Suz Robinson

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Suz Robinson
Image of Suz Robinson

Nonpartisan

Elections and appointments
Last election

April 15, 2025

Education

High school

Hamilton High School

Bachelor's

California State University, Chico

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign YouTube

Personal Twitter

Personal LinkedIn

Suz Robinson ran in a special election for Mayor of Oakland in California. She lost in the special general election on April 15, 2025.

Robinson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Suz Robinson earned a high school diploma from Hamilton High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from California State University, Chico.[1]

Elections

2025

See also: Mayoral election in Oakland, California (2025)

General election

General election for Mayor of Oakland

The ranked-choice voting election was won by Barbara Lee in round 9 . The results of Round are displayed below. To see the results of other rounds, use the dropdown menu above to select a round and the table will update.

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 94,305
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Robinson in this election.

Campaign themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Suz Robinson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Robinson's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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I’m Suz Robinson, a proud Oaklander with over a decade of experience at the intersection of business and public policy. As Vice President of Governance for the Bay Area Council at the region’s leading public policy organization, I am immersed in issues like public safety, business climate, homelessness, housing, climate resilience, healthcare, and workforce development. My diverse career includes leadership roles in a Fortune 16 company, nonprofit organizations, and the startup sector—giving me a broad perspective on governance and economic growth.

Since 2017, I’ve been committed to improving public safety in Oakland, particularly through my involvement in the city’s community policing efforts after witnessing a tragic event in my neighborhood. I’ve also served as Chair of the Board for a nonprofit supporting LGBTQAI addiction recovery programs and HIV programs, and volunteered with SF Pride’s Community Partner Program for many years. I have led expedition wilderness trips and served as a volunteer for inner city youth groups.

For over a decade I have had the privilege of serving as a whitewater rafting guide, navigating some of the world’s biggest rapids and participating in expedition wilderness trips. These experiences taught me valuable lessons in leadership, resilience, and the importance of bold action in difficult circumstances.

My connection with Native American culture has deeply influenced my worldview, teaching me that we are all part of a larger, inter
  • A Safe Oakland, Clean & Green Future Oakland stands at a pivotal moment. With bold action and a vision for a safe, sustainable, and thriving city, we will transform Oakland into the safest, cleanest, and greenest city on Earth. My commitment to rebuilding neighborhoods, protecting businesses, and providing job opportunities will create a prosperous future. Together, we will ensure a cleaner, greener, and safer Oakland for generations to come.
  • Oakland will be the cleanest, greenest city on Earth. I will work to bring thousands of jobs back to our city by revitalizing businesses and transforming empty office spaces into thriving commercial hubs. By promoting green technologies, expanding green spaces, and committing to zero-waste initiatives, Oakland will become a global leader in sustainability. Our community will lead the way in the fight for our planet, creating a city that is both environmentally and economically thriving.
  • End Unsheltered Homelessness & Strengthen Public Safety As Mayor, I am committed to ending unsheltered homelessness by implementing low-cost, scalable housing solutions and supporting programs like the Haven for Hope Care Campus. I will ensure Oakland has the right number of police officers per capita- 882 officers. We will deliver high quality public safety and foster stronger community-police relationships, rebuilding trust and repairing the culture of OPD. By addressing public safety, homelessness, and rebuilding the Oakland Police Department, we’ll create a city where everyone feels safe and supported.
I’m passionate about public safety and have been deeply involved in community policing since 2017. I will ensure Measure NN’s community policing program remains intact and restore Neighborhood Services Coordinator positions to strengthen community ties. OPD's toxic culture, as highlighted by our police chief, must be repaired. I’ve worked across sectors and understand the importance of a healthy work culture to attract and retain top talent. I will also work with big businesses to expand private security and create a fund for small businesses to improve storefront protections.
To understand my political philosophy, I would recommend several works that have deeply influenced my thinking on leadership, teamwork, personal growth, and interconnectedness.

First, Leadership from the Inside Out by Kevin Cashman emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and personal development in leadership, which is crucial for effective governance. A strong leader must first be grounded in their values and purpose, which guides decisions that benefit the broader community.

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni provides invaluable insights on creating high-performing teams, which is essential when building a government that works collaboratively for the people. The book focuses on trust, communication, and accountability, which are central to my approach of aligning diverse individuals toward shared objectives for the greater good.

Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse speaks to the journey of self-discovery and balance, lessons that have shaped my understanding of how to navigate the complexities of public service with wisdom and humility. It’s a reminder that true leadership comes from inner peace and a deep understanding of others.

Finally, Black Elk Speaks, the narrative of the Lakota leader Black Elk, offers profound teachings on unity, respect for nature, and the importance of community. It highlights the need for spiritual grounding in leadership and understanding our interconnectedness with one another, which is foundational to my vision for a more compassionate and inclusive government.

