Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf is appointing Ed Reiskin to be the city’s next city administrator. Reiskin is a current assistant city administrator who previously led the San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency.

Oakland beatMuch of Reiskin’s resume is centered in San Francisco government. Prior to his roughly nine years at the held of SFMTA, Reiskin served as director of the public works in San Francisco. He also had a stint in municipal government in the District of Columbia.

“Ed brings depths of experience, sharp insights, and a steady leadership style to the job in these unprecedented times. His passion for public service and the residents of Oakland will serve our community well, and help Oakland thrive into the future.”

Reiskin’s appointment brings his career full-circle. Early in his three decades in public service, he served as an assistant to the city manager in Oakland from 2000 to 2003.

Reiskin Ed
Ed Reiskin has served as Oakland assistant city administrator since last August.

The end of Reiskin’s tenure presiding over Muni in San Francisco was tumultuous. Railway service for many San Franciscans had become maddeningly unreliable and communication with City Hall appeared lacking. As a result, Reiskin had reportedly fallen into disfavor with San Francisco Mayor London Breed.

In April 2019, Reiskin announced he would resign. In August 2019, he joined the city administrator’s office in Oakland.

Reiskin will replace Sabrina Landreth, who resigned as Oakland city administrator last December, effective in early March. Steven Falk, a former Lafayette city manager, has served as interim city administration.

The Oakland City Council is required to affirm Schaaf’s appointment of Reiskin as city administrator. A council vote could come on April 21, the mayor’s office said.

Advertisement