Iris Merriouns served as the Chief of Staff to former District Seven Councilmember, Larry Reid, for 20 years.  She currently serves as the Chief of Staff to District Four City Councilmember Janani Ramachandran.  

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Iris has substantial experience navigating the city’s budget process, which will be a great asset in navigating the treacherous budget situation Oakland finds itself  in.

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Iris has worked in the trenches to bring business and development to East Oakland.  She made significant strides, especially on the Hegenberger corridor, during her tenure as District Seven Chief of Staff.  Unfortunately, much of her work has been undermined by rampant crime that forced the closure of the many businesses that she helped to bring to the corridor. 

 

Iris is committed to improving Oakland and her district by focusing on enhanced public safety and economic development. She is eager to bring businesses and jobs back to the Hegenberger corridor, and all of District Seven.