Deeply thankful to have made Berkeley her home, Councilmember Lori Droste is a champion for a Berkeley that is inclusive, welcoming, and affordable. Originally from the Midwest, Lori was drawn to Berkeley's tolerance and progressive values. Ever since moving to the Bay Area, Lori has dedicated herself to the public good through her work as an educator, being active in numerous progressive political organizations, and serving as a member of the Berkeley City Council.
Councilmember Droste fights for an effective and responsive City government that fosters equity, public safety, high-quality infrastructure, and climate action. She authored legislation to end exclusionary zoning in Berkeley once and for all because she firmly believes that people at all income levels and life stages should have access to Berkeley's incredible amenities and opportunities.
Lori is also proud to be part of the LGBTIQ+ community and to be Berkeley's first out lesbian Councilmember. Lori is grateful every day for her wife Carrie and their two children, who put up with late-night Council meetings and whose love and support help sustain her work for the people of District 8 and Berkeley.