Syrak Micael is a lifelong Berkeley resident who knows that community’s heartbeat. As a recent Cal graduate and a dedicated progressive organizer, his roots in Berkeley are deeply personal, inspired by his parents’ journey as immigrants from Eritrea. From organizing sit-ins at the Berkeley Police Department as a teenager to serving as an Umoja Student Leader, Micael has always been driven by a commitment to ensuring that Berkeley’s future—particularly for its most disenfranchised residents—is shaped by equity, accessibility, and community-led progress.

Micael has spent years organizing for systemic change, from advocating for worker-led organizing at the University of California to working as a community engagement liaison. He has a proven track record of fighting for housing justice and tenant protections, establishing a firm foundation for his commitment to a just transition. He’s a current member of Berkeley’s Housing Advisory Commission. His experience in these sectors ensures that he understands how to bridge the gap between environmental goals and the real-world needs of everyday families.

As a councilmember, Micael will champion a robust transition to renewable energy that serves the Southside and beyond. He plans to streamline permitting for solar installations, advocate for solar retrofits on city-owned properties, and push for subsidies that bring clean energy and lower utility bills to multi-family rentals in low-income neighborhoods. Micael envisions a Berkeley where EV charging is accessible in every neighborhood, where pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure is fully realized, and where infrastructure investments prioritize public transit. His goal is clear: a Berkeley that is powered by clean energy, anchored in justice, and designed for everyone.

Campaign website: https://www.syrakforsouthside.com/

Volunteer some time: https://www.syrakforsouthside.com/get-involved