Councilmember Larry Reid is beginning his fourth 4 year term on the City Council, and since serving on the Council, he has worked tirelessly to continue to create change in, not only District 7 (which he represents), but throughout the entire City of Oakland. Through his efforts and diligence, he has managed to champion a transformation of a district that now includes retail development centers, market rate housing projects, premier auto dealership developments, as well as the most anticipated Transit Village Development site, that many have stated, will truly be the catalyst for transit villages throughout California.

Within the past three terms, Councilmember Reid has convinced developers, such as Signature Properties, to build a $95 million dollar market rate housing project at Durant Square, a new 48,000 square foot Food Maxx Supermarket, and a new CitiBank which is the first full-service bank in East Oakland in several years. He led the change on MacArthur Boulevard, which now includes a 78- unit affordable housing development (Palm Villas), a 19-unit market rate Housing Development. Through these efforts and the effectiveness of his vision of changing a community, the residents of District 7 can experience a true transformation of East Oakland. With retail and services as a part of the change for District 7, Councilmember Reid has supported efforts to create a retail base within the City of Oakland. Along the Coliseum and Airport Area, which Councilmember Reid represents, he has championed efforts to bring the WalMart store on Hegenberger Road (which is currently one of the highest grossing WalMart stores in Northern California), Magic Johnson’s Starbuck’s Coffee, the Raider Nation Store, and a host of restaurants, including an In-And-Out- Burger.

Councilmember Reid has also spearheaded efforts with other notable agencies and participants to continue his plans for economic growth in Oakland. Examples include working with Port of Oakland in the renovation of the Oakland International Airport, and working with the BART in future efforts to develop an Airport Connector. Additionally, for the past nine years, in an effort to fulfill the objectives of the Oakland/San Leandro Joint Revitalization Plan, Councilmember Reid in collaboration with the City of San Leandro hosts an annual job fair which attracts up to 100 employers/employment assistance providers and more than 2,000 job seekers.

Councilmember Reid has also devoted his efforts in assisting and establishing local small business owners. For the past 7 years, Councilmember Reid has sponsored the Small Business Symposium which consists of over 30 workshops, luncheons and mixers for potential and current small business owners. This symposium generally attracts over 700 participants.

Councilmember Reid serves as the Chairperson for the Public Safety Committee for the City of Oakland, is the former Chairman (and currently a member) of the Alameda  County Congestion Management Agency, a Member of the Joint Powers Authority, which oversees the operations for the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, a Member of the City/Port Liaison Committee, a member of the Community and Economic Development Committee for the City of Oakland, and the Rules and Legislation Committee.

In addition to the various Boards and Commissions for the City of Oakland, Councilmember Reid also dedicates his time and service to helping numerous members of his district who are less fortunate. Every year Councilmember Reid, through “Larry’s Kids”, has donated hundreds of new coats and gift cards to school kids throughout his district. Additionally, he has also donated hundreds of turkeys and dinners for the holidays. The schools in District 7 have also benefited from the generosity of Councilmember Reid as he has donated thousands of dollars through various organizations to schools in his district.

Councilmember Reid was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, attended the University of Cincinnati, and has dedicated his community service efforts for the past 22 years in the City of Oakland. He served as Chief of Staff for former Oakland City Councilmember Aleta Cannon and former Mayor and Assemblymember Elihu Harris.