Barbara Lee, Oakland's longtime progressive former congresswoman, was sworn in as the city's 51st mayor on Tuesday, promising to usher in a new era of progress and unity in a city she has called deeply divided.

Oakland's new mayor, Barbara Lee, will be sworn on Tuesday at Oakland City Hall. The former East Bay congresswoman is facing several major challenges as she becomes the new mayor, including how to deal with a budget deficit of $270 million over the next two years.

Surrounded by community leaders, former colleagues, old friends, and city leadership, Lee promised that Oakland would rise again based on its diversity, energy and culture. Although she made some reference to the massive challenges facing Oakland — from crime and soaring housing costs to homelessness and a city budget on the verge of bankruptcy — her remarks to the standing-room-only crowd primarily told a story of resilience and opportunity.