Oakland is a global center. The global economy is experiencing fundamental changes, including technological advances, manufacturing sector shifts, changes in the distribution and sale of goods, the movement toward a knowledge-based economy, and evolving resource limitations. This ever-changing economy creates opportunities and challenges that impact the residents and businesses of Oakland, Pittsburgh, and the surrounding region.

Oakland has a rich foundation of local assets that generate business and constributes to the larger region. The economy in Oakland needs to continue to grow and innovate, and people of color and indigenous people must have physical, personal and institutional access to this growth. This means developing and supporting an economic climate that helps sustain and nourish businesses. It means addressing the growing racial disparities in Oakland by identifying barriers that have reduced access to economic opportunities and by developing projects and programs that ensure people of color can participate, compete in and succeed in the economy – ultimately ensuring that the growth of Oakland benefits everyone.

What are goals?

Goals are long-term outcomes that organizations and the City of Pittsburgh will work towards by taking action on policies, projects, and programs. Goals are aspirational in nature and express the neighborhood's collective desires and values for various topics in the plan. Compared to the policies in the section below, goals can encompass many different ideas and desires whereas policies focus on one specific topic. The goals below are organized as specified in the City's Neighborhood Plan Guide.

D3. Equitable Economic Development

  • D3.A Welcoming Oakland. Oakland's institutions, non-profit organizations, businesses, residents, and students work proactively to welcome BIPOC, LGBTQ, immigrant and refugee, and disabled people to live, work, study, invest in businesses, and play in the community.

D4. Housing

  • D4.A Jobs and housing for all. Residents have access to career services and opportunities that allow them to work in good paying jobs in their neighborhood, and Oakland’s low income employees and students have access to affordable housing that allows them to walk to work or school.
  • D4.C Housing Diversity. Ensure a mix of rental and for-sale owner-occupied housing is available for residents at a wide range of income levels, providing a variety of affordable options for all residents.

I7. Digital Network

  • 17.A Meet all technology needs. Students and other residents have access to the technology and internet they need to succeed.

M1. Transit Service and Stations

  • M1.A Maximize the value of shuttles and transit. Maximize the value of shuttles and transit. Public and institutional transportation services are part of an efficient system that serves both economic development and resident needs.
  • M1.B Oakland as transit hub. Oakland is a hub of the regional transit system, on par with downtown, to ensure equitable access to the jobs and activities that are growing here.

What are policies?

Policies set a preferred direction and describe what must be done to achieve the goals in the section above. Where goals can have many elements that relate to a central theme, policies should have one clear focus. They are specific enough that future projects can be assessed to determine if they would advance the values in the plan or run counter to them. Along with the vision statement, and goals, policies are formally adopted by the City's Planning Commission. The policies below are organized as specified in the City's Neighborhood Plan Guide.

D3. Equitable economic development

  • Access and influence. Ensure communities of color and immigrants are part of social and business networks and represented in leadership positions in Oakland.
  • Minority and immigrant business focus. Prioritize tenanting of minority, women, and immigrant business enterprises, particularly by local residents, in ground floor spaces on commercial corridors.
  • Access to careers. Regularly study and address barriers to participation for underrepresented communities in Oakland’s career opportunities at major employers.

D4. Housing

  • Frontline and low income worker housing. Create housing that meets the needs of Oakland’s frontline and low income workers.

I7. Digital network

  • Expand free internet. Provide free wifi in open spaces and through infrastructure investments to expand access to the internet throughout the neighborhood.
  • Knowledge and comfort with technology. Ensure all Oakland residents receive trainings and support that gives them the basic knowledge of technology they need to access jobs and services.

What are the projects and programs?

The projects and programs are a shared "To Do" list where the community and government identify the projects they want to undertake over the next 10 years to make the vision a reality. Many of the ideas you see below are the result of ideas from people in Oakland, supported by research and case studies, and now ready for your review and inclusion in the final plan.

Dig into the details

In the lists below, you'll get a title, brief description, and information about how the project or program could be realized including when it should start, by whom, and potential funding sources. For many of the ideas below there is "Learn More" button that takes you to a page full of details, drawings, illustrations, and specific ways to provide comments on that strategy. We highly recommend you dig into the details to see what your fellow Oaklanders came up with.

C-3. Zoning for child care services

Amend the Zoning Code to allow child care services in all parts of Oakland.

  • When to start: 0-2 years -- Part of the Oakland Plan Zoning Proposals
  • Project lead(s): DCP
  • Project partner(s): Not specified
  • Potential funding source(s): None needed

D-1. Community Reinvestment Fund -- CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Establish a City Trust Fund that can receive payments from the Equitable Development Performance Point in the Zoning Code. This fund should be managed by the Department of City Planning in partnership with a community board that makes recommendations on investments that benefit all of Oakland.

