Oakland's civic gears are set to turn more smoothly with the appointment of new blood at the Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWDD). The City Administrator's Office announced that Ashleigh Kanat has been tapped to lead the department starting April 15, bringing over twenty years of experience to the table. A veteran in both public and private sectors, Kanat's resume boasts a stint as a principal with Economic & Planning Systems, a land use economics firm rooted in Oakland. The city's administration hails her arrival as a move toward establishing a firmer foundation for Oakland's economic future.

In her new role, Kanat is poised to harmonize the needs of the business community with the aspirations of Oakland's residents. "Thank you, Oakland, for this opportunity. I’m ready to get to work," Kanat said, per the official city announcement. She vowed to strive for "strategic win/wins" and emphasized her commitment to collaboratively crafting a comprehensive economic strategy to securely anchor the city's economic growth.

A true local, Kanat's connection to Oakland is not only professional but personal. She is a product of Oakland's own Skyline High School, further equipped by an American Studies bachelor's degree with a focus in Urban Studies from Smith College, and a master's degree in public policy from UC Berkeley's Goldman School of Public Policy. This homegrown leader is primed to infuse her work with a profound understanding and love for the city that raised her.

Kanat's appointment is more than a singular occurrence; it is part of a broader tapestry of leadership renewal across various city departments including Fire, Violence Prevention, and Housing and Community Development, to name a few. The City also recently appointed a permanent Deputy City Administrator, aiming to engineer a stable and robust administrative cadre equipped to meet the demands and harness the potential of Oakland's diverse population and economy.