These works together form a philosophy centered on self-awareness, effective collaboration, sustainable growth, and a deep respect for the collective wellbeing of the community.
The principles that drive my approach to elected office are rooted in transparency, collaboration, and tenacity. I believe in creating an environment where government works not as a siloed system, but as a unified team with diverse skills and passions. By fostering a systems management approach, we can ensure that every individual contributes toward shared objectives, and that we win or lose together. This is the foundation for effective and efficient governance.

Execution of a clear and focused core strategy is essential, but it’s not enough to have a plan—you need the tenacity to follow through, to push relentlessly and to get things done. When it comes to confronting tough issues, I embrace fearlessness. We cannot shy away from the hard conversations or difficult decisions. I am committed to shining a light on what’s broken in our city and government, no matter how uncomfortable it may be, so we can begin the process of healing and transformation.

Restructuring Oakland’s government from the inside is a priority for me. We need to build a modern, nimble, and lean system that can move quickly to address the public’s most pressing issues. This means creating a city government that can adapt, innovate, and respond with agility, ensuring that our systems are as efficient and effective as possible.

Lastly, I place great value on communication. The public has a right to know what’s happening in their city, the progress we’re making, and the challenges we face. I’m committed to keeping residents informed every step of the way, ensuring that we foster trust and maintain accountability throughout my time in office. Together, we can build a city government that works for everyone, remains adaptable, and takes bold action for Oakland’s future.
The core responsibilities of a Mayor extend beyond overseeing day-to-day city operations—they involve leading with vision, integrity, and a commitment to the community. As Mayor, my role would be to act as a motivator, inspiring our city’s residents, businesses, and public servants to work toward a common goal. I would create a structure that aligns people around shared objectives, ensuring that every department and initiative is focused on moving Oakland forward.

Fiscal responsibility is a key priority. I would work to balance the city’s budget, ensuring that we are managing resources wisely, eliminating waste, and driving down the cost of government. In tandem, my focus would be on improving the quality of services we deliver to residents, making sure that every taxpayer dollar is spent efficiently to enhance public safety, infrastructure, and city services.

Business development is also critical to our city's recovery. We need to attract and retain clean, new economy businesses that align with Oakland's unique identity and values. These businesses will create sustainable jobs, contribute to the green economy, and help ensure a long-term, stable financial future for Oakland. Creating a business-friendly environment, removing bureaucratic obstacles, and providing incentives for green and tech-driven industries will be central to our efforts to revitalize the city.

As Mayor, I would ensure that we deliver on the core responsibilities of government—public safety, infrastructure, economic development, and equitable services for all. It’s essential to focus on the right priorities and stay disciplined in executing our vision for the future. I am committed to servant leadership, leading with humility and always keeping the needs of the community at the forefront of decision-making. Together, we will create a stronger, more prosperous Oakland.
My first job was in high school working at Gardner's Frosty Stand.
To me, being a leader as Mayor means being a servant leader who listens to the needs and concerns of the community while providing clear direction and focus. It’s about creating an environment where everyone is aligned around shared goals, working together in a system that thrives on collaboration, accountability, and results. A leader in this role must be fearless when confronting tough issues, whether that’s public safety, economic development, or addressing homelessness, and willing to go deep into the city to understand and solve its problems.

Leadership also means structuring the city government in a way that encourages innovation and efficiency, ensuring that every public dollar is spent wisely and has a direct impact on improving people’s lives. It’s about building a government that’s lean, nimble, and capable of executing on its priorities quickly. This means holding ourselves accountable with regular updates to the public on our progress, as well as an annual review process to ensure we’re addressing the issues that matter most.

At its core, leadership for me is about inspiring others to do their best work, fostering a healthy, collaborative culture, and pushing Oakland forward with the tenacity to get things done. A leader must also be a motivator, creating structure and a clear vision to guide us toward a safer, more prosperous, and sustainable future.
In Oakland, with our hybrid model of government, I believe the ideal relationship between the mayor and the city council is one built on collaboration, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to the city’s success. I approach this relationship with a systems management mindset, recognizing that each council member brings unique skills and passions to the table. Every councilperson is an essential part of an interconnected system, with individual strengths that contribute to a greater collective goal.

We must align around shared objectives and goals, integrating our efforts to move Oakland forward. In this system, while each part operates independently, the success of the whole depends on how well we work together. We win or lose together, and that’s the foundation of a functional and powerful system. When we embrace this collaborative approach, we can tap into the incredible leadership and diversity of perspectives that exist within the city council.

Oakland is home to some exceptional leaders, each with their own distinct vision and expertise. When we come together with a clear, unified purpose and a commitment to each other’s strengths, we have the power to transform our city. The mayor’s role is to inspire and lead with transparency, to work alongside the council to ensure alignment, and to help create the structure where these varied talents come together effectively for the benefit of all Oakland residents. By building on our differences within a unified system, we can create lasting, meaningful change for our city.
What I love most about Oakland is its unique, vibrant culture and the incredible diversity of its people. Oakland is a city that thrives on its differences, where various communities come together to create something truly special. Our rich history, from the civil rights movement to the arts scene, has shaped the resilient spirit of our city. Oakland’s culture is not just about art, music, and food, although those are all essential parts of who we are—it’s about a sense of pride and belonging that runs deep in every neighborhood.

