New Beginnings

December 1, 2016 Newsletter

This morning, I was sworn in as the new Mayor of Berkeley in a ceremony that also welcomed our newly elected Councilmembers Cheryl Davila (District 2), Ben Bartlett (District 3) and Sophie Hahn (District 5). I am humbled to have an opportunity to serve this community that I love and to be the next mayor of this great city. I look forward to working with our new Councilmembers and our entire community as we tackle the issues around homelessness, affordable housing, Alta Bates, and implementation of the T1 infrastructure bond. 

I want to take a moment to thank our former Mayor, Tom Bates for his 14 years of service to this city as Mayor. There is no denying the contributions and legacy he has left behind. His leadership helped in creating critically acclaimed projects such as the David Brower Center and Ed Roberts Campus. I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors. 

I also want to thank our outgoing Councilmembers. Darryl Moore has been a leader on children and health issues, and has been committed to west Berkeley. Laurie Capitelli was instrumental in our Soda Tax legislation. Max Anderson is an inspiration for his dedication to creating a more just and equitable society, and was the Council's moral compass. 

Next week, on December 8th at 5:30pm, the formal public swearing in will occur and I will be chairing the first meeting with our new seated city council. 

Also, at the December 8th meeting, we will call a special election to fill the District 4 Council seat which is now vacant as a result of my election. The mail-in election will take place on Tuesday, March 7, 2017. During the vacancy, I am committed to continuing to assist District 4 residents. If you have a question or issue, please contact my office at 510-981-7100 or email us at mayor@cityofberkeley.info.

I hope you can join us next Thursday at 5:30 in City Council chambers.

Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin