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			{{Short description\|American politician (born 1950)}}

	{{Infobox officeholder		{{Infobox officeholder
	\| name = Ron Oden		\| name = Ron Oden
	\| image =		\| image = Mayor Ron Oden.png
	\| order = 19th		\| order = 19th
	\| office = Mayor of Palm Springs		\| office = Mayor of Palm Springs
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	\| predecessor = Will Kleindienst		\| predecessor = Will Kleindienst
	\| successor = ]		\| successor = ]
			\| office1 = Member of the ] <br> Board of Trustee District 3<ref>{{cite web \| url=https://kesq.com/news/education/2023/05/19/former-palm-springs-mayor-ron-oden-appointed-new-college-of-the-desert-trustee/ \| title=Former Palm Springs mayor Ron Oden appointed new College of the Desert Trustee \| date=19 May 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \| url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFO-dae_XnU \| title=Special Meeting of the Desert Community College District Board of Trustees May 19, 2023 \| website=] \| date=20 May 2023 }}</ref>
			\| term_start1 = May 19, 2022
			\| term_end1 =
			\| predecessor1 = Fred E. Jandt
			\| successor1 =
	\| birth_date = {{birth date and age\|1950\|3\|21}}		\| birth_date = {{birth date and age\|1950\|3\|21}}
	\| birth_place =		\| birth_place =
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	}}		}}

