Chuck Baker has been named the new Assistant City Administrator for the City of Oakland, effective December 20. In this role, Baker will be responsible for overseeing economic development, workforce development, business attraction, and information technology and innovation.
Baker comes to Oakland from his previous position as Assistant City Manager for the City of Santa Clara. There, he managed Levi’s Stadium, the Santa Clara Convention Center, Discover Santa Clara, and the city’s Information Technology Department. He was involved in negotiating major event agreements such as Super Bowl LX and the FIFA World Cup 2026. His tenure also included improving city operations, increasing revenue performance, advancing capital upgrades, modernizing IT systems across the city, launching marketing and sponsorship initiatives, and resolving legal disputes related to stadium operations.
With over twenty years of experience in the private sector—including founding two startups and holding senior roles at Microsoft, Wells Fargo, and Procter & Gamble—Baker brings a background in technology, entrepreneurship, business development, community investment, innovation, and global brand management. His experience as a small-business owner has given him insight into operational challenges faced by local enterprises.
Baker has held several leadership positions in the Bay Area community. He served as Commissioner on the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Joint Powers Authority; Board Chairman of 100 Black Men of the Bay Area; and Board Trustee of the Home Builders Institute.
In his new role in Oakland, Baker will focus on strategies that include infrastructure investment, attracting innovative businesses to Oakland, modernizing information technology systems within city government, supporting small-business growth through public-private partnerships, and developing workforce pathways to strengthen economic vitality.
Mayor Barbara Lee commented on Baker’s appointment: “Our work to deliver for Oakland residents and businesses continues to gain real momentum, and today’s announcement marks another important step forward,” Mayor Barbara Lee said. “Chuck Baker brings deep leadership experience and a proven track record to our commitment to building an economy with room for everyone – an economy where the people who keep communities running – teachers, healthcare workers, small business owners, artists, technicians – can actually afford to live and thrive here. With Mr. Baker joining us as Assistant City Administrator, we’re strengthening our capacity to deliver real improvements and strong services for Oakland’s residents and businesses.”
Baker expressed his appreciation for joining Mayor Lee’s administration: He said he is honored to serve Oakland in Mayor Lee’s administration and is committed to advancing initiatives that expand opportunity, support local communities, and improve the quality of life for all residents.
He joins Michelle Phillips and Betsy Lake on the team of Assistant City Administrators.
