Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee's Initial 60 Days Focus on Professionalism Amidst Charter Reform Talks

Oakland, CA – As Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee approaches her 60th day in office, a period marked by efforts to instill professionalism and address the city's pressing challenges, her initial tenure and a proposed city charter amendment are drawing attention. Communications expert Justin Berton of Berton Media recently offered insights on the East Bay Insiders TV program, assessing the new administration's approach. Lee, sworn in on May 20, 2025, became Oakland's 52nd mayor following a special election triggered by the recall of former Mayor Sheng Thao.

Mayor Lee, a former U.S. Representative with nearly three decades of service in Congress, assumed leadership of a city grappling with significant issues, including a projected budget deficit and ongoing concerns about public safety and homelessness. Her election in April 2025 was seen by many as a move towards stability for the city. Upon taking office, Lee outlined a 100-day plan focusing on fiscal responsibility, public safety strategies, and government accountability.

Justin Berton, a seasoned media relations expert and former communications director for previous Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, commended Lee's early actions. "Professionalism is back in the mayor's office," Berton stated, highlighting her "incredible hires" and the establishment of a strong team. He noted a positive shift in public sentiment, with a "buzz in the air" at recent events and a feeling among stakeholders that "better days were ahead."

However, Berton also pointed to the mayor's deliberate pace, characterized by a "listening tour" during her first two months. While this approach aimed to gather community input, he suggested that the core priorities identified—public safety, homelessness, and city cleanliness—were already widely known. This measured start has led some residents to wonder about the visibility of the new administration's immediate actions, as Berton observed, "people are getting a little anxious. They want to know what the plan is."

Adding to the discussions surrounding city governance is a proposed charter amendment, which seeks to rebalance power between the mayor and the city administrator. Berton, while acknowledging the intent to make the system more efficient, expressed skepticism about its standalone effectiveness. He emphasized that true change hinges on "electing better elected officials," suggesting that systemic issues often stem from leadership decisions rather than solely structural frameworks.

As Mayor Lee progresses beyond her initial two months, her administration faces the complex task of translating its professional foundation and strategic listening into tangible solutions for Oakland's financial woes and community concerns. Her commitment to addressing the city's budget crisis and fostering a strong, vibrant Oakland remains a central theme of her nascent leadership.