Former Congresswoman Barbara Lee sworn in as Oakland's 1st Black woman mayor

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Oakland officially got a new mayor Tuesday.

The city council formally announced the results of March's special election and then Mayor-elect Barbara Lee was sworn in.

Former Congresswoman Barbara Lee is the first Black woman to be mayor of Oakland.

"I know this country, and I know the city very well, and I know that we've been through a lot and will continue to go through our share of challenges. But what I know about Oakland is that we are a community that punches above our weight," she said in her inaugural remarks.

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Mayor Lee said the city will be bringing in Oaklanders "from all walks of life" to weigh in on the city's top issues to collectively find solutions and action plans. She promises to be transparent with the public each step of the way.

"Like Oakland's gifts to me, I really want to help, with your help, restill hope, create opportunities for our young people, ensure a safe path for our sons and daughters, to have long, productive lives, and to be housed or own homes in a safe, clean city," she said.

She also talked about the budget deficit. Mayor Lee acknowledges the obvious.

"It won't be easy." She says she plans to immediately Oakland's expenditures and obligations, its budget assumptions and create a strategy to collect money owed to the city.

Lee takes over as the city faces a $140 million structural deficit and the city council has warned of job cuts and slashing funding for social services.

Former congresswoman Lee replaces Sheng Thao, who was recalled last year and is now charged in a bribery scheme.

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In her first press conference as mayor-elect earlier in May, Lee outlined a 10-point plan for her first 100 days.

New City Councilmember Charlene Wang was also sworn in.