	'''Ron Oden''' (born March 21, 1950) is an American politician. In November 2003, he was elected the first gay ] ] of ], after serving eight years on the ]. He became the first Black ] man to be a ] of a U.S. city.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=These Black, LGBTQ Americans helped move the Pride movement forward\|url=https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/community/famous-black-lgbt-americans-pride/67-03722102-620d-40dd-a8e4-5210ab0cfbd9\|access-date=2020-09-02\|website=wtsp.com \|first1=David \|last1=Belleville \|date=June 26, 2020 \|publisher=]\|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="NBC">{{Cite news\|title=16 queer black pioneers who made history\|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/black-history-month-17-lgbtq-black-pioneers-who-made-history-n1130856\|access-date=2020-09-02\|publisher=] \|date=February 13, 2020 \|first1=Gwen \|last1=Aviles \|first2=Ariel \|last2=Jao \|quote=Following Oden's historic election 17 years ago, the Palm Spring City Council made history once again: In December 2017, it became America's first all-LGBTQ city council. \|language=en}}</ref><ref name="Devine">{{cite news \|first1=Karen \|last1=Devine \|date=July 9, 2020 \|title=Palm Springs' first openly gay Black mayor discusses changes city should make \|url=https://kesq.com/news/i-team/2020/07/08/palm-springs-first-openly-gay-black-mayor-discusses-changes-city-should-make/ \|publisher=] \|accessdate=September 7, 2020}}</ref><ref name="Bridges">{{cite news \|url=https://www.palmspringslife.com/out-in-the-sun/ \|title=Out in the Sun: Palm Springs has transformed into an LGBTQ destination spurred by political change and a hot real estate market.\|first1=Stephen \|last1=Bridges \|date=October 13, 2017 \|accessdate=September 7, 2020 \|work=Palm Springs Life}}</ref> ~~His ground breaking election opened a door and: he~~ was also "the first gay African-American elected to lead a California city."{{efn-ua\|"The awards are presented annually to individuals who bring awareness to and further the causes of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. This year's six recipients include a former mayor, a teacher, a retired Army Master Sergeant, and a veteran drag performer."<ref name="Blueskye">{{cite news\|url=https://www.desertsun.com/story/life/2019/09/03/greater-palm-springs-pride-announces-2019-award-recipients/2200299001/ \|title=Greater Palm Springs Pride announces 2019 award recipients \|first1=Brian \|last1=Blueskye \|date=September 3, 2019 \|newspaper=] \|quote=Greater Palm Springs Pride has announced the recipients of the 2019 Pride Honors Awards. The Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to Ron Oden, who served as mayor of Palm Springs from 2003 to 2007. Oden was the first openly gay mayor to be elected in Palm Springs, and also the first gay African-American elected to lead a California city.\|accessdate=September 7, 2020}}</ref>}} ~~The community's outlook and fortune was transformed. The Palm Spring City Council made history once again: in~~ December 2017, Palm Springs elected "America's first all-LGBTQ city council."<ref name="NBC"/><ref name="Bridges"/><ref name="NBC2">{{cite news \|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/11-black-lgbtq-history-makers-you-should-know-n848631 \|date=February 26, 2018 \|first1=Ariel \|last1=Jao \|title=Black History Month: 11 black LGBTQ trailblazers who made history \|quote=In celebration of Black History Month, we honor black LGBTQ pioneers of the past and the present and celebrate their oft-forgotten contributions. \|accessdate=September 9, 2020 \|publisher=]}}</ref>		'''Ron Oden''' (born March 21, 1950) is an American politician. In November 2003, he was elected the first gay ] ] of ], after serving eight years on the ]. He became the first Black ] man to be a ] of a U.S. city.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=These Black, LGBTQ Americans helped move the Pride movement forward\|url=https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/community/famous-black-lgbt-americans-pride/67-03722102-620d-40dd-a8e4-5210ab0cfbd9\|access-date=2020-09-02\|website=wtsp.com \|first1=David \|last1=Belleville \|date=June 26, 2020 \|publisher=]\|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="NBC">{{Cite news\|title=16 queer black pioneers who made history\|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/black-history-month-17-lgbtq-black-pioneers-who-made-history-n1130856\|access-date=2020-09-02\|publisher=] \|date=February 13, 2020 \|first1=Gwen \|last1=Aviles \|first2=Ariel \|last2=Jao \|quote=Following Oden's historic election 17 years ago, the Palm Spring City Council made history once again: In December 2017, it became America's first all-LGBTQ city council. \|language=en}}</ref><ref name="Devine">{{cite news \|first1=Karen \|last1=Devine \|date=July 9, 2020 \|title=Palm Springs' first openly gay Black mayor discusses changes city should make \|url=https://kesq.com/news/i-team/2020/07/08/palm-springs-first-openly-gay-black-mayor-discusses-changes-city-should-make/ \|publisher=] \|accessdate=September 7, 2020}}</ref><ref name="Bridges">{{cite news \|url=https://www.palmspringslife.com/out-in-the-sun/ \|title=Out in the Sun: Palm Springs has transformed into an LGBTQ destination spurred by political change and a hot real estate market.\|first1=Stephen \|last1=Bridges \|date=October 13, 2017 \|accessdate=September 7, 2020 \|work=Palm Springs Life}}</ref> He was also "the first gay African-American elected to lead a California city."{{efn-ua\|"The awards are presented annually to individuals who bring awareness to and further the causes of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. This year's six recipients include a former mayor, a teacher, a retired Army Master Sergeant, and a veteran drag performer."<ref name="Blueskye">{{cite news\|url=https://www.desertsun.com/story/life/2019/09/03/greater-palm-springs-pride-announces-2019-award-recipients/2200299001/ \|title=Greater Palm Springs Pride announces 2019 award recipients \|first1=Brian \|last1=Blueskye \|date=September 3, 2019 \|newspaper=] \|quote=Greater Palm Springs Pride has announced the recipients of the 2019 Pride Honors Awards. The Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to Ron Oden, who served as mayor of Palm Springs from 2003 to 2007. Oden was the first openly gay mayor to be elected in Palm Springs, and also the first gay African-American elected to lead a California city.\|accessdate=September 7, 2020}}</ref>}} In December 2017, Palm Springs elected "America's first all-LGBTQ city council."<ref name="NBC"/><ref name="Bridges"/><ref name="NBC2">{{cite news \|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/11-black-lgbtq-history-makers-you-should-know-n848631 \|date=February 26, 2018 \|first1=Ariel \|last1=Jao \|title=Black History Month: 11 black LGBTQ trailblazers who made history \|quote=In celebration of Black History Month, we honor black LGBTQ pioneers of the past and the present and celebrate their oft-forgotten contributions. \|accessdate=September 9, 2020 \|publisher=]}}</ref>

