Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee Faces Scrutiny After First 100 Days Amid Fiscal and Public Safety Challenges

Oakland, CA – Mayor Barbara Lee has reached her first 100 days in office, a significant milestone met with sharp criticism from public figures like Seneca Scott, who graded her performance a "D-". Scott, a prominent voice in Oakland’s political landscape, took to social media to lambaste the mayor's initial tenure, citing "failing economy," insufficient police staffing, and "failed progressive policies."

Mayor Lee was sworn into office on May 22, 2025, after winning a special election following the recall of former Mayor Sheng Thao. A veteran politician with decades of experience in Congress and the California State Legislature, Lee campaigned on a 10-point plan focused on public safety, addressing homelessness, blight reduction, and restoring fiscal stability. Her administration has reported a decrease in major crime categories, with violent crime down 29%, homicides down 21%, and vehicle thefts down 45%.

However, the city continues to grapple with significant financial hurdles. Oakland faces an $89 million operating deficit for the current fiscal year, with projections indicating an ongoing deficit exceeding $137 million. A substantial portion of this deficit is attributed to overspending within the Oakland Police Department (OPD), particularly due to high overtime costs, which are currently $38 million over budget. Credit rating agencies such as Moody's, Fitch, and S&P have issued negative outlooks or downgraded the city's ratings, citing structural budgetary imbalances and public safety expenditures.

Police staffing remains a contentious issue. While Seneca Scott's tweet claimed "515 cops for the ENTIRE city," official reports and statements from various sources present different figures. A draft report from PFM Group Consulting in April 2025 indicated that the OPD needs 877 officers for effective operations and currently employs 675 sworn officers, though it is budgeted for 600. The Oakland Police Officers' Association stated in August 2025 that there are 649 sworn officers, with over 100 on leave. Mayor Lee has acknowledged the staffing shortage and has set a goal to increase the force to 700 officers, planning to fund five new police academies to achieve this.

Despite the criticisms, Mayor Lee's office emphasizes ongoing efforts to stabilize the city. Her administration has highlighted initiatives to streamline permitting for businesses and address illegal dumping. Some community members and business owners have expressed support, praising her efforts to engage with various districts and address long-standing issues. The mayor's team maintains that while challenges persist, they are committed to delivering results and improving the lives of Oakland residents.