Emerging From the Shadows of San Francisco

Oakland, Calif., has made headway in recent years to throw off its gritty image and emerge from the shadow of San Francisco. Click here to read the whole story which appeared in the April 30, 2008 issue of the Wall Street Journal.


Premier Issue of REDEVELOPING OAKLAND Launched

The first issue of our new Redevelopment newsletter has been published in April 2008. Click here, to learn more about what Redevelopment is, Oakland's 10 Redevelopment Areas and more.

Governor Re-Designates Oakland as One of Eight Enterprise Zones in California

On January 31, 2008, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger named Oakland as one of eight enterprise zones statewide -- renewing Oakland's Enterprise Zone for 15 years. Businesses within the Enterprise Zone are eligible for substantial tax credits and benefits. Click here to read the full release. For information on the program, visit www.oaklandwib.org/enterprise_zone.htm.


Dealer Breaks Ground for New Toyota Dealership Facility in Oakland
Representatives of Superior Automotive Group and Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. celebratee the start of construction on Oakland’s newest automobile dealership with a ceremony at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 6, 2007. Known as Toyota of Oakland and Scion of Oakland, the 200,000 square-foot-dealership will be built on 6.4 acres of land on Oakport Street, directly across from Hegenberger Gateway Shopping Center. With a dramatic three-story display tower facing Interstate 880, the project is slated for completion by December 2008. Click here to read the full release.

K&G Fashion Superstore to Open Location in Oakland

Two Trader Joe's Stores Open in Oakland on October 26

Click here for the full story which appeared in the October 26, 2007, issue of the Oakland Tribune.

Ground Broken for Huge Public Retail Market at Jack London Square

Ground was broken on October 22, 2007, for the Jack London Market, centerpiece of the 1 million-square-foot Jack London Square redevelopment. To read the full story on the $400 million project, click here to read the full story which appeared in the October 23, 2007, issue of the San Francisco Chronicle.

Whole Foods Market Opens first Oakland store on September 26

Click here for the full story which appeared in the September 26, 2007, issue of the San Francisco Chronicle.

Youth Build Community While Constructing Park Deck

Youth and other community volunteers will be honored by the City of Oakland for their work to improve César Chávez Park during a public celebration on Friday, March 30, from Noon to 3:00 p.m. An innovative collaboration between students from Fremont High School’s Construction Technology and Architecture Academy, Unity Council volunteers, community residents and the City’s Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization staff resulted in construction of a 1,200-square-foot, wooden deck. The multi-functional deck will provide seating for visitors and serve as a stage for community events held at the park.

For complete details, read the release by clicking here.

Groundbreaking Marks Start of Final Airport Gateway Streetscape Projects

On Thursday, March 29, 2007, elected officials from the cities of Oakland and San Leandro will be joined by representatives from the Port of Oakland and California Department of Transportation to mark the groundbreaking of the last two components of the Airport Gateway Streetscape Project. A public groundbreaking event will be held at the intersection of Doolittle Drive and Airport Access Road beginning at 3:30 p.m. Immediately following the groundbreaking, light refreshments will be served at the Holiday Inn Express, 66 Airport Access Road, directly across from the groundbreaking site.

To read the complete release, click here.

City of Oakland’s Coliseum Gardens Phase 1 Project Honored by Statewide Association

The Oakland Redevelopment Agency has been awarded the California Redevelopment Association (CRA) Award of Excellence for its successful redevelopment project – Coliseum Gardens Phase I (recently renamed Lion Creek Crossings). The project won in the category of Residential Redevelopment (new construction) and is one of eight projects honored by CRA this year for major contributions to California communities. 

To read the complete release, click here.


365 Main Announces Acquisition of New 111,000 Square-Foot Oakland Facility

365 Main, Inc., developer and operator of the world's finest data centers, announced on January 10, 2007, the acquisition of a new facility in Oakland, Calif. and plans for one in Vernon, Calif. to meet the growing demand for modern data center space. The 111,000 square-foot data center in the fiber-rich district near Jack London Square will open in the first quarter of 2007.

To read the complete release, click here.