	==Biography==		==Biography==

	=== Early ~~Life~~ and ~~Education~~ ===		=== Early life and education ===
	Oden was born on March 21, 1950 in ], ] and grew up in ]. He attended ] in ], earning a Bachelor of Arts in History, Sociology, and Theology. He also went on to earn a Master of Arts degree in Theology at ] in ], as well as a Master of Arts Degree in Ethnic Studies at the ].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web\|last=Ito\|first=Gail Arlene\|date=January 29, 2008 \|publisher=Black Past\|title=Ron Oden (1950- ) •\|url=https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/oden-ron-1950/\|access-date=2020-06-12\|language=en-US}}</ref> He is an ordained ] minister, who resigned shortly before entering politics.<ref></ref>		Oden was born on March 21, 1950, in ], ], and grew up in ]. He attended ] in ], earning a Bachelor of Arts in History, Sociology, and Theology. He also went on to earn a Master of Arts degree in Theology at ] in ], as well as a Master of Arts Degree in Ethnic Studies at the ].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web\|last=Ito\|first=Gail Arlene\|date=January 29, 2008 \|publisher=Black Past\|title=Ron Oden (1950- ) •\|url=https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/oden-ron-1950/\|access-date=2020-06-12\|language=en-US}}</ref> He is an ordained ] minister, who resigned shortly before entering politics.<ref></ref>

	=== Politics ===		=== Politics ===
	In 1990, Oden moved to ] to begin teaching at the ] as an adjunct ] instructor. Concern about educational and social issues motivated Oden to enter politics, and in 1995, he was elected to the Palm Springs City Council.<ref name=":0" />		In 1990, Oden moved to ], to begin teaching at the ] as an adjunct ] instructor. Concern about educational and social issues motivated Oden to enter politics, and in 1995, he was elected to the Palm Springs City Council.<ref name=":0" />

	In 2000, Oden ran for ] on a limited budget, capturing 38% of the vote.<ref name=nostranger/>		In 2000, Oden ran for ] on a limited budget, capturing 38% of the vote.<ref name=nostranger/>

	In 2003, Oden was elected Mayor of Palm Springs. As the first openly gay African American mayor elected in California, Oden's election made global news headlines.<ref name=nostranger/> Oden's tenure as mayor was notable for his work promoting organizations focused on diversity, including the Palm Springs Human Rights Task Force, the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission, and the Palm Springs branch of the ].<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Event Calendar {{!}} City of Palm Springs\|url=https://www.palmspringsca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/21110/15\|access-date=June 12, 2020\|website=www.palmspringsca.gov}}</ref> Oden also brought in the Palm Springs City Council's first gay majority.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=November 15, 2017\|title=Palm Springs elects an all-LGBTQ City Council, showing the power of gay politics\|url=https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-me-palm-springs-lgbt-council-20171115-story.html\|access-date=2020-06-12\|newspaper=] \|language=en-US \|first1=Javier \|last1=Panzar}}</ref>		In 2003, Oden was elected Mayor of Palm Springs. As the first openly gay African American mayor elected in California, Oden's election made global news headlines.<ref name=nostranger/> Oden's tenure as mayor was notable for his work promoting organizations focused on diversity, including the Palm Springs Human Rights Task Force, the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission, and the Palm Springs branch of the ].<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Event Calendar {{!}} City of Palm Springs\|url=https://www.palmspringsca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/21110/15\|access-date=June 12, 2020\|website=www.palmspringsca.gov\|date=10 February 2020 }}</ref> Oden also brought in the Palm Springs City Council's first gay majority.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=November 15, 2017\|title=Palm Springs elects an all-LGBTQ City Council, showing the power of gay politics\|url=https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-me-palm-springs-lgbt-council-20171115-story.html\|access-date=2020-06-12\|newspaper=] \|language=en-US \|first1=Javier \|last1=Panzar}}</ref>

	Palm Springs saw ~~historical~~ growth during Oden's tenure, with the city's budget doubling during his term. Oden saw success in building Palm Springs as a destination resort city, helped by a new concourse being added to the ] in 2007 and new amenities like the Palm Springs Skatepark, considered one of California's best skateparks.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2013-10-01\|title=Palm Springs 75th Anniversary - History Palm Springs International Airport\|url=https://www.palmspringslife.com/flying-high-at-psp/\|access-date=2020-06-12\|website=Palm Springs Life\|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|title=Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism\|url=https://www.visitpalmsprings.com/\|access-date=2020-06-12\|website=Visit Palm Springs, CA\|language=en}}</ref>		Palm Springs saw historic growth during Oden's tenure, with the city's budget doubling during his term. Oden saw success in building Palm Springs as a destination resort city, helped by a new concourse being added to the ] in 2007 and new amenities like the Palm Springs Skatepark, considered one of California's best skateparks.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2013-10-01\|title=Palm Springs 75th Anniversary - History Palm Springs International Airport\|url=https://www.palmspringslife.com/flying-high-at-psp/\|access-date=2020-06-12\|website=Palm Springs Life\|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|title=Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism\|url=https://www.visitpalmsprings.com/\|access-date=2020-06-12\|website=Visit Palm Springs, CA\|language=en}}</ref>

