A strategic neighborhood vision is taking shape in Oakland.
Designed to strengthen Oakland's diverse neighborhood fabric, the project represents a unique partnership between six community organizations and three lead funders. Dubbed
the Oakland Zone Neighborhood Partnership Program, the multi-year
effort received a $2.8 million boost from project partners UPMC Health
Plan, PNC Bank and Dollar Bank.
On April 23, the Oakland Zone hosted a commemorative signing of its “Community Creed,” a united vision that articulates a shared approach to neighborhood issues such as sustainability, urban diversity, public transit, and community amenities.
“We’ve had this idea going back 10 years. It’s about what we see the neighborhood becoming, in concert with the institutions,” says David Blenk, with Oakland Planning and Development Corporation (OPDC). “Because we were able to align our missions in collaboration with corporate partners, it's created really interesting synergies on a whole bunch of levels. It gives us a base that we're using to leverage additional funding.”
A first-of-its-kind initiative for Oakland, the Zone allows partners to collaborate on individual programs and develop efficiencies for working together and sharing resources. Partners include OPDC,
Community Human Services,
Oakland Business Improvement District,
Oakland Transportation Management Association,
Oakland Community Council, and
Peoples Oakland. Current projects include Hometown Streets, an intersection safety upgrade along Fifth and Forbes, and this weekend’s marathon festivities in Schenley Park.
“A while ago, people said Oakland had too many voices. Instead of connecting, we were competing. We need a lot of voices, and we're trying to be very sensitive of one another,” adds Blenk, who says Oakland’s daily population is 120,000. “The more we started looking at our programming, the more we found we could work together.”
To receive Pop City free every week, click here. Writer:
Jennifer BaronSource: David Blenk, executive director, and
Elly Fisher, assistant director, Oakland Planning and Development Corporation
Image courtesy Oakland Planning and Development Corporation