  • When to start: 0-2 years
  • Project lead(s): DCP
  • Project partner(s): City Council
  • Potential funding source(s): None needed

D-11. Wayfinding for neighborhood businesses

Create wayfinding system and promotional programs to drive foot traffic, cyclists, other visitors to local businesses, particularly when they are off the major corridors. Think about visitors to Oakland including patients and families, what they are looking for, how they get around, and how this can support local business development.



  • When to start: 3-5 years
  • Project lead(s): OBID
  • Project partner(s): None specified
  • Potential funding source(s): City Capital Budget, grants

I-3. Data at community service hubs

Provide high speed internet access at community service hubs and build on workforce development programs such as Rec 2 Tech that can be offered there.



  • When to start: 0-2 years
  • Project lead(s): DPW, Department of Innovation and Performance
  • Project partner(s): None specified
  • Potential funding source(s): City Capital Budget, grants

What are the projects and programs?

The projects and programs are a shared "To Do" list where the community and government identify the projects they want to undertake over the next 10 years to make the vision a reality. Many of the ideas you see below are the result of ideas from people in Oakland, supported by research and case studies, and now ready for your review and inclusion in the final plan.

Dig into the details

In the lists below, you'll get a title, brief description, and information about how the project or program could be realized including when it should start, by whom, and potential funding sources. For many of the ideas below there is "Learn More" button that takes you to a page full of details, drawings, illustrations, and specific ways to provide comments on that strategy. We highly recommend you dig into the details to see what your fellow Oaklanders came up with.

C7. Community service hubs -- CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Combine community centers, daycares, career services, educational programming, and free wifi in a single location.
  • When to start: 0-2 years
  • Project lead(s): DCP, DPW, City Council
  • Project partner(s): Citiparks, OPDC, PID, institutions, neighborhood associations
  • Potential funding source(s): City Capital Budget, institutions, grants

C-13. Live-work spaces for artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives

Clarifying or supporting existing strategy
C-13.
Work with non-profit organizations, institutions, developers, and property owners to create studio and/or live-work spaces for artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives throughout Oakland. Locations in highly visible locations on major corridors should be prioritized.
  • When to start: Ongoing
  • Project lead(s): Arts and design committee, OBID, OPDC, institutions
  • Project partner(s): Developers, property owners, OPA
  • Potential funding source(s): Allegheny Regional Asset District, OPA

C-14. Micro-grants for community building -- CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Create a grant program that identifies micro-level community-led projects that support innovative, inclusive, resident-serving urban experiences in Oakland.
  • When to start: 3-5 years
  • Project lead(s): OPDC, OTG
  • Project partner(s): Equitable Development Committee, institutions, neighborhood associations
  • Potential funding source(s): Community Reinvestment Fund, institutions, foundations

C-19. Scale up childcare services -- CLICK TO LEARN MORE

Establish program with institutions and other major employers to scale up the provision of child care throughout Oakland as a talent attraction and retention tool that benefits residents. Solutions should consider after school tutoring and activities to support children of all ages in Oakland and supplement academic programs.
  • When to start: 3-5 years
  • Project lead(s): Trying Together, OPDC, UPMC
  • Project partner(s): Institutions, OBID
  • Potential funding source(s): Federal infrastructure bill, institutions

D-12. Collaborate on local tenanting efforts

Establishing a committee that focuses on local business tenanting, shares experiences and resources, defines goals and tracks progress. Build on recent work by OBID, OPDC, and UPMC to tenant local businesses by expanding this effort across all commercial property owners and relevant non-profit organizations, particularly the institutions.
  • When to start: 0-2 years
  • Project lead(s): OBID
  • Project partner(s): OPDC, PID, PHDC, institutions
  • Potential funding source(s): None needed

D-13. Community reinvestment board -- CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Establish a board to work with the Department of City Planning to spend money from the new City Trust Fund proposed to receive funds from the Equitable Development Performance Point and potentially other sources.
  • When to start: 0-2 years
  • Project lead(s): DCP
  • Project partner(s): Oakland organizations, Partners4Work, Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation, Vibrant Pittsburgh, URA
  • Potential funding source(s): Developers, bonds, grants, City Capital Budget, foundations

D-14. Diversity, equity, and inclusion principles

Establish shared targets and/or principles among institutions and major employers for hiring local firms, MWDBE firms, Oakland residents, and tenanting local businesses. Any project seeking funds from public sector or Oakland organizations or on institutional or public lands should meet these goals. Base proposals on best practices elsewhere to ensure targets are meaningful and enforceable to create accountability. Meeting these objectives will require mentorship programs and other work to build up the pipeline of these businesses.
  • When to start: 3-5 years
  • Project lead(s): City of Pittsburgh, OBID, institutions, major employers, OPDC
  • Project partner(s): PID
  • Potential funding source(s): None needed

