Endorsements

We are backed by a powerful and growing coalition of community organizations, labor unions, small businesses, grassroots leaders, and elected officials who believe in a more just and accountable financial system.

Add Your Voice

“Our City Council has consistently supported resolutions advocating for public banking… We believe that the establishment of the Public Bank East Bay is a crucial step towards creating a more equitable and sustainable financial system.

The momentum behind this initiative is a testament to the collective vision and effort of our communities. Berkeley stands ready to contribute further to this transformative project and to ensure its success for the benefit of all East Bay residents.”

Jesse Arreguin, as Mayor of Berkeley (now California State Senator)

"Now more than ever, we need to localize and democratize our resources to meet the urgent challenges of climate change. A local public bank, like Public Bank East Bay can help fund investments in clean, renewable energy and ensure that our financial systems serve people, not profit."

Jessica Guadalupe Tovar, Executive Director of the Local Clean Energy Alliance

"Public Bank East Bay is a powerful ally in our mission to keep people of color in our community, remove housing and other real estate from the speculative market, and address the root causes of poverty and disinvestment. Just as East Bay PREC mobilizes to divest our community from Wall Street and invest in collective wealth, a public bank can empower communities to reclaim financial control and drive equitable neighborhood change. Together, we’re fostering democracy, cooperation, and inclusive communities that work for everyone."

Noni Session, East Bay Permanent Real Estate Cooperative

“I am grateful to everyone working to make Public Bank East Bay possible. This bank will support the interests of the community, including affordable housing, small businesses, climate action, and the goal of improving financial sustainability. By doing so, we can stretch our dollars further and achieve better outcomes for the people of Oakland."

Kevin Jenkins, Oakland City Councilmember

"Public Bank of East Bay provides a crucial opportunity for businesses to have a voice in directing the residual benefits of municipal spending. Public banking means budget strapped cities like Berkeley and Oakland have an opportunity to ensure that the economic returns on redevelopment investment are directed to serve and support historically underserved communities. And that means fostering equitable opportunities and prioritizing a restorative economic landscape for Black Owned businesses for the benefit of all."

YaVette Holts Founder and CEO, Bay Area Organization of Black Owned Businesses

"As a longtime advocate for housing justice, I know how critical access to capital is for addressing the deep inequities in our communities. Public Bank East Bay will be a game-changer by offering low-cost, community-focused loans to fund affordable housing, green energy projects, and BIPOC-owned small businesses. This bank will help shift power away from Wall Street and invest in solutions that keep resources in our neighborhoods, building a stronger, more equitable East Bay for everyone."

Carroll Fife, Oakland City Council member