Downtown Oakland is the heart, soul, and economic engine of our great city. It has long been the place where residents and visitors from all walks of life gather to work, live, play, and create. The area accounts for over 60 percent of Oakland’s workforce and is the largest contributor of tax dollars to the city, helping fund critical infrastructure and programs across the entire city.
Yet Downtown Oakland finds itself at a crossroads, buoyed by the entry of new corporations, start-up businesses, and residents, yet facing challenges related to a reduction in the daytime workforce and increased crime and blight.
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It is to this end that a small group was formed in early 2023 to bring together a cross-section of Downtown stakeholders, including corporations, non-profit organizations, real estate developers/owners, and local merchants with an interest in fostering relationships and dialogue.
Since its initial meeting in April 2023, this group has:
- Successfully advocated for $500,000 downtown public safety funding, which resulted in an equal investment for the Fruitvale and Hegenberger commercial corridors as well.
- Established partnership agreements, a service area boundary, membership, and a formalized structure.
- Engaged a respected public safety professional to lead the integration of technology solutions.
- Secured matching financial commitments to execute safety coordination.
- Established a direct line of communication with City Hall and the Mayor's office.
This initial effort has now culminated in the formation of the Downtown Oakland Partnership, in an effort to broaden the set of stakeholder organizations working collectively towards the success of Downtown Oakland.
The ongoing and future work of this group will include the identification and advocacy of critical issues and opportunities to create the safe, vibrant, and diverse commercial corridor that’s needed for Oakland’s economy to flourish.