OAKLAND — The room fell silent Tuesday when Barbara Lee was sworn in as the city’s mayor. After a rousing standing ovation, it quieted once again when Lee acknowledged a personal significance of the moment.

Barbara Lee, Oakland's longtime progressive former congresswoman, was sworn in as the city's 52nd mayor on Tuesday, promising to usher in a new era of progress and unity in an embattled city she has called deeply divided.

The former congresswoman faces no shortage of challenges as Oakland’s mayor, including a budget crisis, stubbornly high rates of crime and homelessness, and insufficient housing.