About Us
Meet the team behind the Oakland Charter Reform Project
Our Team
Steven Falk
Steven Falk is an Oakland resident and longtime city manager with extensive experience in local government. He has twice served as Oakland's interim city administrator and lectures on city management and public finance at UC Berkeley's Goldman School of Public Policy.
With over 30 years of local government experience, Steven has witnessed firsthand - and led - effective local governments in California, and handled the challenges presented by Oakland's current charter structure. His deep understanding of municipal operations and governance systems provides valuable insight into the reforms needed to help Oakland reach its potential.
Ben Gould
Ben Gould is an Oakland resident, public policy advisor, and community organizer. As a member of the Oakland Budget Advisory Commission and a board member of Make Oakland Better Now!, he is committed to making Oakland's government work for its residents. He previously authored and organized the winning campaign for Berkeley's 2024 Measure FF to fund smoother, safer streets.
Ben's passion for civic engagement and good governance drives his work with the Oakland Charter Reform Project. He believes that by fixing the structural problems in Oakland's charter, the city can better serve its diverse communities and address long-standing challenges.
Nancy Falk
Nancy Falk is a dedicated Oakland resident with a commitment to community engagement and civic improvement. A former executive at Kaiser Permanente, her background in organizational management complements the team's expertise in government operations and policy. She currently serves on the board of Walk Oakland Bike Oakland (WOBO).
Nancy focuses on building connections with community stakeholders and ensuring that the charter reform process is inclusive and representative of Oakland's diverse population. Her collaborative approach helps the project bridge divides and build consensus around necessary reforms.
Join Our Efforts
We're working to build a better Oakland through structural reform. If you're interested in getting involved or learning more about our work, please reach out.
Contact Us