DOC IDv1 / Attorney Initials
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
DRAFT
________________________
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. ______________ C.M.S.
INTRODUCED BY COUNCILMEMBER COUNCILMEMBER REID AND COUNCIL
PRESIDENT FORTUNATO BAS
RESOLUTION HONORING THE TRAILBLAZING LEADERSHIP OF
LINDSAY BARENZ, PRESIDENT OF THE OAKLAND ROOTS SPORTS
CLUB, FOR WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
WHEREAS, Congress passed Pub. L. 100 -9, which proclaimed March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Since 1988, Congress and the president have annually issued resolutions and proclamations declaring March as Women’s History Month; and
WHEREAS, In honor of Women's History Month, the Oakland City Council seeks to honor Lindsay Barenz, President of both the Oakland Roots and Oakland Soul.
WHEREAS, The Oakland Roots is a purpose -driven men’s soccer team that seeks to harness the magic of Oakland and the power of sports as a social force for good. The Oakland Roots Soccer Club was formed in 2018 and began playing in the National Independent Soccer Association in the fall of 2019. In 2021, the club joined the second division United Soccer League (USL) Championship; and
WHEREAS, The Oakland Soul women’s soccer team, started in 2023, serves as an elite pathway to pro soccer, providing a high -quality training environment while empowering players; and
WHEREAS, The Oakland Roots and Oakland Soul, which have become household names in Oakland, have put our City on the map as a global center for soccer; and
WHEREAS, Lindsay is the USL Championship’s only female executive in her position and serves as a pioneer and inspiration, displaying exceptional leadership in the professional sports realm, which still remains a male -dominated industry. Major League Soccer (MLS) has presented a mixed profile in terms of their hiring of women, being more likely to hire in the league office but less likely at the professional team level; and
2 WHEREAS, Lindsay brings her exceptional skills in budgeting, financials, and operations to play a crucial role in keeping the organization afloat amidst its mission to be a force of social justice; and
WHEREAS, Despite her numerous displays of success in public service, she sought a role that would combine her deal -making acumen with her passion for social justice and equality.
She joined the organization in 2022 with great admiration for the team’s desire to make a large impact, sharing the team’s purpose and commitment to the greater good; and
WHEREAS, As President, Lindsay's vision and leadership drive both the Roots and Soul to achieve greatness on and off the field. Prior to her role at the roots, Lindsay displayed an impressive resume in the sports world, with pivotal roles in multiple organizations; and
WHEREAS, Lindsay served as the Vice President of Business Development for the National Women’s Soccer League from 2020 to 2021, followed by President of Business Operations for the Washington Spirits for a six -month period in 2021. Prior to that, she worked for the Real Salt Lake, where she held the positions of Vice President of Business Development, General Counsel, and Alternate Governor for the MLS Board of Governors from 2019 to 2020, as well as VP Legal and Alternate Governor for the MLS Board of Governors in 2018 ;and
WHEREAS, Lindsay's journey into the sports world began after a successful career in law, politics, journalism, and entrepreneurship. Most notably, she was the campaign manager for Jackie Biskupski, the first openly gay elected mayor for Salt Lake City, Utah, during Biskupsi’s successful campaign in 2015; and
WHEREAS, Lindsay’s additional roles and endeavors span across industries. Lindsay's accomplishments have been recognized through various awards, including the prestigious White House Fellowship in 2011 and 2012, where she served in the Office of Management and Budget; and
WHEREAS, Additionally, she has earned two local awards —the Inspire Award and the Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business from the San Francisco Business Times —and holds a JD from Yale Law School and her Bachelor of Science in Political Science at the University of Utah; now therefore be it
RESOLVED : The City of Oakland recognizes Lindsay Barenz empowering legacy of accomplishments and contributions to the professional sports industry; and
FURTHER RESOLVED : The Oakland City Council does hereby honor the trailblazing leadership of Lindsay Barenz, President of the Oakland Roots Sports Club, for Women’s History Month.
IN COUNCIL, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA,
PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES - FIFE, GALLO, JENKINS, KALB, KAPLAN, RAMACHANDRAN, REID, AND
PRESIDENT FORTUNATO BAS
3 NOES –
ABSENT –
ABSTENTION –
ATTEST:
ASHA REED
City Clerk and Clerk of the Council of the
City of Oakland, California