140 Days of Action: Mayor Lee Reports Progress on Safety, Housing, Economic Development in State of the City Address Copy
Date: October, 3 2025
News from: Mayor's Office
140 Days of Action: Mayor Lee Reports Progress on Safety, Housing, Economic Development in State of the City Address
(Oakland, CA) — Mayor Barbara Lee today delivered her first State of the City Address, outlining substantial progress made during her first 140 days in office and her vision for Oakland's future. The address, themed "Oakland is on the Move," highlighted measurable results across public safety, neighborhood cleanliness, economic development, housing, and government accountability.
“Our city is defined by its people - by their courage, creativity, and relentless hope," said Mayor Lee, Oakland's first Black woman to hold the office. "Today I am proud to report that Oakland is cleaner, safer, and open for business.”
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. The Planning and Building Department also extended permit center hours and secured $3 million to modernize software. Projects that once took 10 months can now move forward in weeks.
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:
Iconic reopening of the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts
Success of the 2nd Chinatown Night Market
Children's Fairyland celebrating its 75th anniversary
Oakland Roots playing their first season at the Coliseum
Oakland Ballers winning their championship
70,000 attendees at the Japan/Mexico soccer match and other Coliseum events
Major League Cricket's first West Coast matches at the Coliseum
Ariana Grande kicking off her world tour at Oakland Coliseum in June 2026
Support for more than a dozen cultural events and public art activations including Uptown Stroll and Oakland School for the Arts' Angus Cloud Park
Rise East collective securing $100 million for housing and wellness in East Oakland
Oakland positioning for economic impact during upcoming Super Bowl and World Cup regional events
National Recognition
Oakland was voted the #1 Best Food City in the U.S. by Traveler Readers' Choice Awards and recognized as one of the Best Overall Cities in the United States for cities under 1 million population.
Youth Engagement and Community Programs
Mayor Lee launched the Mayor's Summer Youth Jobs Program with former Vice President Kamala Harris at Prescott Market in West Oakland. The Mayor's Youth Advisory Council, led by student director Maximus Simmons, ran a teacher supply drive called "Help a Teacha Out" at OUSD headquarters.
The Mayor also met with leaders from the Commission on Aging to develop a public safety strategy specifically addressing seniors' needs.
Charter Reform and Government Modernization
The Mayor, announced the launch of a Charter Reform Working Group in partnership with the League of Women Voters, SPUR, and good government leaders to modernize Oakland's government structure. The working group will seek public input on various governing forms and establish clear roles for elected officials, responsible financial planning, and stronger accountability. Voters will decide on proposed reforms in November 2026.
Standing Against Federal Intimidation
Mayor Lee addressed federal threats to the city and immigrant communities: "I will not allow Oakland to be bullied by the President of the United States. As your mayor, my top priority is to protect our community from the militarization of our streets and from discriminatory raids that tear families apart. Oakland will not be intimidated, nor will we be provoked. We believe in peaceful protests and exercising our First Amendment rights. Oakland will always stand on the side of justice, compassion, and community."
The Mayor, announced a groundbreaking partnership with the San Francisco Foundation to raise $10 million to support immigrant families across the Bay Area. She also developed, along with Mayors Lurie and Mahan, protocols with city leaders in case the federal government attempts to deploy the National Guard into Oakland.
Addressing the $130 Million Deficit
Mayor Lee acknowledged working with City Council to pass a balanced budget under extraordinary pressure, making tough but necessary choices to protect Oakland's long-term stability. She also reached agreement with the city's civilian workforce on a one-year contract extension that received over 90 percent support.
Regional and Federal Advocacy
As a former member of the House of Representatives Appropriations and Budget Committees, Mayor Lee has traveled to Sacramento and Washington, D.C. to advance Oakland's agenda. She is working with Congressional Representative Lateefah Simon to release federal funding appropriated during her time in Congress. Last week, she convened state and federal delegations in Oakland to collaborate on economic recovery support.
The Mayor's office has also hired a team member dedicated to identifying private and philanthropic support for the city.
Looking Forward
Mayor Lee outlined priorities for continued progress:
Public Safety & Violence Prevention through better recruitment, stronger prevention, and youth jobs
Clean & Safe Streets with rapid response cleanups and tougher dumping enforcement
Economic Development & Downtown Revitalization
Housing & Homelessness Solutions with Measure W investments and faster approvals
Accountability & Fiscal Stability through charter reform, disciplined budgets, and contracting transparency
"Oakland is a city of genius, grit, and grace," Mayor Lee concluded. "We are defined not by decline but by resilience. By artists and activists. By entrepreneurs and educators. By movements for peace and justice. And by every resident who refuses to give up on our town and will stand up for what's right. Oakland is on the move - and we need all of us moving together."
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Mayor's Office Contact:
Justin Phillips