Oakland Community & Economic Development Committee Meeting Summary – July 8, 2025

The Community and Economic Development Committee of the Oakland City Council met on July 8, 2025 at 1:35 PM. Meeting was chaired by Councilmember Rowena Brown. Three committee members were present (Brown, Ramachandran, Unger) and Councilmember Fife was excused. The meeting lasted until 2:33 PM. All action items were forwarded to the July 15, 2025 City Council consent agenda with unanimous 3-0 votes.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the draft minutes from the June 24, 2025 committee meeting accepted as submitted.
• Determination of Schedule of Outstanding Committee Items (pending list) accepted as submitted with no changes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sada Olabala (speaking multiple times): Argued that the city does more to support non-citizens than African Americans. Called for reports on the 2024 Immigrant Micro Business Support Program and the Immigration/Integration Inclusion Grant ($275,000). Also stated Councilmember Gallo is making $100,000 available for a street-level day labor program. On Item 3 (571 Crofton Avenue), criticized the lack of a negotiated contract with the City of Piedmont for use of Oakland libraries, stating they send money without a contract and noting a $1.4 million payment was received in December. On Item 4 (Joaquin Miller Park annexation), criticized the land-back process, arguing that indigenous land ownership is being controlled by the city. On Item S5 (BIDs), opposed charging residents within business improvement districts for assessments, stating it places an unfair burden on property owners. On Item S6 (air quality), questioned who conducts soil and air contamination testing (e.g., TCE) in West Oakland and what remediation methods (diesel particulate filters, selective catalytic reduction) are required. During Open Forum, spoke about the historical 1929-1936 Mexican Repatriation Act, noting 1.5 to 2 million Mexican Americans were deported from multiple states including California.
• Representatives from BIDs (alliance) provided feedback through monthly meetings, communicating priorities for budget and needs.

Discussion Items

• Item 3: Memorandum of Agreement for 571 Crofton Avenue – Staff (Peter Bowlman) presented a resolution authorizing the City Administrator to enter into an MOA with the City of Piedmont for a single-family dwelling remodel and garage conversion to an ADU at a property split between Oakland and Piedmont. The proposal complies with both cities' regulations. Unanimously forwarded.
• Item 4: Annexation of City-Owned Property at Joaquin Miller Park – Staff (Brendan Moriarty) presented a resolution to apply to LAFCO to annex a 25,700-square-foot parcel (APN 85-1-4) known as Rinihmu Pulte’irekne into city jurisdiction. The parcel is part of a cultural conservation easement held by the Sogorea Te Land Trust. The annexation will allow the trust to complete permitting for ceremonial facilities. Unanimously forwarded.
• Item S5: Property BID Annual Reports and Assessment Payment Approval – Staff presented a detailed report covering nine Business Improvement Districts. Key highlights: 2,500+ businesses served, 5,000 parcels, 16,000 residents. Assessment increases of 5% for most districts (Jack London, Temescal, Koreatown, Lakeshore, Lake Merritt-Uptown, Chinatown) and 3.2% for Downtown Oakland. City's fair share assessment: $489,421. The Laurel District is expiring. A separate Redevelopment Successor Agency resolution covers $3,266.79 for one property in Downtown Oakland BID. Councilmember Ramachandran asked about feedback from BIDs; staff stated monthly meetings with the BID Alliance provide regular input. Unanimously forwarded.
• Item S6: OAB Air Quality Informational Report – Staff (Corey Alvin) presented a report on the Master Operational Air Quality Plan for Prologis warehouses and a Construction Air Quality Plan for Oakland Maritime Support Services. Both plans were approved by the City Administrator and satisfy a mitigation measure from the 2002 Oakland Army Base EIR. Councilmember Ramachandran questioned net air quality impacts, consequences for non-compliance (annual reviews required), timeline for facilities, and engagement with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAQMD). Staff noted stakeholder meetings include BAQMD, CARB, and West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project. Unanimously forwarded.

Key Outcomes

• Item 1 (Minutes): Approved 3-0 (Fife excused).
• Item 2 (Pending List): Accepted 3-0 (Fife excused).
• Item 3 (571 Crofton Ave MOA): Approved and forwarded to July 15 City Council consent agenda 3-0 (Fife excused).
• Item 4 (Joaquin Miller Park Annexation): Approved and forwarded to July 15 City Council consent agenda 3-0 (Fife excused).
• Item S5 (BID Annual Reports/Assessments): Urgency finding approved 3-0 (Fife excused). Both pieces of legislation approved and forwarded to July 15 City Council consent agenda 3-0 (Fife excused).
• Item S6 (Air Quality Report): Urgency finding approved 3-0 (Fife excused). Informational report received and forwarded to July 15 City Council consent agenda 3-0 (Fife excused).
• Open Forum: One speaker addressed.
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 2:33 PM.