At-Large Council Member· 2025-2029
Rowena Brown
Oakland
No biography on file yet.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 17
- Total speaking time
- 1:33:03
- Avg per meeting
- 5:28
- Segments
- 978
Want every word Brown has said?
The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Brown said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.
Top issues during term (20)
Police Commission Selection Slate Rejection
There is no direct taxpayer cost tied to this appointment, though commission policies can influence future city safety budgets.
City Worker Contract Negotiations and Cost of Living
Hundreds of funded positions remain vacant, affecting service delivery despite allocated budget appropriations.
corruption trial
Taxpayers are on the hook for the court costs of a high-profile federal trial that could drag on for weeks.
City of Refuge Sanctuary Ordinance
Null
Oakland City Charter Reform
Impacts administrative staffing and oversight costs, offset by governance restructuring.
school board election
Decisions made by the new board member will directly influence how district funds are allocated toward teacher salaries and school programs.
Data Center Moratorium and Technological Development
Data centers threaten to spike local utility rates and strain municipal electrical and water infrastructure.
Increasing Civil Penalties for Nuisance Properties
Potential increased revenue from fines, though intended primarily as a deterrent.
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.
Capital Improvement Program Financial Management Audit
Identifies administrative inefficiencies and tracking risks across $300 million in capital spending.
Community Violence Reduction Plan
Allocates $38.1 million in Measure NN funds over the grant term.
AC Transit Budget Deficit and Service Cuts Outlook
Potential $200 million cumulative deficit facing AC Transit.
Police Surveillance Technology Contracts (Cellebrite and Peregrine)
Allocates $140,000 for Cellebrite and up to $1,024,000 for Peregrine.
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.
27th Street Complete Streets Construction Contract
The approved construction contract totals $10,418,573.50.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Brown was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Police Commission Selection Panel Slate Rejection
TOT Sharing Agreement Informational Report for Oakland Roots & Soul
Increase Civil Penalties on Unabated Nuisances
Confirmation of Peter Smith to City Planning Commission
Audit of Capital Improvement Program Financial Management
Procurement of Ready-Mix Concrete Resolution
Confirmation of David Newton to City Planning Commission
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,…
CONSENT CALENDAR (CC) ITEMS:
Approval Of The Draft Minutes From The Meeting Of September 15, 2026
Declaration Of A Local Emergency Due To AIDS Epidemic
Declaration Of Medical Cannabis Health Emergency
Declaration Of A Local Emergency On Homelessness
S-8 Ordinance Amendments
Amendment To Ordinance No. 12187 C.M.S. (The Salary Ordinance) For Various Classification Title Changes
Ordinance Amending OMC Chapter 8.28 To Improve Waste Disposal Requirements
2026 International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference Reimbursement
Declaring October 18-24, 2026 As United Against Hate Week
Love Life Week 2026
Resolution In Support Of Prop 1
Voting record (147)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.