Vote YES on Measure Z

A Public Bank for Berkeley

Berkeley's priorities are under threat from the banks, corporations, and D.C. politicians controlling our money. Federal cuts have undermined our ability to provide truly affordable housing and have clawed back the funds that were supposed to go towards building healthy and resilient communities. Small businesses are struggling to access the capital and support they need to thrive. Meanwhile, Wall Street banks capitalize on our city's funds to invest in war, data centers, fossil fuels, and making billionaires richer. Berkeley deserves a better way to invest its money. 

Building on existing resolutions of support passed by the Berkeley City Council, Measure Z is a short-term temporary parcel tax that will deliver long-term benefits and resilience by providing the capital needed to create a public bank serving Berkeley. This bank would provide much-needed capital for projects that match our priorities, with a focus on:  

• Affordable & Workforce Housing

• Green Energy & Infrastructure

• Local Small Businesses 

Unlike big banks, we, the City of Berkeley, are the shareholders; we are part of the board, and funding is lent with input from us, the Berkeley community. With Measure Z, the bank's profits go to the city, not billionaires, allowing for further investment in our community's needs.

Now is the time to invest in resilience.

Now is the time to keep Berkeley money local.

Now is the time to create a public bank for Berkeley. 

Vote Yes on Measure Z on or by Tuesday, November 3rd. 

 

 

Check out the full text of our ballot initiative here