Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee promised to change city's narrative. Here's how she's trying.

"In her first mayoral state-of-the-city address on Tuesday, Lee went beyond that. She urged everyone listening to acknowledge that good things are happening in Oakland, presenting herself as more than the caretaker of a city that is recovering from a rough pandemic. The 79-year-old progressive icon touted declining crime levels, her efforts to streamline permit approvals and - for the first time in two decades - keep all the fire stations open, while securing various pockets of funding from Alameda County and California's coffers."

"Mostly, though, Lee pleaded for a more positive narrative around Oakland - especially with President Donald Trump appearing determined to pack the streets in major U.S. cities with National Guard troops and immigration authorities. "For every single struggle that this city faces, there is a story waiting to be told of recovery and opportunity," Lee told the crowd inside City Hall. Lee promised stability after prevailing in an April special election to complete the term of Mayor Sheng Thao."

Barbara Lee urges a positive narrative for Oakland and highlights improving conditions across the city. She points to declining crime, efforts to streamline permit approvals, and restoring all fire stations for the first time in two decades. She secured funding from Alameda County and California for various city needs. Lee prevailed in an April special election to complete the mayoral term and promises stability during a shortened tenure of under 19 months. Lee plans to re-examine mayoral legislative powers and pursue administrative changes to make permitting easier, while facing the prospect of a 2026 mayoral election.

Read at The Mercury News