Meet Tracy Jensen, Your Alameda Mayoral Candidate

ALAMEDA, CA — As the November elections approach, Patch has reached out to candidates to ask about their professional experience and why they're the best fit for the role.

Alamedans will see a new mayor take the helm following the elections.

Tracy Jensen is one of three candidates vying for the top seat. Get to know her below:

What is your educational background?

Political Science BS
Master's in Business Administration MBA
Master's in Public Health MPH

What is your professional background?

EMPLOYMENT: Office of Vice President Al Gore, US Department of Health and Human Services, Maryland Legislature, and the City of Oakland.

NON-PROFIT BOARD: Alameda County Community Food Bank, Alameda Health System, Elder Care Alliance, Alameda Soccer Club, Alameda Youth Basketball, and YouthALIVE.

ELECTED OFFICE: Alameda Board of Education (2002-2010), Alameda Health Care District Board (2014-2022), and Alameda City Council (2022-2026).

Have you ever held public office, whether appointive or elective?

Yes. Alameda Board of Education (2002-2010), Alameda Health Care District Board (2014-2022), Alameda Health System Board (2014-2022), Alameda City Council (2022-2026).

What are the top three issues facing Fremont's District 4 right now?

The top 3 issues facing Alameda today are:

1. Addressing Rising Sea Levels: As an island community, we must act decisively on sea level rise by upgrading sea walls, securing regional infrastructure grants, and integrating climate resilience into every long-term planning decision.

2. Maintaining Fiscal Stability: We need disciplined financial stewardship to protect essential city services, build healthy budget reserves, and support a thriving local business environment without burdening taxpayers.

3. Ensuring Public Safety: Protecting our residents requires fully supporting our police, fire, and emergency response teams, expanding modern public safety technology, and fostering proactive community-based prevention programs.

What is one specific action you would prioritize during your first year as a council member?

In my first year as Mayor of Alameda, I will prioritize the development of an Alameda Strategic Plan. Residents must have a clear lens through which to assess how their local government manages public resources. As voters consider supporting the Measure L infrastructure bond, I commit to establishing a Strategic Plan that staff and the City Council will use to evaluate new infrastructure projects in the public arena, ensuring all funds are spent transparently and in direct support of defined community needs.

Beyond infrastructure, this Strategic Plan will drive our core municipal priorities. It will help to define how technology fits into public safety, accelerate our programmatic responses to sea level rise, and enforce strict fiscal accountability with open, transparent reporting.

Why do you feel you're a better candidate than your opponent?

What sets my candidacy apart is strong local backing, capacity to be Alameda’s leader, and experience at all levels of government. Through extensive work with state and regional agencies, I’ve built partnerships that deliver real results for Alameda's environment, economy, housing, and public safety.

I recently left my position serving Alameda County seniors to devote all of my time and energy to Alameda. Unlike other candidates, I will not have to balance the needs of Alameda residents against another full-time position. Unlike other candidates I have never missed a City Council meeting or participated remotely to fulfill the needs of an employer.

I am the only candidate that has not only served on the city council; I have been elected by voters to three Alameda agencies. I am the only candidate who has never sought election to a higher office. Most importantly, I am the only candidate who has raised over 85% of their campaign contributions directly from Alameda residents.