Oaklands top budget official is leaving the city

Erin Roseman, the Finance Director for Oakland, announced her resignation effective June 15, just prior to the unveiling of a vital two-year budget by Interim Mayor Kevin Jenkins. City Administrator Jestin Johnson communicated her departure to the City Council, expressing gratitude for Roseman's four years of service. During her tenure, Roseman played a key role in managing a budget facing an $89 million shortfall and a projected $265 million structural deficit. Her department has been scrutinized for budgetary decisions and was recently implicated in an investigation regarding overtime payments to employees. The Finance Department is crucial in guiding the City Council through the budget process, and the upcoming budget is expected to include significant cuts to city services.

The City Council has until June 30 to approve the budget, which adds urgency to the ongoing search for Roseman’s successor. Roseman, who previously served as CFO for the Transbay Joint Powers Authority, has faced conflicts with city officials over budgetary issues. Her departure leaves uncertainty about the department's future direction during a critical fiscal period.