Former Congresswoman Barbara Lee was sworn in Tuesday as Oakland's new mayor.
Lee is Oakland's 52nd mayor and made history by also being the city's first Black mayor.
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WATCH HERE"It was a full circle moment for me," Lee said. "I've had a lot of experience that I'm excited to bring here now as mayor."
In a crowded city hall filled with supporters and elected officials, Lee said her priorities are focused on safety, regaining the public's trust, as well as addressing the budget crisis.
The new mayor is committed to transparency, accountability and results.
"Over the next 100 days we will bring Oaklanders from all walks of life to help inform how our government can better serve the people and usher in a new era of prosperity," Lee said.
In a previously released 10-point plan, the mayor outlined goals to address public safety, homelessness, and economic growth in her first 100 days in office -- goals she said her team is already working on.
"I have met with our ceasefire department, violence prevention with our police chief, look at how we can make sure that crime prevention continues to be part of our policing strategy and make sure we can get to the 700 police officers," Lee said.
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SIGN UP Lee takes over as the city faces a $140 million budget deficit to balance by the end of June. She is also working on regaining public trust in the city after the recall and federal indictment of former Mayor Sheng Thao.
"Today marks a new era for Oakland,” Lee said. "Like Oakland’s gifts to me, I want to re-instill hope; create opportunities for our young people; ensure a safe path for our sons and daughters to have long, productive lives, and be housed or own homes in a safe, clean city; and recommend solutions to make our city and its people economically healthy and vibrant."
Supporters, including retired Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson and community organizations, said they are hopeful for a change.
"For her to have the legislative background, to be a product of this area, to have the ability to assembly to all aspects of this area is very key at this point," Carson said. "Especially at a time where people are more divided."
Charlene Wang was also sworn in on Tuesday and will take over as the District 2 councilmember.
