About Terry

Berkeley City Councilmember Terry Taplin is a poet, an environmental justice activist, and a full-time caregiver. Born and raised in Berkeley, Councilmember Taplin has deep roots in West Berkeley and a history of advocating for his community.

As a gay Black man, Terry knows how important it is to ensure diversity and inclusion in public decision-making. Since his election in 2020, Councilmember Taplin has championed equity for West Berkeley communities, winning more money for repaving in West Berkeley, investments in the Marina and new West Berkeley parks, and equitable funding from biotech development for community education and resilience initiatives. Councilmember Taplin has also advanced a comprehensive approach to public safety, including new security cameras to deter crime in West Berkeley; worked to support citywide efforts to address homelessness through new supportive and transitional affordable housing; and championed hazard pay for grocery workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Outside of his work on Council, Terry spends his time as a full-time caregiver for his mom. Terry also enjoys riding his e-bike along the Bay Trail, visiting new West Berkeley restaurants, and supporting our local arts organizations.

Councilmember Taplin is running for re-election to continue his efforts to address public safety in West Berkeley, support the economic recovery of our San Pablo corridor, improve transportation safety and access for all residents, and ensure resiliency in the face of a changing climate. Contact terry@taplinforcouncil.com to join the campaign, or make a contribution here.