City Marketing Department Receives Crystal Eagle Achievement Award

The MeetDowntownOAK.com marketing campaign launched by the City of Oakland’s Cultural Arts & Marketing Department has been awarded the prestigious Crystal Eagle Achievement Award for Marketing and Communications by the California Downtown Association. Presented on September 28, 2006, during CDA’s Annual Conference in Monterey, Calif., the award includes a beautiful crystal eagle statue.

To read the complete release, click here.

City of Oakland's Cultural Arts and Marketing Division to Receive Honorable Mention at Economic Development Conference

Acknowledging the City of Oakland's Cultural Arts and Marketing Division (CAM) for its marketing campaign, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) will recognize the Oakland, California-based entity with an Honorable Mention at IEDC's Annual Conference, which is scheduled to take place in New York City, September 17-20. The organization will be noticed for this achievement during an awards ceremony on Tuesday, September 19. 

To read the complete release, click here.

New Resource Guide To Assist With Oakland Land Redevelopment

The City of Oakland has released its new Brownfields Resource Guide, a free guide to Oakland’s site reutilization process with valuable information about resources, permits, financing and insurance mechanisms. Brownfields are defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as properties which are contaminated or perceived to be contaminated and which may be vacant or blighted and remain undeveloped due to that perception or reality. With the guide, the City hopes to stimulate in-fill development by encouraging land owners and developers to reutilize such sites.

To read the complete release, click here.

City of Oakland Offers Non-Profit Office Leasing Workshop

Executives from non-profit organizations located in downtown Oakland are invited to register for the Non-Profit Office Leasing Workshop to be held on Thursday, July 27, 2006, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Oakland City Hall. A panel of commercial brokers, lenders and developers will share insight about current market conditions and affordable options for nonprofits seeking office space in this era of rising commercial rents. Space is limited to the first 50 registrants. Please R.S.V.P. to (510) 238-2081 or pstraughter@oaklandnet.com by July 21.

To read the complete release, click here.

Tall Mall Could Rise In Oakland

A group of national real estate developers is working with city officials to plant a highrise mall in downtown Oakland. To read the full story which appeared in the June 30, 2006, issue of the San Francisco Business Times, click here.


Old Oakland Outdoor Cinema Returns July 15
The highly successful Old Oakland Outdoor Cinema series returns for a third season beginning Saturday, July 15, 2006, with the screening of “Network.”  Once a month, the series transforms Ninth Street between Broadway and Washington into an outdoor cinema with movies beginning at dusk. Limited seating is available; filmgoers are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets. For more information on the cinema series, call the Oakland Film Office at 238-4734 or visit www.filmoakland.com. All movies begin at dusk.

To read the full release, click here.

Commercial Condo Market Still Going Strong
The market for commercial condominiums, which is experiencing a cool-down after a four year streak elsewhere in the Bay Area, remains hot in the East Bay. To read the entire article that appeared in the June 2, 2006, issue of East Bay Business Times, please click here.


Hot Hegenbeger Roars With New Activity
In a few years, the stretch of Hegenberger Road west of busy Interstate 880 has been transformed. To read the entire article that appeared in the May 26, 2006, issue of the East Bay Business Times, please click here.

Uptown Condos Will Put New Residents Downtown

With ground broken on Forest City Residential West's Uptown project, the transformation of Oakland's most undervalued downtown site will unfold over the next five years. To read the entire article that appeared in the May 12, 2006, issue of the San Francisco Business Times, please click here.


City Lends Hand to Help Longtime Businesses Grow and Prosper

The City of Oakland has several programs to assist in the retention of local businesses. Click here to read an article that appeared in the May 5, 2006, issue of the East Bay Business Times.


Oakland Now

Highlights of the City of Oakland's impressive achievements from 1999 - 2005 prepared for Mayor Brown's State of the City Address. Click here to download the PDF file. (1.4 MB)


Oakland Projects Boost Alameda County Solar Power

The City installed two solar arrays that will generate 1,132kW of power. Click here to read an article that appeared in the April 14, 2006, issue of the East Bay Business Times.


