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LOREN’S RECORD ON COUNCIL

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Four Years of Loren's City Council Accomplishments

Four Years of engagement and accomplishments on City Council 

Loren joined City Council as an outsider in 2019 after unseating a 16-year incumbent. He brought a fresh perspective and innovative approach to City Council and developed a reputation for delivering thoughtful and comprehensive approaches to tough city challenges including homelessness and public safety. He quickly developed strong relationships with colleagues to win support for initiatives and activations that improved the lives of District 6 residents.

Public Safety

While others on the council called for dramatic defunding of police and public safety services, Loren consistently fought against “defunding” public safety services and advocated for police and fire staffing, improving 911 response times, and investing in proven violence prevention programs.

As the architect of the Reimagining Public Safety Task Force, Loren led a community-focused process that explored ways to improve safety through alternative responses. Through input from communities of color disproportionately impacted by violence, it was clear that there was not strong support for reducing sworn officer positions.

The task force found broad agreement on the need to retain essential policing services while also investing more in violence prevention and intervention programs. The task force created a framework for responsive, evidence-based reforms that address both urgent public safety needs and the root causes of violence.

Loren also helped keep Oaklanders safe by:

  • Co-authoring a ballot initiative to strengthen civilian oversight of Police Department & create first ever Inspector General [ref]
  • Championing the funding of 48 new officers in East Oakland [ref]
  • Helping the design and installation of blockades, and barriers to stop side-shows and improve street safety [ref]

Economic Development

Loren supported small businesses and economic growth by:  

  • Launching the ESO Ventures program to nurture Oakland entrepreneurs in partnership with state,  $8M from state in partnership with Peralta community colleges w/ state funding supported by Nancy Skinner  [ref]
  • Authoring the Local Business Empowerment through contracting legislation including $1M in contractor development programs & 3 new FTEs to improve certificate & compliance processes [ref]
  • Establishing the Liberation Park & Akoma market an urban oasis at a formerly vacant lot in partnership w/ black cultural zone [ref]
  • Helping secure $100,000 in equipment to establish a new commercial kitchen at Arroyo Viejo Recreation center to support aspiring restauranteurs [ref] 
  • Protecting local businesses by fighting the Council’s “Progressive Business Tax” plan
  • Developing the Cannabis Equity Rebate program 
  • Securing funding for grocery initiative to establish the food supply chain infrastructure to help small independent grocers leverage economies of scal
  • Leading community engagement efforts for guaranteed income pilot program to but $6M into hands of Oakland families

 Homelessness & Housing

Loren led efforts keep Oaklanders housed by:

  • Chairing the council Life Enrichment Committee [ref]
  • Leading efforts to enact comprehensive Permanent Access to Housing (PATH) plan for homelessness with $40 Million in to fund prevention, crisis response, transitional housing and new affordable housing [ref]
  • Authoring and passing Oakland’s first Encampment Management Policy with input from 1,200 Oakland residents  [ref]
  • Supporting a pipeline of 800+ affordable housing units in East Oakland.