D-16. Equitable development committee

Establish a workforce committee with all providers and major employers to continually share practices, opportunities, work together to launch new initiatives, share opportunities with residents. Map and understand the workforce pipeline programs in place, what works, what doesn’t, and the gaps. The main goal should to connect residents and their children to opportunities.
  • When to start: 0-2 years
  • Project lead(s): Partners4Work, PID
  • Project partner(s): DCP, URA, institutions, foundations, major STEM employers, OPDC, resident representatives, other education and training partners
  • Potential funding source(s): None needed

D-17. Global District -- CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Support and grow an inclusive district on Fifth and Forbes Avenues where there is a strong market for global food and grocery types. Proactively match spaces with businesses that reinforce and grow the multi-cultural nature of this corridor's business community.

  • When to start: 0-2 years
  • Project lead(s): OBID, URA, DCP
  • Project partner(s): Institutions, student associations, PID, PHDC
  • Potential funding source(s): Community Reinvestment Fund, foundations, grants

D-18. Land use strategy -- CLICK TO LEARN MORE

Implement land use strategy through rezoning projects.
  • When to start: Ongoing
  • Project lead(s): DCP
    Project partner(s): None identified
  • Potential funding source(s): City Capital Budget, grants

D-20. Opportunities for Hispanic businesses

Implement the findings of the Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation that show Oakland is the most desirable location for Pittsburgh’s Hispanic entrepreneurs to start businesses. Overcome barriers to entry including lack of space, high rents, and language barriers.
  • When to start: 0-2 years
  • Project lead(s): OBID, PHDC, University of Pittsburgh Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence
    Project partner(s): PID
  • Potential funding source(s): Community Reinvestment Fund, foundations, grants

D-23. Support local businesses

Expand programs to support entrepreneurs and existing business through by providing a range of services including help with business plans, business structure, and business-to-business networks. The program should build up connections with MWBEs. Provide program and resources in multiple languages and proactively advertise opportunities through immigrant networks.
  • When to start: 3-5 years
  • Project lead(s): OBID, University of Pittsburgh Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence
  • Project partner(s): PID
  • Potential funding source(s): Community Reinvestment Fund, foundations, grants

M-18. Transit pass purchasing

Create program that allows employers, developers, and other organizations to make transit pass purchases at a discount.
  • When to start: 3-5 years
  • Project lead(s): PAAC
  • Project partner(s): institutions, major employers, OBID, OTMA
  • Potential funding source(s): Institutions

M-22. Connecting to eastern corridor growth -- CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Improve frequency and speed of transit service to areas to the east of Pittsburgh all the way to Monroeville. Improved service can ensure that Oakland jobs are connected to these rapidly developing areas and help drive transit-oriented development along the corridor.
  • When to start: 5-10 years
  • Project lead(s): PAAC
  • Project partner(s): Not specified
  • Potential funding source(s): PAAC

M-23. Connecting to national air transportation -- CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Establish frequent and direct transit service between Oakland and the airport consistent with the Port Authority’s Long-Range Transit Plan. Equip transit vehicles to accommodate users’ luggage. This project will have convenience, economic development, and sustainability benefits.
  • When to start: 5-10 years
  • Project lead(s): PAAC
  • Project partner(s): Allegheny County Airport Authority
  • Potential funding source(s): PAAC

M-25. Connecting to the Mon valley communities -- CLICK HERE and HERE TO LEARN MORE

Expand on the benefits of the Downtown-Oakland-East End Bus Rapid Transit system by upgrading transit service to the Mon valley communities including Braddock, East Pittsburgh, Homestead, and McKeesport. Doing so would greatly improve access to Oakland jobs for those living in these communities.
  • When to start: 5-10 years
  • Project lead(s): PAAC
  • Project partner(s): Not specified
  • Potential funding source(s): PAAC

M-26. Connecting to the North and South Hills -- CLICK HERE, and HERE, and HERE TO LEARN MORE

Improve transit service to the North and South Hill areas where many Oakland employees live to reduce auto trips into Oakland. Travel time and frequency are key considerations in meeting the needs of commuters traveling longer distances into and out of Oakland each day.
  • When to start: 5-10 years
  • Project lead(s): PAAC
  • Project partner(s): Institutions
  • Potential funding source(s): PAAC

M-39. Support frontline and shift workers

Establish ongoing initiative with institutions to get a complete picture of where frontline and shift workers live to better understand their transit needs.

  • When to start: 3-5 years
  • Project lead(s): PAAC, UPMC, institutions
  • Project partner(s): Not specified
  • Potential funding source(s): Institutions, PAAC, grants