a resolution authorizing reimbursement for Council President Kevin Jenkins and Councilmember Janani Ramachandran from the City Council Contingency Fund for travel to Washington, D.C. from March 17–20 2026, for federal advocacy on behalf of the City of Oakland.
The purpose of this action is to formally approve reimbursement of eligible travel expenses incurred while representing the City of Oakland in meetings with federal agencies and elected officials to advance Oakland’s legislative and funding priorities.
Reimbursement will follow General Services Administration (GSA) per diem and travel expense limits and be processed in accordance with City financial policies.
BACKGROUND
Councilmember’s Jenkins and Ramachandran will travel to Washington, D.C., to engage with federal partners and advocate for resources and policy support benefiting the City of Oakland.
The trip will be conducted in furtherance of the City’s adopted legislative priorities and consistent with City policy supporting Councilmember’s participation in intergovernmental advocacy.
Due to administrative policies, authorization is required to process reimbursement of expenses.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding is available in the City Council Contingency Fund.
Reimbursement shall not exceed the applicable GSA per diem and travel expense limits in effect during the travel period.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the accompanying Resolution Authorizing Reimbursement for Council President Jenkins and Councilmember Janani Ramachandran from the City Council Contingency Fund not to exceed $2,500 each to travel to Washington, D.C., for federal advocacy from March 17-20, 2026
Prepared by: Iris Merriouns
Chief of Staff to: Councilmember Janani Ramachandran