Oakland voters will decide Measure FF on Nov. 3. The City Council put it on the ballot, and it needs a simple majority, The Oaklandside reported.

What it does

When a lender, usually a bank, forecloses on a property in Oakland, it does not pay the city's real estate transfer tax. Measure FF would change that. The homeowner being foreclosed on would not pay the tax, The Oaklandside said.

Some foreclosures would stay exempt, according to SPUR:

  • Properties with four or fewer homes going to a person or family trust
  • Commercial properties being turned into shelter, SRO, affordable or supportive housing, or a health facility
  • Transfers to community banks with less than $10 billion in assets

The City Council could change these exceptions by ordinance. The changes would take effect Jan. 1, 2027, SPUR said.

The money

The transfer tax brings Oakland $50 million to $70 million a year, The Oaklandside reported. SPUR said the city estimates FF would add $4 million to $13 million a year. The Oaklandside said the city auditor's estimate is up to $13.8 million, though some years would bring in much less.

The ballot argument for FF was signed by Mayor Barbara Lee, Councilmember Charlene Wang and others. It said the exemption cost Oakland up to $25 million in the first half of 2026. The Oaklandside reported that no group had organized against it. SPUR supports it.

San Francisco has a similar measure, Prop J. Oakland voters also decide Measure EE on mayoral power and Measure RTM. See our Alameda County voting guide.

How to vote

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls and vote centers close at 8 p.m., and mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and arrive within seven days. You can check your registration and ballot status at sos.ca.gov/elections. California lets you register and vote the same day at a vote center.