Public Bank East Bay

08/18/2026

What happens when private financial institutions take big risks and the public is left to pick up the bill?

This article traces a pattern from the Savings & Loan crisis to today’s shadow banking system where private institutions capture the gains, while taxpayers absorb the losses through bailouts and public guarantees, https://capitolhillcitizen.substack.com/p/the-bailout-that-never-ended

Public banking offers a different model.

Instead of pumping public dollars to bail out Wall Street and protect private shareholders, public banks keep those funds working for the public interest, financing affordable housing, small businesses, clean energy and other community priorities.

What do you think? Could public banking give communities a safer, more values-aligned way to put public money to work?

Not So Wonderful for Taxpayers

08/11/2026

What could the East Bay build if more of our public money stayed local?

Imagine neighborhoods with backup power during outages, EV charging, affordable housing powered by solar, more support for local businesses, energy upgrades and community microgrids.

Public Bank East Bay could help finance projects that create cleaner and greener cities at lower costs, create local jobs and strengthen communities. All while supporting and partnering with local community banks.

Learn more https://www.publicbankeastbay.org/priorities

08/06/2026

Why should public dollars build private wealth? Christopher Armitage makes a strong argument in this article that challenges the false choice between raising taxes and cutting vital public services. Instead, we can create stronger communities by generating our own revenue through publicly owned enterprises like public banks, affordable housing, utilities, broadband, and more.
https://cmarmitage.substack.com/p/inevitable-failures-how-the-privatization

Public banks, public power, public broadband. Each one already makes money in the states and cities that run it, and the companies that profit from privatization spend millions to keep that list short

08/04/2026

Berkeley clears 7 measures for Nov ballot including our friends at Keep Berkeley Money Local, "Supporters say it would lend money to fund investments in affordable housing, small businesses and green energy and infrastructure...they loan to local financial institutions like community banks and credit unions, and specify how the money should be used."

"A board of directors, which would be proposed by Public Bank East Bay... would set the bank’s policy, according to Debbie Notkin of Public Bank East Bay."

Read more at Berkeleyside

Berkeley's 2026 crop of ballot measures includes proposals to create a public bank and double the city's soda tax.

07/30/2026

Our friends at the Coalition to Keep Berkeley Money Local has a new website, check it out! https://www.keepberkmoneylocal.org

We are the Coalition to Keep Berkeley Money Local. We are a grassroots movement to create a public bank that keeps our money local. Instead of enriching big bank CEOs, we propose that public funds should be re-invested into our local community. A public bank can do that.

07/27/2026

Momentum is gaining among neighbors and advocates for a public bank in the East Bay. Together we can create the communities we long for and deserve. Share your skills and thoughts and join the movement! https://www.publicbankeastbay.org/updates/over-the-past-year-something-exciting-has-been-happening-across-the-east-bay

Hundreds of neighbors and community leaders have been gathering in libraries, community spaces, and union halls to ask an important question: What could our communities accomplish if more of our public money stayed local and worked for the people who live here? From Berkeley to Oakland to Richmo

07/15/2026

Congratulations to SF Public Bank on this great occasion. We hope you can attend their celebration tonight 7/15, 6-8pm at El Rio in SF's Mission. Read more about their efforts here https://www.kqed.org/news/12089959/san-francisco-supervisors-to-vote-on-public-bank-measure-for-november-ballot

07/02/2026

What happens when neighbors come together to imagine a thriving future for the East Bay?

Last week 20+ community members gathered in Richmond to ask big questions and explore how we can build more local economic power through a public bank.

The conversation wasn't just about banking. It was about affordable housing, thriving small businesses, climate resilience, and creating neighborhoods where public dollars work for the people who live here.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, shared ideas, asked thoughtful questions, and helped make the evening such a success.

This is how change begins, neighbors coming together to imagine what's possible and taking steps toward building it.

If you'd like to stay connected, engage in the issues, and hear about future events, join our email list and be part of the growing movement for an East Bay that invests in itself: https://www.publicbankeastbay.org/connect

06/18/2026

Why does the East Bay struggle to fund affordable housing, small businesses, and climate solutions while billions of our public dollars continue flowing to billionaires and Wall Street?

Join Public Bank East Bay on June 24 in Richmond for an evening of conversation and connection about how we can build local economic power and invest in the future of our communities and neighborhoods.

Please RSVP at https://luma.com/ul57gsog so we can be sure to have substantial refreshments for everyone.

Wednesday, 6-7:30p June 24
CoBiz Richmond, 1503 Macdonald Ave Suite A, Richmond, CA.

Bring a friend, meet neighbors and advocates, share ideas, and ask questions.

We'd love to have you there!

Spend the evening with your neighbors and learn how Public Banks can make the East Bay a better place. Bring your questions and ideas.

06/11/2026

What could the East Bay accomplish if more of our money stayed local?

At a time when more people are questioning who the economy really works for, communities across the East Bay are finding new ways to keep money in the neighborhood and invest in people.

Join your neighbors for a free evening of food, conversation, and community discussion about public banking and building local economic power.

Whether you're curious about public banking, interested in community solutions, or simply looking to connect with others who care about the future of the East Bay, we'd love to meet you.

Bring your questions, ideas, and vision for what our communities can achieve together.

Please RSVP so we know how many to expect https://luma.com/ul57gsog
Wednesday, 6-7:30p June 24
CoBiz Richmond, 1503 Macdonald Ave Suite A

Spend the evening with your neighbors and learn how Public Banks can make the East Bay a better place. Bring your questions and ideas.