Economic Revitalization and Small Business Support
Oakland's economy is gaining momentum — from major companies relocating to the city, to a booming restaurant scene that earned Oakland the title of "Number 1 Food City in America" by readers from Conde Nast Traveler, with record number of restaurant participation in Visit Oakland’s Restaurant Week 2026, to a tech sector that has attracted $3.8 billion in venture capital in the East Bay.
Key investments and openings are reshaping Oakland's neighborhoods: Samuel Merritt University opened a $240 million downtown campus bringing 2,500 students and staff daily, the historic Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts reopened, and Mosswood Recreation Center was restored after nearly a decade of closure. The City also approved 25% more Special Events Permits than the prior year, driving foot traffic and commerce across Oakland's commercial corridors.
Mayor Lee’s administration streamlined permitting to make it easier to do business in Oakland — cutting zoning clearance times from 22 days to 9, launching same-day digital permits with 20-minute turnaround for eligible projects, and doubling ADU approvals while cutting approval times in half. These reforms, combined with investments in green business, arts and culture, and neighborhood commercial corridors, reflect Mayor Lee's commitment to an Oakland where economic growth creates real opportunity for every resident.
Major Investments and Economic Momentum
Oakland named “Number 1 Food City in America” by the readers of Conde Nast Magazine
East Bay tech sector attracted $3.8 billion in venture capital
Oakland selected as the Bay Area’s official NFL Super Bowl Watch Party host city
Samuel Merritt University opened $240 million downtown campus
After 20 years, the historic Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts reopened
Mosswood Recreation Center reopened after nearly a decade
Increased Special Event permits by 25%
Streamlining Government and Supporting Business
Reduced zoning approval times from 22 days to 9 days
Met with Australian Embassy representatives and federal officials to coordinate preparations for hosting the Australian National Football Team during FIFA World Cup 2026
Launched same-day digital permits
Doubled ADU approvals
Expanded green business and tech sector initiatives
Created Economic Activation Zone strategies
Green Economy
Awarded $35 million from the highly competitive State of California Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program to support the development of green, resilient affordable housing and transportation in Oakland’s Chinatown and Downtown neighborhoods. (from our office’s press release December 18, 2025)
Integrated electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at their facility in Oakland's San Antonio neighborhood. The site now has capacity for 17 electric vans to be charged using solar power. Partners supporting this $1M project included regional agencies Bay Area Air District and PG&E; community development finance organization Pacific Community Ventures; the LA Cleantech Incubator; and innovative technology provider Port Power. The chargers will be shared with Community Kitchens, which acquired an all-electric, refrigerated delivery van. This project advances the City of Oakland’s Equitable Climate Action Plan (ECAP) and Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Action Plan, which place local businesses, health, and environmental justice at the forefront of climate action.
Intergovernmental advocacy and partnerships
Washington, D.C. Advocacy
Advanced Oakland’s federal policy priorities by meeting with members of Congress, committee staff, and federal agencies to advocate for programs that are working, identify barriers impacting cities, and elevate areas where Oakland needs additional federal partnership and support
While Mayor Lee served in Congress, she championed an earmark for Operation Ceasefire. Through her steadfast advocacy for this proven violence-reduction strategy, she helped persuade Congresswoman Lateefah Simon to carry the earmark — resulting in over a $1Million award to the City of Oakland’s Department of Violence Prevention for implementation
Advanced programmatic and language requests during the federal appropriations process to help ensure critical federal funding streams remain accessible, flexible, and responsive to Oakland’s needs
Strengthened relationships with congressional offices, national organizations, and committee staff to bolster Oakland’s long-term ability to compete for federal resources and advance the City’s legislative platform
Sacramento Advocacy
Advocated alongside Big City Mayors for $1 billion in Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) funding to support cities responding to the homelessness crisis
Hosted legislative roundtables with state legislators and committee staff to elevate Oakland’s Homelessness Strategic Action Plan and five-point homelessness response strategy
Testified before the Senate Budget Subcommittee on homelessness funding, HHAP oversight, and Oakland’s needs
Participated in Big City Mayors Advocacy Day, meeting with legislators and the Governor’s Administration to advocate for Oakland and statewide urban priorities
Met with State Treasurer Fiona Ma and CDLAC staff to advocate for tax credit and financing regulation changes that better position Oakland affordable housing developments to compete for state housing resources
Worked alongside Councilmembers, County Supervisors, regional agencies, and advocacy coalitions to strengthen Oakland’s influence in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.
Public-Private Partnerships
Established the One Oakland Fund in July, 2025, with the East Bay Community Foundation to advance priorities in public safety, homelessness solutions, trash and illegal dumping, economic development, and governance and financial accountability
Partnered with philanthropy and corporations to bring in over 50 grants and donations totalling $2.7 million for Oaklanders’ priority areas and major event activations at City Hall
Worked with the Big 4 to continue $2 million in public safety
Worked with the Kapor Foundation to secure $2.14 million direct to Oakland’s tech ecosystem for building Oakland’s tech sector
Launched inaugural Oakland Tech Week to showcase City’s growing innovation ecosystem November 17 - 21, 2025
Committed to fundraise $2 million in as part of a multi-county, public-private partnership initiative led by the San Francisco Foundation to raise $10 million for the Stand Together Bay Area Fund which provides urgent financial assistance to individuals and families facing increased and aggressive federal immigration enforcement.
Partnered with 18 employers to advertise 500+ jobs to over 1200 job seekers in the inaugural Hire Oakland Job Fair
Partnered with philanthropy, sports teams, labor, nonprofits, and businesses supporting Oakland communities to revitalize Oakland’s economy