Leading on the Frontlines: Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf

In addition to its devastating impact on human health, the Coronavirus pandemic has cascading effects for communities. From the Digital Divide to homelessness, how can elected officials respond to the pandemic in ways that promote equity and create long-term fixes? Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf says that by putting values first, leading with equity, and putting politics aside, civic leaders can not only meet the needs of the moment, but also create a more resilient future. Continuing our leadership series hosted by CNN national correspondent Suzanne Malveaux, Schaaf reflects on the values driving the hard-hitting decisions she’s facing — such as allowing a cruise ship filled with infected travelers to dock in her city or determining whether public schools will remain online in the fall.

Leading on the Frontlines, a new series from Aspen Ideas Now, features mayors and governors across the country in candid discussions about how they're facing tough decisions during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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