News

Today, the City of Oakland and multiple community partners marked the second year of implementation of the “Better Neighborhoods, Same Neighbors” (BNSN) Initiative by providing a progress update. Funded by a $28.2 million Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) grant from the California Strategic Growth Council, the Initiative brought together the City of Oakland, multiple community organizations, residents and business owners to implement five projects across four transformative elements in a five-square-mile area in deep East Oakland.

In Oakland, officials said structural racism has led to a public health crisis. Black and brown people face poorer health outcomes compared to white residents, the staff report said

The City of Oakland recently awarded approximately $37.5 million to support the development of 249 deeply affordable housing rental units to continue its efforts to address Oakland’s affordable housing crisis. These housing units will serve low and extremely low-income Oakland households earning between 20-60% of Area Median Income (AMI), including 133 units of Permanent Supportive Housing/ Homeless units to help those Oaklanders experiencing homelessness.

Mayor Libby Schaaf and the Selection Panel for the Police Commission announced the opening of the application process to serve on the Oakland Police Commission. The Selection Panel will seek to make appointments that reflect Oaklanders’ diversity of experiences, especially individuals from communities experiencing the most frequent contact with the police.

Today, the City of Oakland announced a new cohort of 10 Cultural Strategists-in-Government (CSIG) that will embed in seven different entities in the City. The program is a partnership between the City’s Cultural Affairs Division and the Oakland Fund for Public Innovation, with funding for 7 of the 10 individuals provided by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

The Oakland Children’s Initiative (Measure AA) is a 2018 Charter Amendment passed by the residents of Oakland to deepen our investment in early childhood education and college access. It will leverage approximately $30 million in annual revenue to dramatically expand access and the quality of preschool for Oakland children, as well as significantly increase college enrollment and college graduation rates. The Measure establishes the Childrens’ Initiative Oversight Commission to be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council to provide oversight, accountability, and analysis for the distribution of funds and execution of programming.

The Oakland City Council has modified its proof of vaccination ordinance, lifting previous vaccination requirements to enter indoor public locations such as restaurants and bars, entertainment venues, recreation centers, gyms and fitness centers, City Hall, theaters, and museums.

Under the new ordinance, people entering senior centers and assisted living facilities will still be required to show proof of vaccination upon entry.

The City of Oakland has been awarded $11.1 million of Homekey funding to acquire and convert the Inn by the Coliseum motel into housing that will address the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. Located on Coliseum Way near the Oakland Coliseum, Inn by the Coliseum will offer 36 units of housing and wrap-around services for people experiencing chronic homelessness.

Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development is pleased to announce that Frances Bienati has been selected as Oakland’s 2022 Mother of the Year.

The Deeply Rooted Youth Fellowship is recruiting young leaders to help with community outreach and engagement for the Oakland General Plan update. Fellows will learn city planning concepts and tools and build leadership skills through hands-on work, including speaking at community meetings/events, hosting pop-ups, social media outreach, and more!