Oakland Ranked as Top U.S. Commerical Real Estate Market

Cushman & Wakefield put Oakland at the top of 55 U.S. commercial real estate markets when it comes to rental growth over two years ending 2007. To read the story that appeared in the San Francisco Business Times on April 7, 2006, click here. To view the media release from Cushman & Wakefield, click here.


Developers Return to Luxury Rentals

With Bay Area home prices at record highs and buyers showing signs of skittishness, some housing developers are betting big bucks on rental housing. To view the full story that appeared in the San Francisco Business Times on March 31, 2006, click here.

MacFarlane, Forest City Finalize Partnership for $187M Uptown Project

MacFarlane Partners of San Francisco and publicly held Forest City Enterprises have finalized their partnership agreement for development of the 665-unit first phase of the Uptown residential project in Downtown Oakland. To read the full story that appeared on GlobeSt.com on March 16, 2006, click here.


Oakland's Happy Hour

What’s turned this sleepy downtown into a budding nightlife scene? Some say the city’s revitalization plans are starting to take root. To read the full story as published in the March 2006 issue of The East Bay Monthly, click here.


Three More Oakland Highrises Planned

To read this story on the continued pace of residential construction downtown that was published in the March 3, 2006, issue of the San Francisco Business Times, click here.


Oakland transit village bears sweet fruit

To read this story on the success of Fruitvale Village that was published in the December 16, 2005, issue of the East Bay Business Times, click here.


Leona Quarry to get a new life as Oakland's biggest subdivision

To read a story on the Leona Quarry project which appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle on October 30, 2005, click here.


Downtown Condo Project Expands Retail, Residential Space

Signature Properties has added close to 75 extra condominiums and 10,000 square feet of new retail to its Broadway Grand development. The project is now slated to include 475 condominiums and 40,000 square feet of retail in a cluster of six- to seven-story buildings around the intersection of Broadway and West Grand Avenue.

Click here to read an article on the enhanced project.


Uptown Project Achieves Major Milestone

Construction of the Uptown residential project in the heart of downtown Oakland began on December 14, 2005, signaling the transformation of the long-underutilized site into a dynamic new neighborhood.

At ceremonies in Oakland, City officials touted the first phase of the Uptown residential project as the centerpiece of Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown’s 10K Downtown Housing Initiative, a transit-oriented development and a key element to reviving a once-storied entertainment district. Uptown is the largest component of the 10K initiative focused on bringing 10,000 new residents to downtown Oakland. The project is a joint venture between Forest City Development and MacFarlane Partners.

To read the full release, click here.

Prentiss Properties Breaks Ground on Spec Office Building

In late 2005, Prentiss Properties broke ground on the nine-story, 215,000 square foot Center Twenty-One building. This is the first speculative commercial project in downtown Oakland since the completion of Shorenstein's 555 City Center in 2002.

Click here to read a story on the project.


SunCal Pays $100.5 million for Oak Knoll

SunCal Cos. has won the auction for the purchase of the 167-acre Oak Knoll property in Oakland. The company spent $100.5 million for the land, which is home to the former Oak Knoll Naval Hospital.

To read an article on the purchase, click here.

UCOP Picks Downtown Oakland Site for New Building

The University of California Office of the President, the administrative operator of the university system, is consolidating five satellite offices after selecting a site in downtown Oakland for a new office building.

Click here to read a story on the annoucement.

Stage and Screen Legend Rita Moreno To Introduce “West Side Story” at Old Oakland Outdoor Cinema on July 16

The highly successful Old Oakland Outdoor Cinema returns for a second season beginning Saturday, July 16, 2005, with a screening of “West Side Story.” Stage and screen legend Rita Moreno, who received an Oscar for her memorable performance as Anita, will introduce the ever-popular classic at 8:00 p.m. The series transforms Washington Street between 10th and 9th streets into an outdoor cinema. Limited seating is available; filmgoers are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets. For more information, call (510) 238-4734 or visit www.filmoakland.com.

For the complete release, click here.

For a high-resolution photo of Ms. Moreno, click here.

