Our Economy

The things I love the most about Oakland are the beautiful flowers and plants which grow year round and are amazing in their diversity, just like the people. I love the weather here, too. Our weather, a Mediterranean climate, has been called the best in the country. These are big reasons why I feel very secure about the future of Oakland's economy. We will be able to restore our aging infrastructure and thrive because people want to live here.

Already, there are 75,000 workers in downtown Oakland, with 6000 more jobs to be created by the year 2000. 25 high tech companies are now based here, and we are working to attract many more. Downtown, there is an extensive fiber optic network already in place which will serve us well into the next century.

Oakland has been a major transportation center for more than 100 years. We have a first rate airport, railroad network, and port, which adds up to a strong economy. Health care, telecommunications, food processing, retail and entertainment industries are now moving to Oakland. Kmart, Ross Stores, Office Depot, MacFrugals, Toys R Us and Sears and other have recently come here..

New entertainment, recreation and sports venues such as the nine screen Jack London Cinema, Yoshi's Jazz Club, and the Cirque Du Soleil are are part of an extensive plan for an Entertainment District.

You can find more about the following resources on the main Oakland Homepage. However, I want to give you a brief overview of the benefits Oakland offers.

BUSINESS RESOURCES

Businesses interested in relocating to Oakland have a variety of sources to tap for assistance. Our Community and Economic Development Agency (CEDA) will help your company get local, state and federal business loans and grants. CEDA will help you obtain permits, licenses and site locations, and expedite your relocation process. The Oakland Redevelopment Agency directs public and private development through the use of funds from tax increments, grants and bonds.

CALIFORNIA ENTERPRISE ZONE BENEFITS

The Oakland Enterprise Zone, created by the State Legislature, is one of the largest urban zones in California, covering more than 27 square miles, and including over 7,000 businesses. It enables businesses within the zone to reduce State business income tax through a variety of tax credits. There is no certification process. All businesses located within the zone are eligible for Zone benefits.

For more information, please call (510)238-6430.

OAKLAND-BERKELEY RECYCLING MARKET DEVELOPMENT ZONE (RMDZ)

The RMDZ was designated by the Integrated Waste Management Board to foster markets for recyclables. Businesses located within the Zone that use recyclable materials are eligible to receive incentives such as loan and grant packages, tax credits, technical assistance, national and international marketing opportunities.

Since 1993, the RMDZ has packaged $2.6 million in loans and grants for local recycling businesses, and has generated over $6 million in investment.

For more information, please call (510) 238-3625.

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

The Business Employment and Training Connection (BETC) forges a relationship between businesses and training agencies to assist employers in filling their hiring needs, and to get valuable tax credits and incentives.

Our First Source Employment Referral Program provides employers recruitment, screening, testing and interview scheduling with no cost to the employer.

The Local Construction Employment Program refers skilled construction workers that are Oakland residents to contractors within three working days of the request.

For more information about Employment Services, please call. 238-7353

ONE STOP CAPITAL SHOP

The One Stop is a joint partnership between the City of Oakland, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and several private lending institutions.

For more information, call 238-3703

COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY CLUSTER

Located in a desirable historic building in the center of downtown Oakland, the Communications Technology Cluster provides emerging businesses short term affordable lease rates, shared conference facilities, office equipment, and other business services.

For more information, please call (510) 238-6252

OAKLAND HIGHER EDUCATION CENTER

The Oakland Higher Education Center offers courses from 16 universities and colleges including UC Berkeley, California State University at Hayward, University of San Francisco, Mills College and others.

Located close to the 12th Street BART Station at the Plaza Level of 1333 Broadway, the Center offers more than 130 professional development classes each quarter. There is a resource center and a computer lab located there as well.

For more information, please call (510) 238-3150