	In June 2006, he ran for<ref>],'' May 8, 2006, image 6] Interview and photograph. via ] {{subscription}}</ref> and lost in the Democratic primary for a seat in the ] by less than 100 votes.<ref>{{cite web\|title=~~Archived~~ ~~copy~~\|url=http://secure.victoryfund.org/cand_detail.php?cand_id=2238&PHPSESSID=80ce8effc467cd8c29df00b433afda75\|url-status=dead\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061011223130/http://secure.victoryfund.org/cand_detail.php?cand_id=2238\|archivedate=2006-10-11\|accessdate=September 29, 2006}}</ref>		In June 2006, he ran for<ref>, ''],'' May 8, 2006, image 6 Interview and photograph. via ] {{subscription required}}</ref> and lost in the Democratic primary for a seat in the ] by less than 100 votes.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Leadership Institute\|url=http://secure.victoryfund.org/cand_detail.php?cand_id=2238&PHPSESSID=80ce8effc467cd8c29df00b433afda75\|url-status=dead\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061011223130/http://secure.victoryfund.org/cand_detail.php?cand_id=2238\|archivedate=2006-10-11\|accessdate=September 29, 2006}}</ref>

	In 2007, he was honored with a Golden Palm Star on the ].<ref></ref>		In 2007, he was honored with a Golden Palm Star on the ].<ref></ref>

	In 2015, eight years after the completion of his initial stint as mayor, Oden once again ran for mayor of Palm Springs.<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Marx\|first=Jesse\|title=Ron Oden returns to politics\|url=https://www.desertsun.com/story/news/politics/elections/2015/09/29/reenergized-ron-oden-returns-palm-springs-politics/73050934/\|access-date=June 12, 2020\|newspaper=Desert Sun\|language=en}}</ref><ref name="Boegl">{{cite news \|url=https://www.cvindependent.com/index.php/en-US/news/politics/item/2542-candidate-q-a-palm-springs-mayoral-candidate-ron-oden \|title=Candidate Q&A: Palm Springs Mayoral Candidate Ron Oden \|first1=Jimmy \|last1=Boegl \|date=September 27, 2015 \|newspaper=] \|accessdate=September 9, 2020}}</ref> He campaigned on a platform calling for governmental transparency and restoration of trust and faith in city leadership. He wanted elected officials to disclose their income and its sources, a response to allegations of "conflict of interest between the current mayor Steve Pougnet and a private developer."		In 2015, eight years after the completion of his initial stint as mayor, Oden once again ran for mayor of Palm Springs.<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Marx\|first=Jesse\|title=Ron Oden returns to politics\|url=https://www.desertsun.com/story/news/politics/elections/2015/09/29/reenergized-ron-oden-returns-palm-springs-politics/73050934/\|access-date=June 12, 2020\|newspaper=Desert Sun\|language=en}}</ref><ref name="Boegl">{{cite news \|url=https://www.cvindependent.com/index.php/en-US/news/politics/item/2542-candidate-q-a-palm-springs-mayoral-candidate-ron-oden \|title=Candidate Q&A: Palm Springs Mayoral Candidate Ron Oden \|first1=Jimmy \|last1=Boegl \|date=September 27, 2015 \|newspaper=] \|accessdate=September 9, 2020}}</ref> He campaigned on a platform calling for governmental transparency and restoration of trust and faith in city leadership. He wanted elected officials to disclose their income and its sources, a response to allegations of "conflict of interest between the current mayor Steve Pougnet and a private developer."
	Oden wanted to restore the proper course of conduct to investors and entrepreneurs: "Businessmen are investors in our city. They’re not bad people but I think people get stirred and go the wrong way.” Oden also wanted to assuage the “eroding relationship” with the ] and address the status of a west campus for ]. He used to teach there, and it disappeared without much discussion. Finally, Oden acknoweledged that he had been out of politics for several years, and said he "hopes to channel ]," the city's first directly elected mayor, who successfully "came back for seconds" almost three decades later.<ref>{{cite news \|url=https://kesq.com/news/2015/08/13/former-ps-mayor-ron-oden-speaks-out-about-seeking-2nd-term/ \|author=KESQ News Team \|publisher=] \|date=August 13, 2015 \|title=Former PS Mayor Ron Oden speaks out about seeking 2nd term \|accessdate=September 9, 2020}}</ref>		Oden wanted to restore the proper course of conduct to investors and entrepreneurs: "Businessmen are investors in our city. They’re not bad people but I think people get stirred and go the wrong way.” Oden also wanted to assuage the “eroding relationship” with the ] and address the status of a west campus for ]. He used to teach there, and it disappeared without much discussion. Finally, Oden acknoweledged that he had been out of politics for several years, and said he "hopes to channel ]," the city's first directly elected mayor, who successfully "came back for seconds" almost three decades later.<ref>{{cite news \|url=https://kesq.com/news/2015/08/13/former-ps-mayor-ron-oden-speaks-out-about-seeking-2nd-term/ \|author=KESQ News Team \|publisher=] \|date=August 13, 2015 \|title=Former PS Mayor Ron Oden speaks out about seeking 2nd term \|accessdate=September 9, 2020}}</ref>

