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Oakland
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Mayor· 2025-2027

Barbara Lee

Oakland

No biography on file yet.

At a glance

News mentions
1

Term ending Jan 4, 2027.

Voice

Meetings spoken in
7
Total speaking time
1:48:43
Avg per meeting
15:32
Segments
1136

Want every word Lee has said?

The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Lee said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.

Top issues during term (20)

high↑Sep 2026[35]

Police Commission Selection Slate Rejection

There is no direct taxpayer cost tied to this appointment, though commission policies can influence future city safety budgets.

critical↑Apr 2026[34]

City Worker Contract Negotiations and Cost of Living

Hundreds of funded positions remain vacant, affecting service delivery despite allocated budget appropriations.

medium↑Oct 2026[30]

corruption trial

Taxpayers are on the hook for the court costs of a high-profile federal trial that could drag on for weeks.

high↑Jul 2026[27]

City of Refuge Sanctuary Ordinance

Null

critical↑Jun 2026[27]

Oakland City Charter Reform

Impacts administrative staffing and oversight costs, offset by governance restructuring.

medium↑Oct 2026[25]

school board election

Decisions made by the new board member will directly influence how district funds are allocated toward teacher salaries and school programs.

critical↑Sep 2026[22]

Data Center Moratorium and Technological Development

Data centers threaten to spike local utility rates and strain municipal electrical and water infrastructure.

high↑May 2026[17]

Increasing Civil Penalties for Nuisance Properties

Potential increased revenue from fines, though intended primarily as a deterrent.

critical↑Jun 2026[17]

Police Overtime Tracking and Audit Implementation

The contract commits significant ongoing funds, including a 14% salary increase over five years and longevity bonuses offset partially by employee healthcare and pension contributions.

critical↑Oct 2026[10]

Capital Improvement Program Financial Management Audit

Identifies administrative inefficiencies and tracking risks across $300 million in capital spending.

critical↑Jun 2026[9]

Community Violence Reduction Plan

Allocates $38.1 million in Measure NN funds over the grant term.

high↑Jul 2026[7]

AC Transit Budget Deficit and Service Cuts Outlook

Potential $200 million cumulative deficit facing AC Transit.

high↑May 2026[7]

Police Surveillance Technology Contracts (Cellebrite and Peregrine)

Allocates $140,000 for Cellebrite and up to $1,024,000 for Peregrine.

high↑Jun 2026[7]

Measure U Bond Allocation for Affordable Housing

Involves allocating a minimum of $50 million from the upcoming Measure U bond tranche to support affordable housing development.

high↑Jan 2026[6]

27th Street Complete Streets Construction Contract

The approved construction contract totals $10,418,573.50.

critical↑Mar 2026[6]

Public Safety and Cleanliness Parcel Tax Ballot Measure

Raises approximately $34 million annually for nine years via a $192 annual parcel tax on single-family parcels.

medium↑Oct 2026[5]

election voter guide

There’s no direct cost to residents—it’s just information—though the election results it explains could affect city spending later.

medium↑Oct 2026[5]

charter school renewal

Public education funding follows the enrolled students, so keeping the school open maintains the current flow of state and local tax dollars for these specific classrooms.

medium↑Oct 2026[5]

airport management investigation

Abusing overtime costs the airport extra cash, which could ultimately lead to higher fees for travelers or a hit to city funds.

medium↑Oct 2026[5]

police misconduct

The city could face a massive payout and higher insurance costs if the victim's family wins a wrongful death lawsuit.

Decisions during term (447)

Recorded while Lee was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.

approved8-0Oct 20, 2026

Police Commission Selection Panel Slate Rejection

approved8-0Oct 20, 2026

TOT Sharing Agreement Informational Report for Oakland Roots & Soul

approved8-0Oct 20, 2026

Increase Civil Penalties on Unabated Nuisances

approved8-0Oct 20, 2026

Confirmation of Peter Smith to City Planning Commission

approved8-0Oct 20, 2026

Audit of Capital Improvement Program Financial Management

approved5-1Oct 20, 2026

Procurement of Ready-Mix Concrete Resolution

approved7-0Oct 20, 2026

Confirmation of David Newton to City Planning Commission

approved8-0Oct 20, 2026

Modifications To The Agenda And Procedural Items, Including But Not Limited To Requests To: Reschedule Items From Consent To Non-Consent, Items To The Next Council Agenda, Speak On Consent Calendar, Register Votes, Change Order Of Items,…

approved6-0Oct 20, 2026

CONSENT CALENDAR (CC) ITEMS:

approved6-0Oct 20, 2026

Approval Of The Draft Minutes From The Meeting Of September 15, 2026

approved6-0Oct 20, 2026

Declaration Of A Local Emergency Due To AIDS Epidemic

approved6-0Oct 20, 2026

Declaration Of Medical Cannabis Health Emergency

approved6-0Oct 20, 2026

Declaration Of A Local Emergency On Homelessness

tabled6-0Oct 20, 2026

S-8 Ordinance Amendments

tabled6-0Oct 20, 2026

Amendment To Ordinance No. 12187 C.M.S. (The Salary Ordinance) For Various Classification Title Changes

tabled6-0Oct 20, 2026

Ordinance Amending OMC Chapter 8.28 To Improve Waste Disposal Requirements

approved6-0Oct 20, 2026

2026 International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference Reimbursement

approved6-0Oct 20, 2026

Declaring October 18-24, 2026 As United Against Hate Week

approved6-0Oct 20, 2026

Love Life Week 2026

approved6-0Oct 20, 2026

Resolution In Support Of Prop 1