The Gatorade Company Announces $20 Million Reinvestment in Oakland

The Gatorade Company (a division of Pepsico) announced it is reinvesting more than $20 million in its Oakland area manufacturing plant. "We're very pleased with the cooperation of state and local officials who helped make Oakland a great environment in which to run our operations," said Gatorade President Chuck Maniscalco. "The plant has a long and proud history thanks to our government partners and our incredible team of 150 employees."

To read the complete media release, click here.

Outdoor Cinema Returns To Historic Old Oakland With Classic And Indie Films

The highly successful Old Oakland Outdoor Cinema returns for a second season beginning Saturday, July 16, 2005, with a screening of “West Side Story.” Rita Moreno, who received a “Best Supporting Actress” Oscar for her memorable performance as Anita, will introduce the ever-popular classic at 8:00 p.m. The series, which presents free screenings once a month from July to October, transforms Washington Street between 10th and 9th streets into an outdoor cinema. All screenings begin at sunset. Limited seating is available; filmgoers are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets. For more information, call (510) 238-4734 or visit www.filmoakland.com.

For the complete media release, click here.


Oakland Coliseum Intercity Rail Platform Opened May 25

A celebration marking the grand opening of the new Oakland Coliseum Intercity Rail Platform was held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 25, 2005. Located at 600 73rd Avenue, off of San Leandro Street, the new $6.6 million facility will be served by AMTRAK’s Capitol Corridor route with 12 trains daily. Passengers using the platform can easily walk to the Coliseum BART station, McAfee Coliseum, Oracle Arena or the AirBART Shuttle to Oakland International Airport via an accessible ramp that connects to a pedestrian bridge.

For the complete media release, click here.

City Celebrates Grand Opening of Third Street Extension

The City of Oakland marked the completion of the Third Street Extension Project with a public grand opening celebration at the corner of Third and Magnolia streets on April 21, 2005. The Third Street Extension Project provides a vital link in the regional Bay Trail connecting the Jack London District to West Oakland’s Mandela Parkway, a thoroughfare which serves as a major entry point into Oakland from Emeryville.

For the complete media release, click here.

Whole Foods Market® Breaks Ground on New Oakland Store Opening Summer 2006

On April 18, 2005, Whole Foods Market, the world’s leading natural and organic foods supermarket and America’s first national “certified organic” grocer, broke ground on its new Oakland store, opening Summer 2006. The store will be the first new major supermarket to open in Oakland in 25 years.

For the complete media release, click here.

California Treasurer Angelides, Oakland Mayor Brown Laud Cal ReUSE Loan Program

On July 22, 2004, California State Treasurer Phil Angelides and Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown visited Fruitvale Transit Village to see first-hand the successful transformation of the area surrounding the Fruitvale BART station into a transit-oriented, mixed-use development in the heart of Oakland’s Fruitvale neighborhood. Treasurer Angelides and Mayor Brown praised Fruitvale Village as an example of the types of projects the California Recycle Underutilized Sites (CalReUSE) program is trying to finance – an infill project that creates a mixed-use community that includes housing, retail and offices and that is also a transportation hub.

For the complete media release, click here.

Mayor Presents Key to First Homeowner at The Telegraph

On July 14, 2004, Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown and Oakland City Council Member Nancy Nadel officiated at the grand opening celebration for The Telegraph, a 45-unit condominium development with 4,910 sq. ft. of commercial space at 2401 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, Calif. Developed by AGI Capital, Inc., The Telegraph’s residences include junior one- and one-bedroom condominiums, some with a spacious study, and feature granite counter tops, maple cabinets, gourmet gas ranges, tiled bathrooms, recessed lighting and washer/dryer hook-ups.

For the complete media release, click here.

Industry Experts To Present Workshops at July 15th Symposium

The 4th Annual Small Business Symposium will feature more than 30 workshops, including several workshops in Spanish and Cantonese, lead by industry experts for current and prospective business owners in the greater Oakland area. Slated for July 15, 2004, the free Symposium will run from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Oakland Marriott City Center, 1000 Broadway. Advance registration is required and may be completed on-line at www.oaklandsmallbusiness.com or by telephone at (510) 986-2855.

