At-Large Councilmember Rowena Brown

Meet Your Councilmember

Rowena Brown was sworn in as your At-Large Oakland City Councilmember in January of 2025. She is a proud East Bay local with deep roots in Oakland. She has a wide range of experience, serving previously as a State Legislative District Director, City of Oakland constituent services coordinator, workforce development coach, civics education teacher, and award-winning community organizer who graduated from Laney College, Mills College, and the University of California, Law San Francisco.

As a Black and queer woman who lost both of her parents by the age of 17, Rowena knows firsthand why Oaklanders need healthcare, safety, affordable housing, the right to a clean neighborhood, and why a thriving small business and local economy is essential for all.

That’s why Rowena has been leading efforts to address blight and illegal dumping, fix potholes, shut down drug hot spots, and secure Oakland’s fair share of State resources to fight human trafficking, reduce gun violence, and protect the air we all breathe. 

Councilmember Brown is on the following Council Committees: 

Chair: Education Partnerships - meets when convened

Chair: Community and Economic Development Committee - meets Tuesdays at 1:30pm

Member: Life Enrichment Committee - meets Tuesdays at 4:00 pm

Member: Public Safety - meets Tuesdays at 6:00 pm

Member: Rules and Legislation Committee – meets Thursdays at 10:30am 

See a calendar of upcoming meetings here.

Participate in City Council Meetings

Public comment guide with instructions on how to participate in public comment

We encourage your participation in all City Council and Committee meetings! 

View our 1-pager guide on how to make a public comment. Participate in person at City Hall (on the 3rd floor of 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza) or via Zoom. Please note that all Zoom speakers must be registered to speak 24 hours before the beginning of the meeting.

View the City Council meeting schedule online

Feel free to reach out to our team if you need support making public comment. All Oaklanders deserve their voice to be heard.

Guide to Public Comment

Spring Internship Program

"Interns wanted" graphic with the application deadline

Application Deadline: Sunday, February 23, 2025, at midnight 

Overview: This internship offers students a unique opportunity to participate in and experience the work of an Oakland City Council Office. Applicants must commit to at least 8 hours minimum per week between Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. These 8 hours must be in person at Oakland City Hall (1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, CA 94612).

Apply Now!

Internship Details: One of the most important roles of a city council office is to keep the local community connected with the legislative work taking place in City Hall. This is accomplished through community-based events, constituent casework, correspondence, and everyday involvement with the Oakland community. As an intern, you will support our staff with special events, constituent services and inquiries, and special projects.

Benefits: Although unpaid, interns receive important and lasting benefits such as an extensive understanding of legislative processes, strengthened research skills, networking, and professional development gained by working directly with elected officials, community leaders, and local residents on issues and events. Staff plays an involved role in mentoring and supporting our interns pursuing careers in the public service sector. Interns have the opportunity to potentially earn a letter of recommendation from Councilmember Brown and may also qualify for internship credit from their university or college.

Application Process: Please complete the below application and submit all the required materials. Mailed or emailed applications will not be accepted. As space becomes available, qualified candidates will be invited for an interview. Thank you for your interest in this unique opportunity to serve Oakland.

 

Internship Duration: 

INTERNSHIP STARTS:  Monday, March 10th, 2025 

INTERNSHIP ENDS:  Friday, June 13th, 2025 

Past Newsletters

All prior newsletters sent by Councilmember Brown can be viewed below.

Leadership

Rowena Brown

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