UMA- The Utility Modernization Act

Sep 27, 2016

Councilmember, Jim Oddie

The Utility Modernization Act, Measure K1 on the November ballot, will update the existing Utility Users Tax (UUT) and confirm the annual transfer of funds from Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) to the City, which will protect core city services without raising taxes. The UMA will allow Alameda to maintain its high quality of life, including funding for police, fire and emergency response, street and sidewalk repairs, park maintenance and library services.

Jim Oddie has over 17 years of community service and local government experience in the City of Alameda. He currently serves as the District Director for our State Assembly member Rob Bonta and works each day to help residents of Alameda solve problems and improve our quality of life. Jim moved to Alameda in 1997 to raise his family. As a proud parent of two young adults who were educated in Alameda public schools, he understands the importance safe and modern public schools. Jim served as the first chair of the city's Open Government Commission, the city's America's Cup Ad Hoc Committee, Treasurer of the Cantamar Homeowners' Association, Alameda Hospital's Finance and Management Committee. He is an attorney with an MBA and CPA certification, and a broad base of experience in business consulting, accounting, tax, and financial services. While training to be a lawyer, Jim served as an extern for United States District Court Judge Saundra Brown Armstrong, who was also the first African American Alameda County Superior Court Judge. Jim is active in the City of Alameda Democratic Club and is an elected member of the Alameda County Democratic Central Committee. He has also volunteered for numerous successful campaigns for Alameda elected officials and public finance measures to support public schools. Jim grew up in Chicago where he worked hard alongside his parents to make a good home and give back to their community. His began his public service as a teenager when he served on the Bicycle Safety Commission in his home town of Tinley Park, Illinois. He went on to graduate from Indiana University with a degree in Finance and received his MBA from Loyola University in Chicago. Later, as a working parent, Jim earned his law degree from the University of San Francisco.