About Warren

I’m Warren — a devoted public servant, urban planner, and advocate for positive change in our district and across Oakland.

I was born and raised in Southern California, before coming to the Bay Area for academic and professional experiences that shaped my commitment to community well-being.

I earned my undergraduate degree in Urban & Environmental Policy from Occidental College and continued my studies at UC Berkeley, obtaining a Masters in City Planning with a specialization in Transportation & Urban Design. These educational pursuits laid the foundation for my multifaceted career in public service.

My diverse experiences, working for multiple government agencies at nearly every level of the government, in transportation and land use planning, have fueled my passion for creating resilient, thriving cities.

Notably, as Oakland’s Policy Director of Transportation and Government Affairs, I played a crucial role in shaping our city’s approach to infrastructure, transportation and environmental design. And then, as Oakland’s Section Chief of Community Resilience during the COVID-19 Pandemic, my team fast-tracked community testing and vaccination sites, securing resources for Oakland employees and residents before any other City in Alameda County. Our Community Resilience team also helped small businesses find resources that they needed and launched the nation’s largest Slow Streets program.

My inspiration comes from a family history of service.

My grandfather helped Black families buy homes across Southern California during a time of redlining and discrimination. My father, a former attorney, worked alongside my grandfather to ensure that new generations of Black families could find homes to pass on to their children. My mother served as an army engineer and then became a family practice doctor. They have always instilled in me a drive towards excellence and a sense of duty to my community. When I see my community hurting, I feel called to help in the best way I can.

Beyond my professional life, I am a proud husband, a West Oakland resident, and a supporter of sustainable transportation. My volunteer work includes founding the Black Queer Men’s Brunch and serving as a teacher and food distribution volunteer with my church, Lake Merritt United Methodist.

“I bring a unique perspective to public service — one grounded in empathy, inclusivity, and a vision for a thriving Oakland.”

As the first openly Black gay man on the City Council with a deep connection to my roots, I bring a unique perspective to public service — one grounded in empathy, inclusivity, and a vision for a thriving Oakland. I invite you to join me on this transformative journey as I seek to represent District 3 on the Oakland City Council. Together, let’s build a future where everyone in our community can thrive.