Alum Zac Unger serving on the Oakland City Council

February 04, 2025
Portrait of Zac Courtesy

Congratulations to Environmental Science, Policy, and Management alum Zac Unger on being sworn in as the District 1 Councilmember in Oakland.

A lifelong resident of Oakland, Unger, MS ‘00 Range Management, was elected to the District 1 City Council in November 2024. Prior to his election to the City Council, Unger worked as an Oakland firefighter for 27 years and served as president of Local 55 of the International Association of Firefighters. 

In addition to his union leadership, Unger has collaborated with city officials and community members as a steering committee member for multiple ballot measures regarding public safety, infrastructure, and business tax reform. He succeeds another alum of the College, Dan Kalb, BS ’82 Conservation of Natural Resources, in representing the North Oakland district that includes the Rockridge and Temescal neighborhoods as well as areas near the Emeryville border.

In his free time, Unger works as a whitewater river raft guide and has authored two books and several magazine articles, including features for Breakthroughs, Rausser College’s magazine.