🎉 Happy New Year, District 6!

As we step into 2024, I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue representing you on the Oakland City Council and usher in the promise of a new year. Growing up in East Oakland, I'm deeply connected to this community. It inspires me to work for a better future, making this place feel like home for everyone. Together, we can strengthen public safety, support our local businesses, and create opportunities for our youth. 

Currently, I am working with Council member Noel Gallo urging the mayor and council president to consider declaring a state of emergency. We need multi-agency support to tackle the increasing street crime and violence. More resources are crucial to deal with problems like assaults, robberies, burglaries, and car thefts in our community.

Also, building safe and thriving communities involves supporting local businesses, improving schools and health systems, and boosting economic opportunities. That’s why I am excited about a new 10-year initiative aimed to help Black families thrive in East Oakland. As a community most impacted by poverty, Oakland has been chosen by Blue Meridian Partners to receive $50 million in philanthropic capital. At the same time, Rise East, a community group in East Oakland, is actively working to secure an additional $50 million in local funding.

Over the upcoming months, I'll be conducting sessions to listen to your thoughts and ideas. In an effort to strengthen our ties with the Spanish-speaking members of our community, my office has launched a Spanish newsletter. Your insights are like our North Star, guiding us forward. We're all about being more inclusive and responsive to every member in our community.

By working closely together, we have the opportunity to create more than just a community; we can build a home where everyone feels seen, safe and celebrated. Here's to a year of shared accomplishments, resilient communities, and a brighter future for all! 🌟🏡

In Service to You,

Council member Kevin Jenkins

Your Public Safety Ideas Rock!

Big shoutout and a massive thank you to District 6 resident Tom Perry for sharing your awesome ideas with my office on how to beef up public safety! 🌟 Your perspective on enforcing long-ignored laws brings attention to a critical aspect of our community's well-being.

Tom and his family, newcomers to Oakland, will mark their fifth year in the city this April. Tom leads digital marketing products for Insurance and Electric Vehicles at AAA (American Automobile Association). Besides the weather, what he really loves about Oakland is its diversity.

Like Tom, over 30 residents from our community have enthusiastically shared their ideas, and I'm eager to keep the brainstorming process vibrant and ongoing. Your input is invaluable, and it's fantastic to see community members actively contributing to make Oakland a safer and better place. Make sure to explore other public safety updates.

I'm looking forward to hearing more of your genius ideas and making our community safer, together. As a little token of our appreciation, how about a chance to score tickets to a happening event at the Oakland Coliseum or Oracle Arena? Just fill out the form, and you're in the running!

Visit https://bit.ly/BulkyBlockParty to learn more about these events and alternative bulky disposal options.

This summer the Port of Oakland will be offering college students the opportunity to gain insightful work experience in departments from within our offices, aviation and maritime. The application is now live and will close on February 23, 2024, 5pm PST.

City of Oakland is Hiring!

While some city positions are being frozen at many city departments to help balance the budget, there is still hiring going on to fill certain vacancies. From Parks and Recreation to Economic Workforce Development, the City of Oakland has selected job opportunities available.