Clean Streets and Illegal Dumping
Mayor Lee tackled illegal dumping with a bold three-part strategy —
ERADICATE: launching aerial imaging technology to proactively identify hotspots in underserved neighborhoods, improving response times, tracking, and accountability, while incorporating privacy protections; City crews cleaned up over 6,600 tons of debris, and average illegal dumping work order closure times dropped dramatically from 26 days to just 5.5 days
EDUCATE: through the Mayor’s Keep The Town Clean initiative – the City mobilized over 10,000 volunteers to remove 145 tons of trash and clear 50 miles of streets, around schools, business corridors, and neighborhoods.
ENFORCE: doubling citation fines, expanding the dumping camera network, and championing a new state law SB 1218 with Senator Jesse Arreguin, blocking vehicle registration renewals for drivers with unpaid dumping citations, one of the toughest dumping deterrents in California.
Cleaner Streets & Faster Response
Strengthening Illegal Dumping Enforcement
Doubled illegal dumping citation fines
Expanded dumping camera enforcement network
Established new violations, including transporting waste without a license plate
Advanced stronger enforcement tools and accountability measures
Championed Senate Bill 1218 with Senator Jesse Arreguín to block vehicle registration renewals for individuals with unpaid illegal dumping fines
Deploying Innovative Technology
Launched Aerbits aerial imaging technology pilot program which passed unanimously by the Privacy Advisory Commission and City Council.
Improved proactive identification of dumping hotspots
Enhanced response times, tracking, and equitable service delivery
Keep the Town Clean Initiative and Citywide Initiatives since May 2025
Mobilized 10,000+ volunteers
Removed 145+ tons of trash through volunteer cleanups
Removed 6,600+ tons of debris citywide
Reduced illegal dumping closure times from 26 days to 5.5 days
Expanded youth engagement and workforce development programs
Partnered with local organizations, neighborhood associations, schools, and community members committed to service, equity, and keeping our beautiful town clean
Grants and Major Investments
Secured more than $1 million in new funding to support cleanup, beautification, and environmental justice efforts:
$499,000 CalRecycle grant to clean high-need corridors including Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Foothill Boulevard, and MacArthur Boulevard
$300,000 Caltrans Community Cleanup and Employment Pathway Grant to expand Team Oakland year-round and grow partnerships with the Youth Employment Partnership and Lake Merritt Institute
$1.36 million EPA grant to modernize Public Works cleanup equipment
Expanded Bulky Block Parties and free bulky waste disposal options for residents
These efforts reflect a coordinated citywide strategy focused on cleaner streets, environmental equity, faster service delivery, stronger enforcement, and long-term neighborhood investment.