For the complete media release, click here.


Oakland Image Campaign Honored by Marketing Association

On May 20, 2004, Oakland City Manager Deborah Edgerly accepted the “Change Master” award presented by the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the American Marketing Association (SFAMA) during its annual Excellence in Marketing Awards celebration. The City of Oakland was recognized for its multi-year marketing campaign to enhance its image as a competitive business location.

For the complete media release, click here.

Elegant Event to Raise Funds for Fox Theater Renovation

A red carpet entrance and flutes of champagne will greet guests as they enter the Fox Oakland Premier Fundraising Gala on Saturday, May 1, 2004. The event, offering live entertainment and fine cuisine from some of Oakland’s finest restaurants, will be held from 7:00 to 11:30 p.m. in downtown Oakland’s historic Rotunda Building at 300 Frank Ogawa Plaza. Tickets are available by calling Ticketmaster at (510) 625-TIXS or the Friends of the Oakland Fox at (510) 869-3519, by visiting the Paramount Theater Box Office at 2025 Broadway and on-line at www.ticketmaster.com. Gala admission tickets are $75.00 per person. Thanks to the generous support of sponsors, ticket proceeds will benefit the renovation of the Fox Oakland Theater.

For the complete media release, click here.

Oakland Addresses Visual Appearance of Commercial Districts

In an effort to improve the visual appeal of Oakland’s commercial districts and to make the districts more inviting to potential shoppers, the Oakland City Council passed the barbed wire and razor wire ordinance (Ordinance No. 12533 C.M.S.) in September 2003. The ordinance bans visible barbed and razor wire in commercial and certain special zones throughout the City. An insert in April’s commercial garbage bills will educate business owners about the ordinance before enforcement begins in September 2004.

For the complete media release, click here.

Oakland Development Boom Awarded Industry Recognition

Several important development projects in Oakland were recognized by the San Francisco Business Times during the annual Real Estate Deals of the Year awards ceremony held last Thursday, March 25, 2004. The annual awards acknowledge the most noteworthy real estate developments and transactions in the counties of San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa and Marin.

For the complete news release, click here.


New Multilingual Line Allows Business Owners to Leave Questions in Five Languages

Recognizing the importance of addressing the concerns of business owners whose native language may not be English, the City of Oakland’s Economic Development Division has installed a new multilingual access line. Callers are able to record their questions in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish or Vietnamese. The telephone number for the Economic Development multilingual line is (510) 238-3089.

For the complete news release, click here.

Oakland Awarded $1 Million State Grant for First-time Homebuyers Mortgage

Assistance Program

The City of Oakland has been awarded a $1 million grant from the California State Department of Housing and Community Development’s CalHome Program. The grant will provide mortgage assistance for approximately 20 first-time homebuyers who are purchasing a home in Oakland.

For the complete news release, click here.

City Joins With Local Merchants to Market Old Oakland Historic District
Marketing Efforts Coincide with Physical Improvements

The City of Oakland's Cultural Arts & Marketing Department has joined with the newly-formed Old Oakland Historic District Business Association (OOHDBA) to promote the district as a shopping, dining and art destination. The enhanced marketing efforts, which include new events, a recently published brochure, improved street signage and beefed up advertising, coincide with a variety of physical improvements in the district.

For the complete news release, click here.

Downtown Oakland Re-Emerges as Apparel Shopping Destination
Recent Openings Expand Retail Options in Oakland

With recent openings and additional stores slated to open in the next few months, downtown Oakland is re-emerging as a destination for apparel shopping. With more than a dozen clothiers offering apparel ranging from sportswear to high fashion attire, this concentration offers a selection that rivals many Bay Area malls.

For the complete news release, click here.

December Employment Picture Continues to Improve

December's preliminary unemployment figures were posted on January 16, 2004, and the news for Oakland was good.  The City's official unemployment rate dropped to 8.51%. This is the lowest monthly rate in Oakland since July 2001, which marked the beginning of a two year period of high unemployment rates. 

