https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK9Zmk1ga6w
Oakland (ZennieReport.com –
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee’s 2025 State Of The City Was Saving Face Not City Building
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee’s State of The City Address was tearfully disappointing and shows she and her staff do not understand how to revitalize Oakland’s economy.
In fairness, here’s her list of accomplishments:
Significant Crime Reductions
Mayor Lee announced major decreases in crime compared to the previous year:
Homicides down 27%
Robberies down 40%
Burglaries down 28%
Motor vehicle thefts down 43%
These improvements come as the city funded five police academies, invested $1.4 million in sideshow enforcement, and secured $5.5 million in federal funding to expand the Ceasefire gun violence reduction program. The city also secured $1 million in state funding for MACRO – a community response program operated by the Oakland Fire Department for non-violent, non-emergency, non-crime-related calls, allowing police to focus on policing while mental health workers provide appropriate interventions.
Mayor Lee highlighted all of the successful activities in Oakland just over the last weekend showcasing the beauty and diversity of the city, including the Black Cowboy Parade, the afternoon-long celebration of the Oakland Ballers winning a championship, First Friday and also OAKtoberFest – all celebrations that took place without incident. Oaklanders enjoyed Oakland over the weekend, and our public safety leaders prioritizing public safety.
Historic Fire Department Achievement
For the first time in more than twenty years, every fire station in Oakland is open and fully staffed, restoring coverage to 50,000 residents and cutting response times by 15%.
Cleaner Streets, Stronger Neighborhoods
The Mayor’s “Keep the Town Clean” initiative, working across all seven council districts, has achieved:
Removal of over 30 tons of trash around schools
Clearing of trash along 30 miles of streets in business districts
Partnership with the District Attorney’s Office, OPD, and Public Works to prosecute illegal dumpers
Launch of Oakland’s first centralized Office of Homelessness Solutions led by a Chief Homelessness Solutions Officer
Economic Development and Permitting Reform
The city has transformed its permitting process with same-day permits now available in six categories and digital permit wait times reduced from seven days to one day.
Mayor Lee announced the comprehensive Economic Development Action Plan with five goals: attract and grow new industries, support businesses of all sizes, build Oakland’s workforce, revitalize neighborhoods, and celebrate Oakland’s arts and culture.
Major Economic Development Initiatives:
Samuel Merritt University Downtown Campus: Bringing 2,500 students downtown starting January 2026, revitalizing the urban core
Port of Oakland Green Hub: Developing a green economic development hub, building on the Port’s commitment to reduce airport greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2030 and 100% by 2040
GO-Biz Partnership: Connected small businesses with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development
Cultural Affairs Manager Restoration: Working with City Council to restore this position to manage cultural funding programs and public art initiatives
Sister City Program Reinstatement: Rebuilding lasting international partnerships with announcements expected in January
Housing and Homelessness Progress
Oakland is leading the region in the scale of affordable housing under construction. Nearly 1,000 affordable homes are actively under construction, with more than 60% designated for people exiting homelessness. Six Homekey sites in Oakland have received state recognition for their impact. Another 700 affordable homes will break ground over the next six months, with 32% for people exiting homelessness.
Mayor Lee secured commitment of 80% of Measure W funding toward homelessness solutions – $170 million per year for six years, totaling $1.02 billion for the county.
Oakland’s Cultural and Sports Renaissance
The Mayor highlighted Oakland’s vibrant cultural scene and major events.
But Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee never explained how much money was committed to economic development, let alone the industries focused on. She claims Oakland’s the best food capital in America, but we have no program for restaurant business help. And there is no effort to bring back major league sports in the wake of damaging loss of three pro sports teams: Athletics, Raiders, and Warriors. Moreover, there’s no national effort to market Oakland and turn around a 20 percent loss of air passenger visits to Oakland Airport from 2024 to 2025.
This is saving face rather than city building. We can do better.
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