APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
DRAFT
___________________________
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. ______________ C.M.S.
INTRODUCED BY COUNCILMEMBER CARROLL FIFE AND
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
RESOLUTION HONORING MICHAEL MUNSON FOR OVER 35 YEARS
OF DEDICATED AND IMPACTFUL SERVICE TO THE CITY OF
OAKLAND AND WISHING HIM WELL UPON HIS RETIREMENT AND
IN HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS
WHEREAS, Michael Munson (Mike) began his illustrious career with the City of Oakland in June, 1989 at the age of 16 as a Student Trainee at KTOP and has since played an integral role in the function of the City’s broadcasting, telecommunication, and public participation processes; and
WHEREAS, throughout his time with the City, Mike has held various positions within KTOP, including Permanent Part -Time Cable TV Production Assistant, Cable Operations Technician (Operations Manager), and Cable TV Production & Operations Manager; and
WHEREAS, Mike takes on a range of responsibilities, from managing staff and overseeing legislative meeting productions to producing television programs and works closely with staff of all the boards and commissions to ensure coverage of their meeting; and WHEREAS, for decades, Mike has seamlessly coordinated with Administration, Council Offices, the various departments and their staff, ensuring public meeting functionality and accessibility for residents of Oakland; and
WHEREAS, as a responsive and effective problem solver, Mike was a critical part of the City team who worked diligently to maintain and adapt services to meet the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, Mike has been an active member of the labor unions, pushing to improve conditions for his coworkers, including helping to create updated positions for KTOP and, as a shop steward, bringing in one of the largest equity increases in SEIU 790's history; and
WHEREAS, Mike produced and directed several programs for KTOP, including "Brighter than Blight", which focused on the transformation of the site at 77th and Bancroft in East Oakland into a major public art installation and "Bought & Sold", a short documentary that highlights the work to protect youth being trafficked and exploited on the streets of Oakland; and
2 WHEREAS, he also produced KTOP's biggest production to date, "Evolutionary Blues”, a 90-minute documentary that interviewed 30 local musicians who shared their inspiration and described the trajectory of the West Oakland's Blues; and
WHEREAS, Mike’s service to Oakland is not confined to City Hall, he is a longtime leader and advocate in the area of violence prevention, particularly as it concerns young people; and WHEREAS, in 1989, Mike became a founding teen member of Youth ALIVE’s original programs Teens on Target program, which focused on addressing gun violence, particularly in East Oakland, and he currently serves on the Board of Youth ALIVE!, supporting initiatives that help create the condition for peace and healing; and
WHEREAS, because Mike understands that creating opportunities for young people is crucial to helping them thrive, he has created internships within KTOP and volunteers his time to talk to young people about his career path; and
WHEREAS, Mike is invaluable member of the City of Oakland and his departure is a true loss for the City and the people who have had the pleasure of working with him over the years will miss him immensely but his legacy is indelible; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council honors and offer our most sincere thanks to Michael Munson for over 35 years of dedicated and impactful service to the City of Oakland and wish him well upon his retirement and in his future endeavors.
IN COUNCIL, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA,
PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES - BROWN, FIFE, HOUSTON, KAPLAN, RAMACHANDRAN, UNGER, AND
PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE GALLO
NOES –
ABSENT – COUNCIL PRESIDENT JENKINS (serving as Mayor pursuant to Charter Section 303) ABSTENTION –
ATTEST:
ASHA REED
City Clerk and Clerk of the Council of the
City of Oakland, California
OCA DOCUMENT NUMBER / ATTORNEY INITIALS – Updated 1/6/2025