There were 6,000 fewer unemployed Oakland residents in December 2003 than in July 2003, which was the high unemployment point of the year. The unemployment rate during that six month period declined 2.72 percentage points. That level of decline was the steepest since at least 1989, and in all likelihood much longer. In ratio terms, the unemployment rate decline 25% during the second half of 2003.

The unemployment rate decline of more than one full percentage point between November and December (from 9.59% to 8.51%) is the largest single month decline since at least 1989. It may be the single largest monthly rate drop in Oakland history. This is a larger drop than Oakland's typical annual December rate decline, and is particularly noteworthy in light of federal rate data which shows unemployment remained flat in December nationwide.

EDD's city-level rate calculation methodology uses proportions of employment found in the 1990 Census. Using unofficial data from the 2000 Census, Oakland's rate is even better, at 8.23% for the month of December.

EDD does not make seasonal adjustments to employment data at anything below a statewide level. Using a rough method of seasonally adjusting City of Oakland data from 2003, the trend for the year shows a steady decline in unemployment throughout the year.

It bears noting that December is historically Oakland's best annual employment month, and as such rates are likely to edge back upwards for January. Nevertheless, the trends seen throughout 2003 suggest that employment conditions in Oakland are poised to continue their improvement through 2004.

Oakland: City of Opportunity

During the annual Building Oakland breakfast hosted by the San Francisco Business Times on December 5, 2003, Interim City Manager Deborah Edgerly delivered a PowerPoint presentation entitled Oakland: City of Opportunity which highlighted recent accomplishments in Workforce Development, Business Attraction, Residential Housing, Commercial Leasing and Redevelopment.  Oakland: City of Opportunity can be downloaded as a PDF file. (5.31 MB)

Whole Foods Market to Open in Oakland
High Quality Grocer Latest Entry in Oakland Retail Surge

The City of Oakland has announced that a long-term lease has been signed to bring a 40,000 square foot Whole Foods Market to the former Cox Cadillac building in Oakland’s Adams Point neighborhood, just east of Broadway near the Uptown area of downtown. Whole Foods, Inc. is the world’s largest retailer of natural and organic foods. The Oakland store is expected to generate approximately 150 full and part-time jobs for area residents. The mixed-use project also includes up to 125 condominium units and a parking garage with 330 stalls.

For the complete news release, click here.

Oakland Clears Way for New Infiniti Dealership
City Sells Four Acres Along I-880; 47 New Jobs Expected

The City of Oakland’s Redevelopment Agency has authorized the sale of two land parcels totaling 4.35 acres on Oakport Street for $3,318,047, or about $17.50 per square foot. The development agreement with the Hendrick Automotive Group calls for the creation of a new Infiniti automobile dealership with 47 new jobs in the areas of management, sales, service, parts and administration. The sale reflects the trend of retailers, including auto dealers, to locate along the I-880 corridor near Hegenberger.

For the complete news release, click here.

Holiday Shopping Opportunities Abound in Oakland
Shopping in Oakland Made Easier with Free Parking, Shoppers’ Contest

Holiday shopping in Oakland? Indeed – hundreds of unique items from around the globe await the eager holiday shopper in 35 diverse neighborhood shopping districts throughout Oakland. Add the convenience of free parking, colorful take-away shopping bags, a shoppers’ contest, plus a host of festive holiday events – and shoppers can actually enjoy this holiday shopping season!

For the complete news release, click here.

Oakland Named Fourth-Best Commercial Real Estate Market in U.S.

Moody's Investors Service's quarterly study of U.S. markets, ranked Oakland as the fourth-best commercial real estate market in the country for the first quarter of 2003. 

The Oakland metro area, which includes Alameda and Contra Costa counties, scored 17 and 16 points higher than San Jose and San Francisco, respectively. 

"Oakland has performed much better than other California markets, and we see considerable momentum for the area going into the second half of the year," said Thomas Irish, president of Transpacific Development Co., whose 27-story Lake Merritt Plaza office tower in Oakland is 91 percent leased.

