Starting Your Campaign

What to Do

1. File candidate intention statement

   Before beginning your campaign, you must declare the office you are seeking. File FPPC Form 501 with the Office of the City Clerk and a copy with the Public Ethics Commission prior to soliciting or accepting campaign contributions.

   Download Form 501
2. Accept the voluntary spending limits

   All candidates have a choice of whether to limit their total campaign spending up to certain pre-set “expenditure limits,” also known as spending limits. Candidates who accept spending limits may receive higher campaign contributions. However, before candidates can receive contributions at the higher limits, they must first formally accept the voluntary spending limits by filing OCRA Form 301. You can find the 2025-2026 spending limit for each City office by clicking here. 

   File OCRA Form 301 →
3. Open a campaign bank account

   Candidates MUST deposit funds into a campaign bank account before spending money on their campaign. Only one account may be used for campaign funds. Spending money out-of-pocket on campaign expenses is a violation of state and local law.

   Many banks require a Tax ID# to open a campaign bank account. Visit the IRS website to get an ID.
   

   Apply for tax ID# →
4. File a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700)

   All candidates must disclose information about their personal income and assets. File FPPC Form 700 with the Office of the City Clerk.

   FPPC Form 700 →
5. Register your campaign committee

   File FPPC Form 410 with the California Secretary of State within 10 days of reaching $2,000 in campaign activity (contributions and expenses).

   Download Form 410
6. Register your campaign committee with the Public Ethics Commission

   Register your committee with the Public Ethics Commission by submitting OCRA Form 300 along with a copy of the committee's Statement of Organization (Form 410). You will receive a welcome email with instructions and notifications of upcoming campaign filing deadlines.

   Download OCRA Form 300
7. Get training

   If you are a new candidate or treasurer, take advantage of on-demand or live trainings on state and local campaign rules as well as how to file campaign statements online using our free electronic filing system.

   Training for new candidates and treasurers → Request NetFile training →
8. File Your Campaign Statements and Reports

   Enter campaign contributions and expenditures, create draft forms, and file statements and reports online from your NetFile account according to deadlines.

   Log into NetFile →
9. Learn about the Limited Public Financing Program

   Learn about Oakland's Limited Public Financing Program which provides District City Council candidates with some public funds to be used for campaign expenses. See the PEC's LPF Guide for the 2024 election for more information.

   Learn more about public financing
10. Keep in touch with the Public Ethics Commission

    The Public Ethics Commission staff is here to help you understand your responsibilities before, during, and after the election. Keep your contact information current, read our advisory notices, and contact the Public Ethics Commission or Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) when you need assistance or advice.

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