'Can't isn't in the dictionary': Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee discusses her first 100 days

"Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee faces a city with sky-high expectations. Residents demand immediate solutions to crime, illegal dumping, homelessness, and a struggling local economy. They also want their new leader to make local government more transparent and accountable. And many hope to see the mayor unify a city that became deeply polarized during the 2024 recall elections. Lee unveiled her political strategy right after the election."

"Lee's list was light on metrics and milestones. Instead, it emphasized listening to local stakeholders, advocating for more resources, and stabilizing the city's finances. Her roadmap also didn't account for all of the challenges that would emerge. Within weeks of Lee taking office, President Donald Trump deployed National Guard troops to Los Angeles as part of an aggressive immigration crackdown. Trump took a swipe at Oakland and hinted that it and other cities may face similar treatment in the future."

"When we sat down with Lee on Wednesday at City Hall, the mayor shared a lot of the same points she's been making since she launched her campaign back in January. She is laser-focused on the meat-and-potatoes work of government, including maintaining funding for public safety programs and keeping streets clean. And she is optimistic that her many community listening sessions are helping heal a divided city."

Barbara Lee faces intense public expectations for immediate action on crime, illegal dumping, homelessness, and a struggling local economy while building trust and unity after the 2024 recall. Lee unveiled a 10-point plan for her first 100 days that prioritized listening to stakeholders, advocating for more resources, and stabilizing city finances but lacked specific metrics. Early challenges included federal immigration enforcement moves and political pressure from President Trump, prompting Lee to push back. Lee emphasizes basic governance tasks such as funding public safety, keeping streets clean, and holding community listening sessions, while questions remain about spending priorities and a potential reelection bid.

Read at The Oaklandside