Building a Safer, Stronger Oakland

Clearer accountability is key to building a safer, stronger Oakland. The Bay Area Council recently welcomed Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee and other prominent business and civic leaders for a discussion about Measure EE on the November ballot to expand and strengthen the mayor’s responsibilities.

The Bay Area Council Economic Institute identified charter reform as a foundational issue for improving Oakland’s economy in its 2025 report, Making Oakland Safe and Its Economy Strong. Building on that work, the Council was an early business supporter of Measure EE, the Strong Mayor charter reform measure on Oakland’s November ballot. 

Measure EE would create clearer lines of authority and accountability between the Mayor and City Council, giving the Mayor responsibility for managing city operations while strengthening the Council’s legislative and oversight role. 

Mayor Lee and Bay Area Council President & CEO Libby Schaaf joined other business and civic leaders to discuss what these changes could mean for Oakland’s future. The conversation was made possible through collaboration with SPUR, Revitalize East Bay, the League of Women Voters Oakland, Delta Dental, and the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. 

As the November election approaches, employers and civic leaders interested in Oakland’s future can learn more about Measure EE, share information with their networks, and consider endorsing the measure. For more information, please contact Vice President of Public Policy, Laura Hill