BREAKING: Vallejo Mayor Andrea Sorce is making waves in local governance by pushing for enhanced transparency and civic engagement in Vallejo. At just 39 years old, Sorce is balancing her responsibilities as mayor with her role as an economics professor at Diablo Valley College, where she teaches students about real-time public policy and economics.
In a recent statement, Sorce emphasized the challenges of managing both roles, saying, “I wish I had 40 hours in a day,” but affirmed her commitment to both her students and her constituents. Her dual career is not just a balancing act; it provides her with unique insights that she uses to inform her governance.
With a strong educational background, including degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master’s from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, Sorce is focused on restoring trust in local government. “I’ve been in public service my entire career,” she stated. “I felt that in Vallejo, the government wasn’t working for the people.”
Since her surprising election in 2024, Sorce has initiated public study sessions on Vallejo’s finances, aiming to clarify the complexities surrounding the city’s budget. With an eye toward fiscal transparency, she seeks to engage the community in understanding the implications of financial decisions—“Because I teach economics with a policy focus, it allows me to bring real-world issues into the classroom,” she explained.
A significant part of her agenda includes addressing Vallejo’s troubled history with police misconduct. “We have to be honest about what happened and show the public that we are doing the work to rebuild trust,” Sorce said. This commitment to accountability is pivotal in shifting the culture of governance from isolation to collaboration.
Sorce’s approach is deeply personal. She visits local high schools and participates in community events, emphasizing accessibility and connection. “I want Vallejo students to recognize me on the street and feel comfortable coming over and saying hi,” she noted, highlighting her dedication to engaging with all community members.
With her term set to end in 2029, Sorce’s vision for Vallejo is clear. She hopes to leave a legacy of improved trust in government and effective stewardship of taxpayer dollars. “If people have more trust in their city government by 2029 than they did in 2024, I will have done my job,” she asserted.
For those interested in witnessing her commitment firsthand, Sorce recently discussed her vision for community engagement with DVC student Anya Gupta. This conversation is available online, showcasing the potential for positive change in Vallejo’s governance.
Sorce’s guiding philosophy, inspired by Maya Angelou, emphasizes continuous growth and accountability. “We need to be continually learning and growing both as individuals and collectively,” she concluded.
As Vallejo navigates its future, the impact of Mayor Andrea Sorce’s leadership will be felt by residents and students alike, marking a significant shift in local governance. Stay tuned for more updates as her initiatives unfold.
