By: Mary Carr Lee, Mayors Innovation Project
Mayor Adena Ishii is the first Asian American and first woman of color to serve as Mayor of Berkeley, CA. Representing and leading a city of approximately 125,000 residents, Mayor Ishii says that at the foundation of her administration is a deep relationship with the community—key to both understanding and navigating Berkeley’s political landscape.
Though some labeled her as an outsider, Ishii explained her community roots run deep. “I’ve spent years doing the work—serving in nonprofits, listening to neighbors, and collaborating with people who don’t always agree with each other. That’s how you bridge divides.”
Central to her administration’s agenda is the idea of building a “beloved community.” For Mayor Ishii, this means grounding city priorities and caring for our community members by providing public safety, affordable housing, functional infrastructure, and responsive public services. “Our job in local government is to make sure the city works well for everyone,” the Mayor said. “People should feel safe, heard, and respected.”
Door-by-Door Listening
Mayor Ishii’s hands-on style was evident during her campaign and early months in office. She knocked on more than 20,000 doors and was supported by more than 200 volunteers. These conversations shaped her policies. “When you listen to people on their doorstep, you get to hear their stories clearly,” said Ishii. “Residents want honesty. They want transparency and a mayor who is accessible to them.”
This practice of listening to residents continues to be a priority for Mayor Ishii. She holds monthly office hours where she meets with residents one on one and visits businesses throughout the city. The Mayor has become known for holding regular town hall meetings and community conversations on controversial topics.
A Coordinated Strategy for Homelessness and Housing
Among the city’s most pressing challenges—reflective of trends seen in many U.S. cities—is homelessness. Mayor Ishii reinforced that Berkeley’s approach must be both immediate and preventative. “We cannot treat homelessness as a single-issue problem,” the mayor said. “It’s a housing issue, a health issue, an economic issue, and a community issue all at once.”
A significant win, Ishii noted, was securing Measure W County funding, with 80 percent now dedicated to homeless housing and supportive services countywide. The Mayor underscored this as the type of regional coordination cities must pursue. “Berkeley can’t do it alone. None of our cities can. When the county directs resources where they’re needed most—into homes and services—that’s when we see real progress.”
The City Council recently passed a middle housing ordinance, allowing moderately denser buildings in more neighborhoods. Combined with building density in high-resource areas, these policies aim to rebalance Berkeley’s housing access by addressing historical racist housing policies.
Addressing Funding Loss and Protecting Sanctuary Status
One challenge Ishii highlighted was the loss of a $1 million federal urban forestry grant, a setback that disproportionately impacts historically redlined neighborhoods that already lack green space. “That loss hurt,” the Mayor admitted. “Not because of the number, but because it deepened inequities that we’ve been trying to close.
At the same time, the city reaffirmed its commitment to sanctuary policies, ensuring immigrant residents continue to feel safe seeking local services. The Mayor noted that community organizations, city staff, and volunteers mobilized quickly to support residents who are affected by shifting federal policies. “We’re a sanctuary city because we believe every resident deserves dignity,” Ishii said. “And we’ll continue coordinating support systems to make sure that remains true.”
Historic Leadership and Building an Inclusive Bench
Mayor Adena Ishii spoke passionately about representation in public office. As a Japanese American whose family was incarcerated during World War II, she described her groundbreaking role as more than symbolic. “I’m proud to be the first but I want to make sure I’m not the last. It’s important for me to be encouraging young women and people of color, folks from backgrounds that are typically underrepresented, to be involved in local politics and in the community.”
While Mayor Ishii acknowledged navigating sexism, ageism, and racism as a public official, she stressed the importance of staying grounded while serving in office. She prioritizes self-care so that she can continue to lead with positivity. “My work in the community is very fulfilling and brings me a lot of joy. Spending time with my family, including our 3 dogs, and eating at our amazing local restaurants—that’s what sustains me.”