In just over two weeks, Oakland voters will choose a new mayor following the recall of the previous one. As the special election on April 15 draws closer, the two frontrunners, Barbara Lee and Loren Taylor, are actively engaging with the community in different parts of the city.

On Saturday, both candidates and their volunteers spent time knocking on doors, shaking hands, and answering questions from voters in an effort to connect directly with Oakland residents.

Taylor spent several hours in the Laurel District, going door to door to engage with voters and explain his plans to improve the city. 

Among those he spoke with was a local resident named Stella, who asked him, "What plans do you have for the city?" 

"Three main priorities," Taylor said. "We have to keep the city safe. We have to clean it up. And we have to make more opportunities for people, so jobs, careers, and businesses, supporting businesses."

Taylor, who spent roughly five to ten minutes with each voter, including those already planning to vote for him and others who remained undecided, like Lydia Mann, emphasized his commitment to Oakland. 

Mann shared her thoughts with CBS News Bay Area, saying, "I just feel they both bring very different things to the campaign and it's trying to decide which of those things are most valuable for Oakland. Loren Taylor, he has been here, he's lived it for four years [as a former councilman.] At the same time, I think Barbara Lee has a lot of connections and she has a lot of experience mediating between groups."

During his canvassing, Taylor also explained his strategies to improve safety and address Oakland's growing budget deficit, estimated at $130 million. 

"Three academies per year for three years is what I believe is necessary to get us to 800 officers," he said.

A few miles away, Lee took part in a peace rally outside of Oakland City Hall, where she engaged with voters and shared her vision for the city. 

"I want to govern where everybody has a seat at the table to solve these problems," Lee said. 

As a seasoned negotiator, Lee believes her ability to build relationships and unite various groups will be key to addressing Oakland's challenges. 

"I'm a negotiator, but I'm a fighter also for Oakland. And so we need somebody who can negotiate a better life for everyone," she said.

Lee has already received endorsements from labor unions, many prominent politicians, and the majority of Oakland's City Council members. She emphasized the need for collective action to address the city's crisis. 

"We're in a crisis. We've got a budget crisis and we have to steady the ship. We have to look at how we do the budget, for example, that's by increasing revenue or cutting expenses, that's one thing. Secondly, though, we have to do this together. Again, it's not going to happen overnight, it's going to take a while," Lee said.

While Taylor acknowledges that Lee has the advantage of name recognition, he remains optimistic about his chances of winning over voters. 

"Feeling great. Momentum is on our side. We had almost 60 people out today at the canvass, knocking on doors out in neighborhoods," he said.

Taylor, who lost the last mayoral race by fewer than 700 votes, understands the importance of mobilizing his supporters. Both he and Lee know that voter turnout will be crucial in this tight race.

As the election approaches, Oakland residents are left with a choice between candidates with distinct approaches to leading the city. 

The special election on April 15 will determine who will guide Oakland out of its current challenges and into the future.