Mayor Lee Secures Millions in Breakthrough Investments
Published on September 04, 2025
Mayor Lee Secures Millions in Breakthrough Investments for Innovation, Equity, and Public Safety
News from: Mayor's Office
Contact: Justin Phillips, Director of Communications
jbphillips@oaklandca.gov
OAKLAND, CA – In her first months in office, Mayor Barbara Lee and Bay Area foundations have secured millions in philanthropic and entrepreneurial investment. From launching the city’s first One Oakland Fund to galvanizing multi-million-dollar contributions directed toward a wide range of priorities — from inclusive technology to community safety and beyond – Mayor Lee is reshaping Oakland’s future by leveraging bold partnerships that put community first.
Oakland is breaking ground on a new era of civic innovation, one that builds opportunity while safeguarding equity and accountability. With commitments already surpassing $2.5 million in just 100 days, the city is transforming how public, private, and community sectors work together to solve urgent challenges.
“In Oakland, we know solutions require not only government action, but the creativity and investment of partners across philanthropy, business, and community,” said Mayor Lee. “By aligning our priorities with partners at every level, we’re fueling innovation, jobs, and equity for all Oaklanders.”
Highlights of Mayor Lee’s cross-sector funding strategy agenda include:
- $2.14 million for inclusive technology – In partnership with the Kapor Foundation, Oakland is expanding STEAM education, building career pathways, and laying the groundwork for responsible AI practices that center equity and transparency.
- The launch of the One Oakland Fund – In her first 100 days, Mayor Lee convened 30+ philanthropic leaders to raise $650,000 in seed funding for high-priority programs and innovation.
- Strengthened City capacity – With City Council support, Mayor Lee created Oakland’s first centralized grants management division and appointed the city’s first Director of Innovation to drive cross-sector partnerships and breakthrough solutions.
The City of Oakland is deeply grateful to its philanthropic and community partners for these early investments and looks forward to building on this momentum in the months ahead.
“Oakland has a unique opportunity to lead on responsible and equitable innovation and has the leadership and community-driven values to make it a reality. We are excited to support efforts to provide all Oakland students with the skills to create and use emerging technologies, growing an ecosystem of local entrepreneurs and building a more inclusive tech economy,” said Allison Scott, CEO of the Kapor Foundation.
“This effort reflects our deep commitment to bringing philanthropy, business, and community together to create a stronger, more equitable future for Oakland,” added Brandi Howard, President and CEO of the East Bay Community Foundation.
Mayor Lee’s partnership agenda is grounded in elevating and expanding community-driven solutions such as community ambassador initiatives as well as other data-driven best practices that can reduce crime and build trust. Oakland is positioning itself as a leader for tomorrow’s economy — one where innovation and equity go hand in hand.
"Mayor Lee’s leadership puts the Oakland community at the heart of every new approach,” said Fred Blackwell, CEO of the San Francisco Foundation. “This collaboration ensures our investments translate directly into measurable improvements that will positively impact all Oaklanders, creating a model for how public and private sectors can work together to scale real change citywide."
“We know that true innovation starts in community,” said Ray Colmenar, President of Akonadi Foundation. “Mayor Lee’s agenda places community-based solutions at the heart of Oakland’s future, ensuring that investments in innovation and public safety are rooted in justice and the lived experiences of Oaklanders.”
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About Akonadi Foundation
Akonadi Foundation is committed to building a racially just Oakland — a place fostering the liberation and well-being of all young people and their families - through supporting the development of powerful social change movements to eliminate structural racism. Over the last 25 years, the Foundation has given over $61 million to nonprofit organizations, primarily in Oakland, that have centered power-building and organizing to fuel a racial justice movement. For more information, visit https://akonadi.org/.
About East Bay Community Foundation
East Bay Community Foundation (EBCF) envisions an East Bay where everyone has the economic freedom to dream, heal, and belong. EBCF partners with donors, community organizations, foundations, government, and corporations to eliminate barriers, advance equity, and transform our community for all who call the East Bay home. In 2024, EBCF’s Campaign for a Just East Bay strategically invested $4.2 million in East Bay community organizations, and their community of fund advisors awarded grants totaling $108 million – 62% of which supported work happening in the Bay Area. Learn more about EBCF’s impact in the community at www.ebcf.org.
About The Kapor Foundation
The Kapor Foundation works at the intersection of racial equity and technology by removing barriers in order to make the technology ecosystem more diverse, inclusive, and impactful for communities of color. The Kapor Foundation is a recognized leader in the movement to transform the technology ecosystem by expanding access to computer science education, conducting research on disparities in the technology pipeline, supporting nonprofit organizations and initiatives, and investing in gap-closing startups and entrepreneurs. For more information, visit kaporfoundation.org.
About the San Francisco Foundation
The San Francisco Foundation is committed to a Bay Area where everyone can get a good job, live in a safe and affordable home, and exercise their political voice. The foundation advances its work through grantmaking, partnerships with donors, policy advocacy, and impact investing. For more information, visit https://sff.org/.
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