How can a public bank help relieve the burden of student debt that so many of us are struggling with? Come hear the progressive candidate for CA lieutenant governor, Gayle McLaughlin, discuss this question on Monday, April 9, in Richmond’s main library. The library is just .6 miles from the Richmond BART station. All are invited to attend this free event and take part in the conversation.

Study deadline nears

On March 31, Global Investment Corporation (GIC) is scheduled to submit to the city their study on the feasibility of the Public Bank of Oakland. Watch for news of the study in our next edition, coming soon!

PBO governance plan

Some of us at FPBO have been busily working on a proposed governance plan for our future bank. Two weeks ago, at the Public Banking Institute’s conference in Colorado, our own Susan Harman presented an outline of this plan. The final version of our proposed governance plan will be ready in early April.

Public banking beyond Oakland

•  San Francisco’s Municipal Bank Feasibility Task Force met for the first time in late February. The task force, headed by SF Treasurer José Cisneros, has now issued a Request for Qualifications on a financial study of a public bank for the city.
�  Seattle is the latest city to explore the public banking ooption. The city has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Seattle Public Bank feasibility study. Read more here.
�  Two representatives in the Alaska legislature have proposeed a bill creating a public Bank of Alaska. Read more here.