Third Annual Small Business Symposium

Oakland Councilmember Larry Reid (District 7) hosted the Third Annual Small Business Symposium on Thursday, June 26, 2003, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Oakland Marriott City Center . Highlights included a full roster of 36 workshops, a luncheon keynote address by Patricia A. Means, publisher of Turning Point Magazine, and the Avant! Foundation’s Annual Magic Awards. With registration at maximum capacity for the third consecutive year, the Symposium was attended by more than 600 existing and prospective business owners from the greater Oakland metropolitan area.

“This symposium is designed to provide entrepreneurs with the tools to survive and thrive in today’s economy,” said Councilmember Reid, founder of the annual event. “This year, exciting new workshops have been designed especially for youth and women entrepreneurs.” The day-long Youth Entrepreneurship Workshop taught 50 aspiring young entrepreneurs the basics in starting and owning their own businesses. In addition, multiple workshops and panel discussions addressed the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women entrepreneurs.

A major highlight was the luncheon keynote speaker, Patricia A. Means, publisher of Turning Point Magazine and a nationally-recognized advocate for small business development. Means began publishing the popular magazine in 1992, and marked its 10 th anniversary by expanding distribution nationwide. Today, Turning Point Magazine is positioned as the nation’s No. 1 information and resource provider for African American small business owners.

Immediately preceding the luncheon keynote address, the Avant! Foundation presented $10,000 grants to each of this year’s 15 MAGIC Award recipients. Designed to identify and reward individuals who have made a significant contribution to their communities, the MAGIC Awards drew more than 500 nominations from throughout the entire Bay Area. The Avant! Foundation administers the awards as a way of saying thanks and encouraging others to become involved in community work.

Presented by the City of Oakland , the Third Annual Small Business Symposium was sponsored by Allstate Financial Services, Wells Fargo, the City’s Community and Economic Development Agency and the Port of Oakland.

Transit-Oriented Development Summit
On March 28, 2003, the Community and Economic Development Agency brought together more than 150 local developers and owners of properties designated by the City of Oakland as potential sites for transit-oriented residential and mixed-use development. A major success, the first-ever Transit-Oriented Development Summit was designed to help property owners increase their investment while enhancing the Oakland community. The Oakland residential market remains very strong. Demand is steady as the need for Bay Area housing continues to accelerate. Mayor Jerry Brown's drive for 10,000 new downtown residents is coming to fruition and scores of housing units are in the pipeline all over Oakland. These market conditions, combined with the City's pursuit of infill residential and mixed-use development along major transit corridors, have brought about an exciting opportunity for both developers and property owners. The March 28 summit offered property owners a preview of transit-oriented development opportunities in Oakland and a chance to meet residential and mixed-use developers who may have an interest in either purchasing property or partnering with property owners to improve Oakland's neighborhoods. The Summit set the wheels in motion for multiple development projects along Oakland 's major transit corridors. Numerous development opportunities continue to abound throughout Oakland - and there is still time to get in on the ground floor. Investment in Oakland is at an all time high with more than 60 major development projects underway or recently completed - and more are on the horizon! We invite you to explore myriad development opportunities that wait you here in Oakland - and have streamlined city government to ensure that projects move quickly through the development process. To get the ball rolling on your development deal here in Oakland, please contact Dan Vanderpriem at dvanderpriem@oaklandnet.com or (510) 637-0241.   Oakland Now:  Special Issue on Transit-Oriented Development (downloadable PDF)
Oakland Neighborhoods Propel San Francisco’s Ranking Among Top Ten Places to Live in America
Montclair, Rockridge Neighborhoods Cited in 2002 Money Magazine Survey NOVEMBER 2002 - Two Oakland neighborhoods – Rockridge and Montclair – were cited in Money magazine’s 2002 survey that ranks San Francisco among the top ten places to live in the U.S. In the annual survey released Tuesday, both neighborhoods were recognized as “alternatives for people who want a big city lifestyle without the big city expenses.” “Oakland is the best kept secret in the Bay Area,” commented Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown, who is pleased that Oakland is beginning to be recognized as an asset to the entire Bay Area region. “This is a fabulous place to live.” The survey highlights the two Oakland neighborhoods, noting that “Montclair, in the lower Oakland Hills, is a neighborhood of attractive older homes – it was largely spared in the 1991 wildfire farther uphill – where houses can still be had for under $500,000. Rockridge is a similarly bucolic, tree-shaded area, but pricier because it straddles the border with Berkeley.” For this first time, the annual survey focused on the neighborhoods and suburbs that make the top 10 cities great. Money reporters went into top 10 cities to discover outlying neighborhoods that are small, attractive parts of the whole region. The reporters sought neighborhoods with attractive streetscapes, good schools, community spirit and plentiful recreation with “an eye toward affordability.” In addition, residents, real estate agents and business people were queried about where they live, as well as where they wish they could live. For the whole story, visit Money.

