1 APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
________________________
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. ______________ C.M.S.
INTRODUCED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT KEVIN JENKINS
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF AB 2351 (BONTA) FOR THE SHELTER
BED TRANSPARENCY ACT
WHEREAS, the State of California continues to face a homelessness crisis, with approximately 78% of individuals experiencing homelessness living in unsheltered conditions; and WHEREAS, individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness are disproportionately affected by chronic disease, serious mental illness, and substance use disorders; and WHEREAS, recent statewide efforts, including significant investments exceeding $6 billion in homelessness programs, have contributed to measurable progress, including a 9% reduction in unsheltered homelessness statewide in 2025; and WHEREAS, continued progress requires accurate, timely, and transparent data to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and guide policy decisions; and WHEREAS, current homelessness data collection systems rely heavily on Continuums of Care (CoCs), which vary significantly in size, capacity, and populations served, resulting in inconsistent and sometimes incomplete data; and
WHEREAS, gaps in accessible and standardized local data have been identified in multiple state and local audits as a barrier to accountability and effective statewide coordination; and
WHEREAS, local governments already prepare and submit Annual Progress Reports (APRs) to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) detailing progress toward meeting housing needs; and
WHEREAS, AB 2351, the Shelter Bed Transparency Act, would require local jurisdictions to include in their APRs the number of shelter beds and housing units serving individuals experiencing or exiting homelessness; and
WHEREAS, AB 2351 leverages an existing reporting framework, thereby minimizing administrative burden while improving the quality and consistency of data available to the State; and
WHEREAS, improved transparency and standardized reporting will enable the State to better identify effective local strategies, allocate resources more equitably, and distinguish jurisdictions making meaningful progress in addressing homelessness; and WHEREAS, access to reliable data is essential for strengthening collaboration among state and local governments and ensuring accountability in addressing homelessness; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Oakland hereby supports AB 2351, the Shelter Bed Transparency Act; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Oakland urges the California State Legislature and the Governor to enact AB 2351 to improve data transparency, accountability, and effectiveness in the state’s response to homelessness; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk shall transmit a copy of this resolution to the City’s legislative delegation and relevant state leadership.
IN COUNCIL, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA,
PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES - BROWN, FIFE, GALLO, HOUSTON, RAMACHANDRAN, UNGER, WANG, AND
PRESIDENT JENKINS
NOES –
ABSENT –
ABSTENTION –
ATTEST:
ASHA REED
City Clerk and Clerk of the Council of the
City of Oakland, California