Survey Finds Deep Distrust, Safety Concerns Among Black Oakland Residents

Poll highlights significant concerns about trust in city government, public safety, and cost of living among Black community.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 5:50am

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A new survey of Oakland residents has revealed significant concerns among Black respondents regarding trust in city government, public safety, and the rising cost of living. The analysis, conducted by the Black Action Alliance, found that nearly 75% of Black residents do not trust the city to spend tax dollars responsibly, and 92.1% described crime and public safety as a major concern - the highest level recorded for any issue among any group surveyed.

Why it matters

The survey findings highlight longstanding disparities and inequities experienced by Oakland's Black community, including the lingering effects of historical redlining and disinvestment in certain neighborhoods. The data will be used to track progress and guide advocacy efforts aimed at addressing these systemic issues.

The details

The survey was conducted by the East Bay Polling Institute and EMC Research, with further analysis by the Black Action Alliance. It found widespread dissatisfaction among Black respondents, who feel they are not receiving adequate services in return for the taxes they pay. Concerns about crime and public safety remain especially high, with 92.1% of Black respondents describing it as a major concern. The analysis also found higher levels of concern among Black residents on issues like illegal dumping, homelessness, and the cost of living. More than a third, 38.4%, of Black respondents said they are likely to leave Oakland, with the top reason cited being the cost of living.

  • The survey was conducted in early 2026.

The players

Loren Taylor

Former Oakland mayoral candidate and CEO of the Black Action Alliance.

Joseph Griffin

Executive director of Youth Alive.

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What they’re saying

“We know that when you look at citywide averages, you miss people who are the hardest hit.”

— Loren Taylor, Former Oakland mayoral candidate and CEO of the Black Action Alliance

“It's a value exchange, and unfortunately we are paying a lot here and not getting as much as we expect and need. Frankly, when we travel to other cities, we see the alternative.”

— Loren Taylor, Former Oakland mayoral candidate and CEO of the Black Action Alliance

“Just because there isn't an incident today doesn't mean that that loss and that grief of losing a loved one last month or last year isn't still with you. That trauma leaves a scar in these communities.”

— Joseph Griffin, Executive director of Youth Alive

What’s next

The data from the survey will be used to track progress and guide advocacy efforts aimed at addressing disparities in Oakland's Black community.

The takeaway

This survey highlights the deep-rooted issues of distrust, safety concerns, and economic disparities experienced by Oakland's Black residents, underscoring the need for targeted, community-driven solutions to address these longstanding inequities.