	Oden lost the election to Robert Moon.<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Moon\|first=Robert\|date=\|title=Mayor Moon bio with Photo\|url=https://www.palmspringsca.gov/home/showdocument?id=43422~~\|url-status=live~~\|archive-url=\|archive-date=\|access-date=\|website=}}</ref>		Oden lost the election to Robert Moon.<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Moon\|first=Robert\|date=\|title=Mayor Moon bio with Photo\|url=https://www.palmspringsca.gov/home/showdocument?id=43422\|archive-url=\|archive-date=\|access-date=\|website=}}</ref>

	=== Personal ~~Life~~ and ~~Legacy~~ ===		=== Personal life and legacy ===
	Oden is openly ] and is the father of two daughters, Brooke and Brittany Oden. He is also the grandfather of two granddaughters and two grandsons.<ref name=nostranger>{{Cite web \| url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1589/is_2004_Feb_17/ai_n6008624 \|title = Making gay black history: Ron Oden was no stranger to success when his historic election as Palm Springs mayor made international headline \|date=February 17, 2004\|work=]\|first1=Patrick \|last1=Letellier\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050129020426/http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1589/is_2004_Feb_17/ai_n6008624 \|archive-date = 2005-01-29}}</ref>		Oden is openly ] and is the father of two daughters, Brooke and Brittany Oden. He is also the grandfather of two granddaughters and two grandsons.<ref name=nostranger>{{Cite web \| url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1589/is_2004_Feb_17/ai_n6008624 \|title = Making gay black history: Ron Oden was no stranger to success when his historic election as Palm Springs mayor made international headline \|date=February 17, 2004\|work=]\|first1=Patrick \|last1=Letellier\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050129020426/http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1589/is_2004_Feb_17/ai_n6008624 \|archive-date = 2005-01-29}}</ref>

	In recognition of his role in the Palm Springs community as the first openly gay African American elected as mayor of a California city, and 30 year of public service, Oden was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by Great Palm Springs Pride at the 2019 Pride Honors Awards.<ref name="Blueskye"/><ref>{{cite news \|url=https://www.palmspringslife.com/greater-palm-springs-pride/ \|title=Honoring With Pride Greater Palm Springs Pride recognizes recipients of its 2019 Pride Honors Awards for furthering LGBTQ causes in the Coachella Valley. \|work=Palm Springs Life\|author=Staff Report \|date=September 3, 2019 \|accessdate=September 8, 2020}}</ref>		In recognition of his role in the Palm Springs community as the first openly gay African American elected as mayor of a California city, and 30 year of public service, Oden was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by Great Palm Springs Pride at the 2019 Pride Honors Awards.<ref name="Blueskye"/><ref>{{cite news \|url=https://www.palmspringslife.com/greater-palm-springs-pride/ \|title=Honoring With Pride Greater Palm Springs Pride recognizes recipients of its 2019 Pride Honors Awards for furthering LGBTQ causes in the Coachella Valley. \|work=Palm Springs Life\|author=Staff Report \|date=September 3, 2019 \|accessdate=September 8, 2020}}</ref>

