Prohibition on Contractor Contributions

Oakland Campaign Reform Act - Prohibition on Contractor Contributions

OCRA has a strict rule that stops certain people from giving money to local election campaigns if they are working on certain contracts with the City of Oakland or the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD). If a contractor meets specific OCRA rules, they are not allowed to donate to local candidates from the time the contract talks start until 180 days after those talks end or the contract is finished.

What Contracts Does the Rule Apply To?

The rule that stops contractors from giving money to Oakland candidates — called the “contractor contribution ban” — applies to certain contracts that need approval from the City Council or the OUSD School Board. These contracts include:

1. Providing services;
2. Supplying materials, goods, or equipment to the City or OUSD;
3. Selling or renting land or buildings to the City or OUSD;
4. Buying or renting land or buildings from the City or OUSD.

No matter how much a contract is worth, the contractor ban applies to any contract in the categories listed above if it needs approval from the City Council or School Board.

If your contract is going through the City Council process, you likely can't donate to most people running for local office and to most current local officials.

If your contract is going through the School Board process, you likely can't donate to School Board candidates and current School Board members.

If you have any questions about the rules, ask the Commission for help.