Dan Lindheim

Co-Founder and Planning Director

Dan is an economist, planner, software developer, attorney, and educator. He currently teaches at UC Berkeley’s Goldman School for Public Policy and in Urban Studies, training the next generation of public policy and city planning leaders.  He also serves as the Faculty Director of the Goldman School Center for Civility and Democratic Engagement. 

Dan served as City Manager for the City of Oakland during the Great Recession and as Director of its Community and Economic Development Agency. Along with former Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums, Dan saved the City of Oakland from financial bankruptcy, led the City’s first police reform efforts, and attempted to integrate social justice values into City operations.

Previously, Dan was a senior economist at the World Bank.  He served as a policy director for then-Congressman Dellums working on national defense, housing and community development, and the DC Committee.  For Congressman Dellums, Dan staffed the development of the Congressional Black Caucus’ alternative budget. Dan also headed a regional development office for the Chilean government under President Salvador Allende, taught at the University of Chile, and was a health researcher at Johns Hopkins. 

Dan also spent many years in the private sector as President and CEO of two leading high-tech video and computer graphic software companies.

Dan has a Ph.D. in Regional Economics, a Masters degree in both City Planning and Public Health, and a B.A. in Economics, all from UC Berkeley. He also has a J.D. from Georgetown Law School and is a member of the California Bar.  As a student, Dan was active in the Berkeley Free Speech Movement.