- Each election season the OBA interviews and endorses candidates.
- The board is considering a similar endorsement process for legislative items, and ballot measures related to building and development.
- Members present information and comment at City Council and Planning Commission meetings on items related to building and development.
- Report on political action taken by OBA in our newsletter.
Past Speakers
The following are past speakers that have spoken to the OBA board membership since October 2021.
- Mayor Libby Schaaf, City of Oakland
- William Gilchrist, Community Development Director
- Courtney Ruby, Oakland City Auditor
- Ryan Russo, Oakland Department of Transportation
- Peter Gamez, President & CEO, VisitOakland.com
- Dhruv Patel, Chair of BODs, VisitOakland.com
- Brook Turner, Executive Director, Jobs & Housing Coalition
- John Protopappas, President, Jobs & Housing Coalition
- Ed Reiskin, Oakland City Manager
- Felicia Bryant, Oakland Acting Fire Marshal
- Michael Hunt, Chief of Staff to Oakland Fire Chief
- Sarah Kalinsky, Senior Advisor, SPUR “San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association”
- 2022 Mayoral Candidates
- Ignacio De La Fuente
- Sheng Thao
- Seneca Scott
- Treva Reid
- Loren Taylor
- 2022 City Council Candidates
- D2 Harold Lowe
- D2 Nikki Fortunato Bas
- D4 Nenna Joiner
- D4 Janani Ramachandran
- D6 Yakpasua Zazaboi