Barbara Lee is relying on big companies and foundations to raise millions for the city

"Shortly after being elected, Barbara Lee unveiled a 10-point plan for getting Oakland back on track. Point number three was to establish public-private partnerships to "improve Oakland's economy and increase public safety," and point number seven was to "generate entrepreneurial and philanthropic investment in Oakland." So far, Lee has been delivering on these promises. Since being sworn in last May, Lee has helped raise millions of dollars from private companies and foundations to support city services, programs, and civic initiatives."

"The most recent and significant example was announced a few weeks ago when Lee revealed that PG&E and Kaiser Permanente, the city's two heavyweight corporate citizens, had agreed to pay $900,000 to resurrect the city's police cadet program. Executives from the two companies praised Lee's vision of public safety. "We're proud to stand with Oakland Mayor Lee on this," David Leach, senior vice president and chief security officer at PG&E, said in a statement."

"Last year, Lee announced the creation of the " One Oakland Fund," which is run through the East Bay Community Foundation. According to a press release, the fund was launched with over 30 philanthropic partners and generated $650,000 in seed funding for "high priority programs and innovation." Lee also worked with the Kapor Foundation to secure $2.14 million for science and tech education and to lay "the groundwork for responsible AI practices that center equity and transparency.""

Barbara Lee pursued a 10-point plan emphasizing public-private partnerships and entrepreneurial philanthropic investment. Lee raised millions from corporations and foundations to support city services, programs, and civic initiatives. PG&E and Kaiser Permanente committed $900,000 to revive the city police cadet program. An inaugural committee raised $290,000 with contributions from major corporate donors. Lee launched the One Oakland Fund through the East Bay Community Foundation, attracting over 30 philanthropic partners and $650,000 in seed funding. Lee secured $2.14 million from the Kapor Foundation for science and tech education and to advance equitable, transparent AI practices.

Read at The Oaklandside