GETTING RESULTS

DELIVERING RESULTS FOR ALAMEDA COUNTY

John Bauters has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to public service and progressive leadership throughout his career. As a dedicated advocate for public safety, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability, John has consistently worked to improve the lives of Alameda County residents. His track record includes significant accomplishments such as enhancing pedestrian safety, establishing homeless shelters, and implementing stringent environmental regulations. Additionally, John’s unwavering support for LGBTQ+ rights and equality has earned him recognition from various civil rights organizations. With a proven ability to lead and deliver tangible results, John Bauters is well-equipped to continue driving positive change and addressing the critical issues facing our community.

Tackling the Housing and Homelessness Crises

Reduced Homelessness: Led efforts in Emeryville that resulted in a 79% reduction in homelessness since 2019, one of the only cities in the region to make significant progress on the issue. (Source)

Regional Partner on Homelessness Solutions: Partnered with the City of Oakland to provide housing solutions to individuals in an encampment on the cities’ border and opened a shelter in Emeryville that provides shelter for homeless families from Oakland and Berkeley. (Source)

Funded Affordable Housing: Championed Emeryville Measure C in 2018, a voter-approved $50 million affordable housing bond leveraging hundreds of millions of dollars in state funding to build very low-income housing for vulnerable populations and implement anti-displacement protections. (Source, Source)

Permanent Supportive Housing Project: Broke ground on a 90-unit permanent supportive housing project, set to house up to 140 formerly homeless and housing insecure individuals by 2025. This project marks a major step in providing stable housing and comprehensive support services. (Source)

Intergenerational Affordable Housing Project: Spearheaded changes to state law to allow tax credit financing for intergenerational housing projects for seniors to live alongside foster and homeless youth aging out of services and won approval for such a project in Emeryville. (Source)

Addressing the Housing Supply Crisis: Passed policies that contributed to Emeryville's 6.4% increase in housing supply over the past year, the highest growth rate in the Bay Area. (Source)

Transportation & Environmental Leader

Refinery Emissions Reduction Champion: Passed amendments to Rule 6-5, implementing some of the nation’s most stringent refinery emissions reduction standards. Received the Sierra Club’s “Visionary Award” for his efforts. (Source, Source)

Bus Seating Initiative: Initiated the installation of bus seating at every bus stop in Emeryville, receiving national attention. (Source)

Clean Air Centers: Opened California’s first Clean Air Center, advancing air quality and public health efforts to protect vulnerable people. (Source)

Recognized Leader on Safe Streets: Known as “America’s Bike Mayor” and recognized as one of the most influential people on safe streets, active transportation policy, and cycling in America. (Source, Source, Source, Source)

Race & Equity Action Plan: Introduced and shepherded the Alameda CTC through the process of developing a REAP to ensure racial justice and equitable community engagement in all transportation planning, procurement and contracting practices. (Source)

South Bayfront Bike Bridge: Helped bring the award-winning South Bayfront Bike Bridge to completion, enhancing connectivity and promoting cycling. (Source)

Lead Safety Ordinance: Proposed and passed Emeryville’s Lead Safety Ordinance, which was praised by the EPA. (Source)

Federal Sea Otter Reintroduction: Collaborated with US Fish and Wildlife on their Sea Otter reintroduction plan, hosting a community education fair. (Source)

Intersection Safety Improvement: Following an accident where a man was run over in an Emeryville crosswalk, advocated for and accelerated improvements to the intersection. (Source)

MacArthur Maze Project: Successfully stopped Caltrans from demolishing the MacArthur Maze, preventing potential transportation and environmental impacts on the region. (Source)

UN Climate Conference: Presented on Bay Area climate initiatives at the United Nations Climate Conference in Scotland. (Source)

Improving Public Safety

Protecting Seniors & Crime Victims: In response to a series of attacks on seniors at an Oakland senior home, donated emergency whistles to residents, implemented a ‘credible messenger’ program to escort seniors, and secured clinical counseling services for the victims. (Source)

Public Safety Investments: Wrote Emeryville Measure F in 2020, the voter-approved measure that provided funding for police and fire staffing while also fully funding the Emeryville Child Development Center to invest in the long-term solutions to community safety. (Source)

Expanded City Parks and Playgrounds: Dedicated and opened Peladeau Park (2018), reopened the refurbished Christie Park (2018), rehabilitated Point Emery at McLaughlin Eastshore State Park (2022), dedicated and opened Davenport Playground at the Emeryville Marina (2022), dedicated and opened Huchiun Park (2023), completed the Emeryville Greenway (2023), and currently working to acquire private property to expand and refurbish Stanford Park (2024). (Source)

Disaster Preparedness: A former Disaster Relief Director for the Red Cross, worked as Budget Chair to have the city council fully fund Emeryville’s disaster preparedness fund, partnered with local businesses on community readiness, and hosted the city’s Disaster Preparedness Expo.

Remediating Blight: Successfully brought legal action against negligent property owners for conditions that contributed to blight, public safety and public works issues, winning court orders that required affirmative remediation.

A Civil Rights Champion

Combating Racism: Took decisive action against racial discrimination at Bay Street, leading to the removal of a problematic store owner and setting a strong precedent for community accountability. (Source)

Advocacy for the LGBTQ+ Community: Raised a second Pride Flag in Emeryville for the LGBTQ+ community of Dublin after Dublin City Council voted against doing so, showing solidarity and promoting LGBTQ+ visibility, leading Dublin to reverse its decision. (Source, Source, Source)

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Honoring Local Transgender Pioneer: Successfully renamed 47th Street to “Steven Dain Drive” to honor pioneering transgender educator and 1975 Emery USD “Teacher of the Year” who was discriminated against and fired for having gender reassignment surgery. (Source)

Leading LGBTQ+ Advocacy During Pride Month: Recognized as a key LGBTQ+ leader during Pride Month, reflecting a strong commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and representation. (Source)

Co-Authored Emeryville’s Sanctuary & Welcoming City Ordinance: Made Emeryville a sanctuary city and rooted out contractors and vendors from the city who transacted in business with ICE under Trump.