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ASSISTANCE & TRAINING | INCUBATORS | IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS | REAL ESTATE
Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization Program

Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization Program

 The City of Oakland offers a variety of programs and services to transform older neighborhood commercial areas into viable and vital shopping districts. The City of Oakland’s Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization Program focuses on creating partnerships with small businesses, property owners and community organizations to improve the physical and economic condition of neighborhood commercial districts. The following programs and services are available:

  • Commercial Property Facade Improvement Program This program offers matching grants (one to one) up to $10,000 per building, to businesses and property owners, for approved exterior renovations. Free architectural services are provided to ensure that every project improves the physical appearance of the commercial district.
  • Merchant Association Assistance/Organizational Development Various types of assistance are available to merchant groups to develop and strengthen merchants association. These include planning and attending monthly meetings, meeting facilitation and organizational development. This program also provides information and referrals to city programs and services available to small businesses.
  • Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization District Plans Assistance is available to community organizations to develop comprehensive plans that reflect the community’s vision for revitalization of the neighborhood commercial district. The plans will provide a framework for revitalization and include an economic development strategy for the area. Recommendations for physical improvements, real estate development opportunities and identification of small business opportunities will be included in the district plans.
  • Neighborhood Windows Project Windows of vacant and underutilized commercial buildings are used to display works of local artists in conjunction with the facade improvement program. The intent of the Neighborhood Windows Project is to enhance the appearance of vacant properties and showcase local talent.
  • Main Street Program The Main Street Program is a national and state program that uses a four-point approach for revitalization of commercial districts. The approach includes economic restructuring, promotion, design and organization. The Fruitvale Main Street Program is the first demonstration site in Oakland.
  • Oakland Merchants Leadership Forum The Oakland Merchants Leadership Forum is an organization representing merchant associations throughout the City. The Forum serves as a clearinghouse for information on city programs and services for small businesses. Marketing grants are available to eligible merchant associations to develop business directories.

For more information, contact Stephanie Floyd-Johnson, at (510) 238-3695.