Oaklandside: Oakland City Hall in conversation: Carroll Fife
Carroll Fife joined the City Council over two years ago but told us in a recent interview that this is the first year she feels like an official councilmember.
Before running for office, Fife–a longtime progressive organizer and housing advocate–clashed frequently with former Mayor Libby Schaaf, Sheriff Greg Ahern, and other political leaders. When she was sworn in as a councilmember in 2021, she found herself working alongside the very same people she’d protested against, an awkward dynamic that made it hard for Fife to effectively represent District 3, which includes West Oakland, the port, parts of downtown, the Jack London District, Mosswood, Westlake, and Adams Point.
Now, under the administration of a fellow progressive, Mayor Sheng Thao, Fife feels she can pursue her vision as a legislator. The councilmember recently sat down with The Oaklandside to discuss her approach to homelessness, housing, public safety, and building a better relationship between the city and Alameda County. She also shared her experiences coping with harassment and threats, and her thoughts about staying in office.