Oakland Completes Deal with Army for Oakland Army Base
OCTOBER 3, 2002 - Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown announced that the United States Army has agreed to transfer the former Oakland Army Base to the City at no cost. “We still have some hurdles ahead,” said Mayor Brown, “but after marathon discussions we are now in a position to complete the toxic clean-up and prepare the base for maritime and commercial uses. This will bring hundreds of millions of dollars to the local economy and create thousands of jobs.” The City envisions a major expansion of the Port of Oakland’s marine terminal facilities and a new commercial “Gateway” development near the Bay Bridge touchdown that will provide a signature entryway into Oakland. Together, the projects will generate more than 8,000 new jobs. The City will receive approximately 366 acres of the 425-acre base through a no-cost Economic Development Conveyance (EDC) from the Army. The no-cost mechanism, initiated by the administration in 1999, allows recipients of former military bases to realize the economic benefits of the properties by directing resources into development rather than purchase. The military branch realizes savings by avoiding prolonged maintenance and caretaker expenses. The City's Redevelopment Agency and the Port of Oakland will each develop significant portions of the base. Following deed transfer from the Army, the City will convey approximately 230 acres, including 56 submerged acres, to the Port, according to the terms of an agreement signed by the two agencies. Part of the City’s transfer agreement that was signed in late September is a commitment from the Army to fund $13 million for the costs of environmental remediation, which the City will conduct post-conveyance. The Environmental Services Cooperative Agreement (ESCA) codifies the agreement. The agreement allows the conveyance of the base from the Army to proceed by transferring the Army’s cleanup responsibilities to the City. State regulators agreed to a cleanup plan that will be consistent with planned uses, known as the Brownfields approach. Oakland Army Base was slated for closure by the federal Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) in 1995. The Army closed the base in 1999. Since then, OBRA has operated a highly-successful leasing program, with approximately 70 tenants occupying some 3 million square feet of space. Leasing revenues will help OBRA with the costs of developing the property. The base was commissioned by the Army in 1941.

Oakland Army Base Receives $2.4 Million Federal EDA Grant
SEPTEMBER 23, 2002 - Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Dr. David A. Sampson will announce a federal public works grant of $2.4 million for the Oakland Base Reuse Authority (OBRA) when he visits Oakland on Monday, September 23, 2002, to give the lunchtime keynote address at the annual conference of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The $2.4 million grant award from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) is the federal share of a $3.2 million public works project. The federal grant will allow OBRA to design and engineer the core infrastructure for the city’s planned Gateway Development Area at the former Oakland Army Base. OBRA is the local reuse authority charged with planning reuse of the base.

Oakland’s High Tech Job Growth Highest in State
SEPTEMBER 2002 - Silicon Valley may be down, but the number of high tech jobs in Oakland grew 2.7 percent in 2001, according to a new survey of the state's high-tech economy released in September 2002 by the American Electronics Association. Oakland’s growth rate was the best in the state. The survey of eight regions, from Sacramento to San Diego, found that while San Jose was the leading "cybercity" in the state the number of tech companies in Oakland grew 57 percent from 1995 to 2000. This is the second highest growth rate in the state. The cost of doing business in San Jose and San Francisco is driving more tech companies to Oakland. As a result, the city's tech employment continues to rise.