Oakland is a city of innovators, creatives, and activists, and it has always been a place where the people are not afraid to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. The arts and culture here are alive and dynamic, from our murals to the live performances that fill our streets. It's a place where creativity is celebrated and diverse perspectives are uplifted.

But it’s the people of Oakland that truly make this city what it is. There’s a sense of community here that’s rare, where people come together to support each other, whether it’s neighbors looking out for one another or activists working for social justice. The heart of Oakland lies in its people—their resilience, passion, and commitment to making this city a better place. This is what I love most about Oakland: its soul, its people, and the limitless potential that comes when we all come together to lift each other up.
Oakland’s greatest challenges over the next decade are deeply intertwined with the need for transformation, particularly around homelessness, economic development, public safety, and climate change. We must focus on making Oakland the cleanest, greenest city on Earth, taking bold steps to implement sustainable practices, green technologies, and clean energy solutions. By proving this model in Oakland, we can lead the charge against climate change and have a strong, authentic voice in the global fight to protect our planet.

Homelessness remains one of our most pressing challenges. We need to build the infrastructure to help people get well and break free from the cycle of poverty. This means building a Care Campus-consolidating services in one location, driving down costs and increasing quality. Connecting the campus with affordable housing, mental health services, addiction recovery, and workforce training to enable them to rebuild their lives.

Economic development is critical to solving these challenges. With Oakland facing revenue issues, we must prioritize attracting clean, new economy businesses that reflect our unique identity. By focusing on sectors like green energy, tech, and the arts, we can create middle-class jobs, increase revenue, and build a stronger economy. These efforts will provide the funding needed to support the transformation of our city, improve services, and address our community's most pressing needs.

Public safety must evolve with a focus on collaboration between the police and the community. It is essential that we work lock-step and hand-in-hand, healing the fractures of the past and building trust. By increasing police levels and investing in community policing, we can create a safe and secure environment where residents and officers work together to improve safety and quality of life for all.
The ideal relationship between Oakland and the state government should be one of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared goals. While Oakland has its own unique needs and priorities, the state plays a critical role in supporting and empowering local governments to address larger issues like funding for infrastructure, housing, public safety, and climate action. My approach is rooted in building a strong partnership where we advocate for Oakland’s needs at the state level, while also aligning our efforts with the broader goals of California.
As Mayor, my focus will be on ensuring that Oakland remains a resilient, thriving city, regardless of the shifting dynamics at the federal level. While there may be political tensions, my responsibility is to stay focused on the priorities that matter most for Oakland and to find opportunities for collaboration wherever possible.

The ideal relationship between Oakland and the federal government is one where we maximize the resources, programs, and support available to us, while also staying true to our values as a city. I would work diligently to identify connecting points of synergy between our city’s needs and federal initiatives, whether that be securing funding for infrastructure, affordable housing, climate change solutions, or public safety. For example, federal funding for disaster relief, economic development, or education could play a vital role in addressing some of the most pressing issues in Oakland.
The ideal relationship between the Mayor’s office and law enforcement should be one of mutual respect, transparency, and collaboration. As Mayor, I believe it’s essential to create an environment where the police and the community work together, hand in hand, to achieve the shared goal of public safety. This means prioritizing a healthy, accountable culture within the police department, one that aligns with the values of professionalism, integrity, and service to the community.

Ultimately, the Mayor’s office must be a leader in fostering an environment where officers are empowered to protect and serve, and the community feels safe and supported. Through collaboration, accountability, and strong leadership, we can rebuild trust and ensure that law enforcement and the people of Oakland work together as partners in public safety.
I strongly believe in the principles of financial transparency and government accountability. As a business-minded individual, I understand the importance of making every dollar of public money count. Government should be held to the same standards of efficiency and effectiveness as any successful business. That means ensuring that we are investing in initiatives that have measurable impacts and align with the needs of our community. Impact investment should be a key focus, ensuring that every dollar spent is creating positive, tangible outcomes.

Financial transparency goes beyond just reporting numbers; it’s about clear communication with the public on how funds are being allocated, how programs are performing, and what the return on investment is for the people. I believe that the government should provide quarterly reports to the public on progress made in addressing the top two or three issues that are most important to residents. This allows for accountability and ensures that we are actively working toward the priorities set by the community.

In addition, we need an annual process that evaluates the progress of our efforts and provides an opportunity to adjust our strategy if necessary. This process should be collaborative, involving input from the public, government employees, and elected leaders. By creating a system of continuous feedback, we ensure that our focus remains on the right issues and that we’re aligning resources effectively to drive the best outcomes for Oakland. It’s about being accountable, transparent, and responsive to the people we serve.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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    Footnotes

    1. ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 4, 2025
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