			==See also==
			*]
			*]

	==References==		==References==
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	===Citations===		===Citations===
	{{reflist\|30em}}		{{reflist\|30em}}


	{{S-start}}		{{S-start}}
	{{s-off}}		{{s-off}}
	{{Succession box\|before=]\|title=]\|years=December 1, 2003–December 5, 2007\|after=]}}		{{Succession box\|before=]\|title=]\|years=December 1, 2003–December 5, 2007\|after=]}}
			{{s-aca}}
			{{S-bef\| before = Fred E. Jandt}}
			{{S-ttl\| title = ] Board Member, 3th District\| years = 2022
			}}
			{{s-inc}}
	{{s-end}}		{{s-end}}

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Latest revision as of 20:16, 17 November 2024

American politician (born 1950)

Ron Oden


19th Mayor of Palm Springs
In office December 1, 2003 – December 5, 2007
Preceded by	Will Kleindienst
Succeeded by	Steve Pougnet
Member of the College of the Desert Board of Trustee District 3
Incumbent
Assumed office May 19, 2022
Preceded by	Fred E. Jandt

Personal details
Born	(1950-03-21) March 21, 1950 (age 74)
Political party	Democratic
Children	2

Ron Oden (born March 21, 1950) is an American politician. In November 2003, he was elected the first gay African-American mayor of Palm Springs, California, after serving eight years on the city council. He became the first Black openly gay man to be a mayor of a U.S. city. He was also "the first gay African-American elected to lead a California city." In December 2017, Palm Springs elected "America's first all-LGBTQ city council."

Biography

Early life and education

Oden was born on March 21, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Los Angeles, California. He attended Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, earning a Bachelor of Arts in History, Sociology, and Theology. He also went on to earn a Master of Arts degree in Theology at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, as well as a Master of Arts Degree in Ethnic Studies at the University at Albany, SUNY. He is an ordained Seventh-day Adventist minister, who resigned shortly before entering politics.

Politics

In 1990, Oden moved to Palm Springs, California, to begin teaching at the College of the Desert as an adjunct Sociology instructor. Concern about educational and social issues motivated Oden to enter politics, and in 1995, he was elected to the Palm Springs City Council.

In 2000, Oden ran for Congress on a limited budget, capturing 38% of the vote.

In 2003, Oden was elected Mayor of Palm Springs. As the first openly gay African American mayor elected in California, Oden's election made global news headlines. Oden's tenure as mayor was notable for his work promoting organizations focused on diversity, including the Palm Springs Human Rights Task Force, the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission, and the Palm Springs branch of the NAACP. Oden also brought in the Palm Springs City Council's first gay majority.

Palm Springs saw historic growth during Oden's tenure, with the city's budget doubling during his term. Oden saw success in building Palm Springs as a destination resort city, helped by a new concourse being added to the Palm Springs International Airport in 2007 and new amenities like the Palm Springs Skatepark, considered one of California's best skateparks.

In June 2006, he ran for and lost in the Democratic primary for a seat in the California State Assembly by less than 100 votes.

In 2007, he was honored with a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars.

In 2015, eight years after the completion of his initial stint as mayor, Oden once again ran for mayor of Palm Springs. He campaigned on a platform calling for governmental transparency and restoration of trust and faith in city leadership. He wanted elected officials to disclose their income and its sources, a response to allegations of "conflict of interest between the current mayor Steve Pougnet and a private developer." Oden wanted to restore the proper course of conduct to investors and entrepreneurs: "Businessmen are investors in our city. They’re not bad people but I think people get stirred and go the wrong way.” Oden also wanted to assuage the “eroding relationship” with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and address the status of a west campus for College of the Desert. He used to teach there, and it disappeared without much discussion. Finally, Oden acknoweledged that he had been out of politics for several years, and said he "hopes to channel Frank Bogert," the city's first directly elected mayor, who successfully "came back for seconds" almost three decades later.

Oden lost the election to Robert Moon.

Personal life and legacy

Oden is openly gay and is the father of two daughters, Brooke and Brittany Oden. He is also the grandfather of two granddaughters and two grandsons.

In recognition of his role in the Palm Springs community as the first openly gay African American elected as mayor of a California city, and 30 year of public service, Oden was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by Great Palm Springs Pride at the 2019 Pride Honors Awards.

