Why Am I Running?
A Proven Leader, New Energy and Fresh Perspective
I am Matt Dumpert: an Oakland homeowner, active community member, devoted father and husband, former U.S. Diplomat and Special Agent, successful business executive, and lifelong public servant. As a lifelong Independent, I remain completely unaffiliated and free to serve Oaklanders' best interests—without compromise or partisan pressure.
I bring world-class experience home to Oakland: integrity forged through high-stakes diplomacy and law enforcement, executive strategies that deliver results, and a steadfast commitment to public service.
I will fight tirelessly for the people of Oakland as a strong, accountable leader who rejects "business as usual."
My priorities for our Borough Council include:
- Control Property Taxes & Reduce Debt — Applying proven executive strategies to attract revenue-generating businesses and grow our economy and stabilize taxes for residents.
- Protect Our Small-Town Charm Forever — Safeguarding Oakland's natural beauty, property values, and quality of life by preventing unwanted overdevelopment.
- Restore True Transparency & Trust — Ending closed-door decisions through maximum openness, full resident involvement, and honest governance.
- Empower You, the Resident — Delivering fresh ideas, open dialogue, and leadership that truly listens and produces tangible results for our community.
Together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous Oakland. I am running not for a career in politics, but out of deep commitment to our town and its future.
I ask for your support on March 10th, to make this vision a reality.
Bottom Line Up Front
Public Service Is an Honor, Not a Career
I, Matt Dumpert, pledge to donate 100% of any salary, stipend, or compensation I receive as a member of the Oakland Borough Council directly back into the Borough’s operating budget — for the sole benefit of our residents and community.
Oakland Does Not Need Career Politicians
I am not a career politician, nor do I ever intend to become one. This is not about building a political resume. This is about service — my way of giving back to the town I love and helping secure a strong, prosperous future for every Oaklander.
Oakland Is Already Exceptional — With Tremendous Untapped Potential
Our community is beautiful, our residents are outstanding, and our quality of life is something we are all proud to protect. I am committed to doing everything necessary to:
- Preserve and enhance the value of our homes
- Protect our small-town character and natural beauty
- Fight for our residents, our businesses, and the greatness of Oakland
Extreme Financial Oversight • Zero Tolerance for Waste
I guarantee the highest level of discretion, transparency, and accountability over every tax dollar spent and every contract signed.
Throughout my career — in diplomacy, federal law enforcement, and the private sector — I have fought fraud, waste, and mismanagement with absolute resolve. That same standard will apply every single day on the Council. I am not intimidated by anyone when the pursuit of truth and what is right for Oaklanders is at stake.
Oakland Has Both a Tax Problem and a Revenue Problem
We cannot continue to ask residents to pay more. We must grow smarter.
With my background in high-level negotiation, finance, and business development, I will bring modern, proven strategies to:
- Attract revenue-generating investment
- Create new, sustainable sources of income for the Borough
- Deliver real economic value without raising the tax burden on our homeowners
We Need a New, Independent Voice
Oakland deserves fresh ideas, innovative thinking, and leadership that is not tied to politics-as-usual.
I have a deep, lifelong love for this town — its natural beauty, its character, its people, its businesses, and everyone who calls Oakland home.
I believe in treating every person with dignity and respect. I believe in extreme ownership. Most of all, I believe in unrelenting accountability.
Oakland is already a special place filled with wonderful people, strong businesses, and great opportunities. It is our shared responsibility — and my personal commitment — to protect it, strengthen it, and maximize its extraordinary potential for generations to come.
What does being an "Independent" mean to me?
I've always been a dedicated patriot, devoted family man, patently honest, deeply curious and always favor leading through kindness.
As a life-long unaffiliated Independent, I have split many tickets, worked alongside both Republicans and Democrats with vigor while honoring my oath to the Constitution, and know now - more than ever - we need open dialogue, decency in all things, strong connectedness and the relentless pursuit of what’s best for our children’s children.
I have dedicated much of my life to representing our great country overseas as a U.S. Diplomat and Special Agent with the U.S. Department of State. I led teams and negotiations through some of the most tumultuous, complicated, and dangerous national security and foreign policy challenges in recent history. I am proud of my service and would welcome the opportunity to serve again if our nation needed me.
I have always thrived in leadership positions, leading teams to success in sports, philanthropy, austere environments overseas, and now as a global business executive. I believe strongly in negotiation through kindness, strength, and deep thoughtful strategy.
Whether dealing with Presidents, Ministers, local warlords, religious leaders in war-torn regions, hostile adversaries, the world’s most dis-advantaged and dis-enfranchised, close allies, global business leaders or partners, this approach has served me well and saved my bacon more than once!
I now lead a global practice at a top international firm headquartered in NYC, providing financial and global risk advisory services. My clients include Fortune 500 executives, world leaders, over 95% of the AmLaw100 top law firms, internationally active non-profit organizations, and influential Private Equity and Venture Capital institutions that fuel our local economies and global commercial influence.
Being an Independent means being free from party politics, outside influence, big donors and national priorities that may not align with Oakland values.
I always fight for what is RIGHT, not what is popular.
How does my past impact YOUR future?
My career in federal law enforcement combating global terrorism, hostile intelligence services, large-scale identity theft and fraud rings, international money laundering enterprises, human smuggling conspirators, trans-national gangs and protecting our nation’s top national security infrastructure has taught me the importance of honor, duty and patriotism. My culminating achievement consisted of years as a Senior Advisor to the U.S. Secretary of State and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations - advocating always for the best interests of the United States of America in all things!
I will always advocate for the people of Oakland, maximizing property values and maintaining what is exceptional for our future generation of leaders! I will NEVER bow to a political party, leader or special interest.
Oakland is too important and special for anything else!
