Economic Development That Lasts

By Aimee Allison

Oakland needs a plan for its long-term economic health that combines both principles of sustainability and takes advantages of opportunities for growth. We need to make sure that Oakland residents don't get left behind.

Oakland's strengths -- a major port, unique neighborhoods, and diverse population -- can be leveraged with sound implementation of an economic development plan. Lasting economic development should not stop at downtown + our neighborhood business districts and industrial lands need economic development resources to create living wage jobs for Oaklanders. However, real economic development will not be achieved by accident. It requires careful planning, clear goals and standards, and rigorous accountability.

My solutions:
- Reinstate city staff eliminated in 2004 to implement a solid and balanced economic development plan that takes into account existing industry.
- Require public reporting on results of city development investments.
- Adopt a plan to attract retail that will include development of key neighborhood business districts like the Grand Lake, Eastlake, Chinatown, and 23rd Avenue.
- Require that development projects funded by public money include provisions for affordable housing, union jobs, project labor agreements, and community benefits.
- Encourage Oaklanders to develop independent businesses.
- Provide marketing and promotions grant and loans to merchant associations.
- Address parking issues and city use of parking meters.
- Encourage successful, well run small businesses to open a second or third site in Oakland (e.g. coffee shops/restaurants).