COUNCIL LEADS BUS TOUR OF OAKLAND DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

With new leadership and increasing signs Oakland is on the cusp of a sustained economic upswing, the Bay Area Council this week (Jan. 29) convened and led a group of 80 real estate developers, investors and other business leaders on a bus and walking tour of key development sites around the city. Interest in Oakland opportunities is so great there was a waiting list to join the tour. The Bay Area Council, along with the San Francisco Housing Action Coaltion, led the group on tours of three sites where the city has pre-approved plans that can speed investment and development of residential and commercial projects.

The tour kicked off with a stop at Oakland City Hall, where Mayor Libby Schaaf welcomed the group and declared that Oakland is open for business and ready to work with investors, developers and others to stir economic growth across the city. Oakland Planning Director Rachel Flynn served as tour guide, describing the various sites and answering questions. The tour concluded with a lunch hosted by Wendel Rosen Black & Dean. The Council will be following up with developers and investors to facilitate meetings with city officials about potential projects. Our thanks to Bauers IT for providing the bus. To engage in the Council’s housing and development policy work, contact Vice President Matt Regan.