‘I have people in line to give me money’: how Oakland councilmembers spent their officeholder funds

In June, Oakland’s City Council approved a big change to the rules governing how they’re allowed to raise money for their officeholder accounts.

Officeholder accounts are special bank accounts that elected officials can use to raise and spend money for activities related to their jobs as elected officials. Think hotels, meals, travel, mailers, and lots more. Elected officials can also give money from these accounts to community groups, like charities, schools, and nonprofits.

The City Council bill tripled the fundraising limit for district council members from $25,000 to $75,000. The limit for the at-large seat was increased from $30,000 to $100,000. The council also agreed to increase the fundraising ceiling for the mayor, city attorney, and city auditor.

The trio of councilmembers