References

Notes

"The awards are presented annually to individuals who bring awareness to and further the causes of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. This year's six recipients include a former mayor, a teacher, a retired Army Master Sergeant, and a veteran drag performer."

Citations

"Former Palm Springs mayor Ron Oden appointed new College of the Desert Trustee". 19 May 2023.
"Special Meeting of the Desert Community College District Board of Trustees May 19, 2023". YouTube. 20 May 2023.
Belleville, David (June 26, 2020). "These Black, LGBTQ Americans helped move the Pride movement forward". wtsp.com. WTSP. Retrieved 2020-09-02.
^ Aviles, Gwen; Jao, Ariel (February 13, 2020). "16 queer black pioneers who made history". NBC News. Retrieved 2020-09-02. Following Oden's historic election 17 years ago, the Palm Spring City Council made history once again: In December 2017, it became America's first all-LGBTQ city council.
Devine, Karen (July 9, 2020). "Palm Springs' first openly gay Black mayor discusses changes city should make". KESQ-TV. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
^ Bridges, Stephen (October 13, 2017). "Out in the Sun: Palm Springs has transformed into an LGBTQ destination spurred by political change and a hot real estate market". Palm Springs Life. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
^ Blueskye, Brian (September 3, 2019). "Greater Palm Springs Pride announces 2019 award recipients". Palm Springs Desert Sun. Retrieved September 7, 2020. Greater Palm Springs Pride has announced the recipients of the 2019 Pride Honors Awards. The Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to Ron Oden, who served as mayor of Palm Springs from 2003 to 2007. Oden was the first openly gay mayor to be elected in Palm Springs, and also the first gay African-American elected to lead a California city.
Jao, Ariel (February 26, 2018). "Black History Month: 11 black LGBTQ trailblazers who made history". NBC News. Retrieved September 9, 2020. In celebration of Black History Month, we honor black LGBTQ pioneers of the past and the present and celebrate their oft-forgotten contributions.
^ Ito, Gail Arlene (January 29, 2008). "Ron Oden (1950- ) •". Black Past. Retrieved 2020-06-12.
Desert Mayor Seeks Assembly Seat « Ron Oden Media
^ Letellier, Patrick (February 17, 2004). "Making gay black history: Ron Oden was no stranger to success when his historic election as Palm Springs mayor made international headline". The Advocate. Archived from the original on 2005-01-29.
"Event Calendar | City of Palm Springs". www.palmspringsca.gov. 10 February 2020. Retrieved June 12, 2020.
Panzar, Javier (November 15, 2017). "Palm Springs elects an all-LGBTQ City Council, showing the power of gay politics". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2020-06-12.
"Palm Springs 75th Anniversary - History Palm Springs International Airport". Palm Springs Life. 2013-10-01. Retrieved 2020-06-12.
"Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism". Visit Palm Springs, CA. Retrieved 2020-06-12.
Jonathan Abrams, "Desert Mayor Runs for Assembly", Los Angeles Times, May 8, 2006, image 6 Interview and photograph. via Newspapers.com (subscription required)
"Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Leadership Institute". Archived from the original on 2006-10-11. Retrieved September 29, 2006.
Palm Springs Walk of Stars: By Date Dedicated
Marx, Jesse. "Ron Oden returns to politics". Desert Sun. Retrieved June 12, 2020.
Boegl, Jimmy (September 27, 2015). "Candidate Q&A: Palm Springs Mayoral Candidate Ron Oden". CV Independent. Retrieved September 9, 2020.
KESQ News Team (August 13, 2015). "Former PS Mayor Ron Oden speaks out about seeking 2nd term". KESQ-TV. Retrieved September 9, 2020.
Moon, Robert. "Mayor Moon bio with Photo".
Staff Report (September 3, 2019). "Honoring With Pride Greater Palm Springs Pride recognizes recipients of its 2019 Pride Honors Awards for furthering LGBTQ causes in the Coachella Valley". Palm Springs Life. Retrieved September 8, 2020.

Political offices
Preceded byWill Kleindienst	Mayor of Palm Springs, California December 1, 2003–December 5, 2007	Succeeded bySteve Pougnet
Academic offices
Preceded byFred E. Jandt	COD Board Member, 3th District 2022	Incumbent

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