Rep. Lateefah Simon Announces $1.03 Million for Public Safety at Mills College in Oakland

U.S. Rep. Lateefah Simon (CA-12) announced $1,031,000 in federal Community Project Funding this week for Mills College at Northeastern University Oakland (MCNUO) to install new emergency blue-light phone towers and security cameras across the East Oakland campus.

Simon announced the award alongside Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, Northeastern University Oakland Dean Dan Sachs, Associate Vice President for Global Site Security Regina Coppa, and Vice President for Campus Administration and Strategic Initiatives Renee Jadushlever.

Part of $11.2 Million FY 2026 East Bay Package

According to Simon's office, the $1,031,000 allocation for Mills College at Northeastern University Oakland is one of 15 East Bay projects totaling $11.2 million that Simon secured through the House Committee on Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2026.

Mayor Lee, who previously represented the 12th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, noted that she initiated the federal funding request before leaving Congress and thanked Simon for carrying the appropriation through to completion. Both Simon and Lee attended Mills College as students and single mothers earlier in their careers.

"It is home to the little ones at the preschool, the girls at Julia Morgan, the neighbors who swim in the pool and walk the trail, and the faculty and workers who keep it all running," Simon said. "This funding invests in every one of them and in the simple things that make a place safe: light, open paths, updated equipment like call booths."

"This campus changed my life when I came here as a single mother on public assistance, and this million-dollar investment continues that legacy of support by keeping our students, families, and neighbors safe," Mayor Lee said.

Jadushlever added that the upgraded emergency towers and camera infrastructure will help maintain safety for students, researchers, and neighboring Oakland residents who use the campus grounds.