Last November, Oakland made history by recalling its mayor, and just last week, the city welcomed Barbara Lee as its new permanent mayor. During the five-month interim period, Council President Kevin Jenkins took on the unprecedented challenge of leading the city.
From the outset, Jenkins understood that gaining the trust of Oakland residents would be a critical part of his interim role. Residents had recently endured a tumultuous political landscape and faced ongoing public safety and financial challenges. Jenkins prioritized restoring trust and maintaining the city’s integrity.
To prepare for his role, Jenkins sought advice from experienced former leaders, including former mayor Elihu Harris, with whom he held weekly calls, and former mayor Libby Schaaf. He also consulted with Danny Wan, the executive director of the port. They provided valuable insights on budgeting and various city matters.
One of the most significant challenges Jenkins encountered during his interim mayoral tenure was overcoming the negative perception of Oakland, particularly in light of the former mayor’s controversies and the release of FBI documents pertaining to an alleged bribery scheme involving Sheng Thao.
Despite the difficulties posed by the release of these documents, Jenkins focused on moving forward. He diligently reviewed the information and sought wise counsel to find a way to address the situation effectively.
Another significant duty Jenkins had was introducing the city’s budget for 2025-2027, particularly amidst a daunting $265 million shortfall. His budgeting approach aimed to eliminate this deficit while prioritizing public safety, which included funding for fire and police departments and the successful Ceasefire program.
The Ceasefire program had shown promising results, with a reported 30% reduction in homicides the previous year, and Jenkins emphasized that such essential programs required continued funding.
In the face of community concerns, particularly following devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, Jenkins worked to keep fire stations operational. He acknowledged the necessity of these services, particularly given the current high fire warnings in Oakland.
Regarding the police department, Jenkins highlighted the generosity of the voters who supported Measure NN, which called for an increase in the number of police officers. He proposed a budget that would restore 78 frozen positions, although he noted challenges in realizing the full number of sworn officers due to attrition and below-average graduation rates from police academies.
Jenkins’ strategic approach to budgeting focused on responsible fiscal management. He made it a priority to avoid relying on unrealized facility sales in future budget cycles and aimed to tighten the city’s financial belt to ensure better long-term stability. Furthermore, he addressed the workforce by cutting several hundred vacant positions while minimizing layoffs to fewer than twelve.
In preparation for Lee’s mayorship, Jenkins involved her in key budget decision-making processes, providing her with briefings to ensure a smooth transition.
Among Jenkins’ proudest accomplishments during his time as interim mayor were the successful hosting of significant events like the NBA All-Star weekend and the AKA convention. These events elevated Oakland’s profile while showcasing the city in a positive light, countering negative perceptions surrounding crime.
Jenkins also highlighted the closure of several encampments throughout the city, such as those at Mosswood, East 12th, and High Street. While he acknowledged that the city fell short of offering housing to all affected residents, he stressed the importance of closing those sites and providing assistance where possible.
Reflecting on his experience in this leadership role, Jenkins shared that he was surprised by the extent of work required at the mayoral level. Despite the challenges, he found that people were generally friendlier toward him in the mayor’s position.
Returning to his role as the District 6 councilmember, Jenkins expressed eagerness to engage with constituents on pressing local issues. He identified code enforcement, encampments, and attracting major businesses to the district as key priorities.
Additionally, Jenkins acknowledged that his time as interim mayor provided him with unique insights into the challenges facing Oakland. He recognized the importance of legislative efforts that support city administration and address issues such as illegal dumping, which plagues several neighborhoods.
Jenkins advocated for the allocation of $500,000 for overtime enforcement to combat illegal dumping and assist city officials in managing this ongoing issue.
Addressing the recent incident involving a Cybertruck caught illegally dumping, Jenkins expressed his disapproval and noted that city officials were investigating the matter.
When it came to offering advice to Barbara Lee as she stepped into her new role, Jenkins noted that as a well-regarded figure in Oakland politics, she likely wouldn’t need it. However, he urged her to find a balance in her responsibilities as mayor.
Reflecting on his future, Jenkins indicated that he was content with his role as a council member for District 6. He appreciated the composition of the current city council, noting the mix of experience and fresh ideas brought by newer members.
Upon returning to council, Jenkins emphasized the need for a more efficient use of time during meetings, focusing on the core business of providing essential services that constituents prioritize, such as clean and safe streets.
As he concludes his interim period, Jenkins reiterated the importance of promoting a balanced view of Oakland. He believes the narrative surrounding the city should highlight its positive developments and capacity to manage ongoing challenges, showcasing a city committed to improvement and progress.
image source from：https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/27/exit-interview-oakland-mayor-kevin-jenkins-2025-city-council/
