Dear Friend,
This summer, I hope you take advantage of the incredible natural spaces that Oakland has to offer. Spending time in nature is proven to have physical, cognitive, and emotional benefits. Oakland's beautiful nature trails and city parks are there for all to enjoy!
Welcome to the Mayor’s Weekly Briefing, your weekly Oakland news roundup. Please forward this to a friend. They may subscribe here.
Oakland Love,
—Libby
MAYOR LIBBY SCHAAF
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Last week I joined city, state, and federal education leaders to celebrate #OaklandUndivided, a transformational project aimed at closing the digital divide in Oakland. #OaklandUndivided has provided more than 29,000 computers and 10,000 hotspots to our low-income students and families, and we just committed to providing the same access for all in-need students this upcoming school year, while announcing our equitable vision for the future: #OaklandUndividedFOREVER.
When the pandemic began, only 12% of students from low-income backgrounds had a computer and internet connectivity at home. That number is now 98%. Access to the internet is one of the greatest social equalizers of our time and together we can close the digital divide in Oakland forever.
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City Workers Break Paving Record for Second Year In a Row |
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The Great Pave continues to smooth our streets at an historic pace. City of Oakland employees are the best in the business and nobody demonstrates their love for Oakland like our essential workers – and that’s why we’re celebrating a back-to-back record years of street paving with more than 40 miles paved this year! The previous record was set in the last fiscal year, with 32 miles paved. These crews have been there for our community, day in and day out, throughout the unprecedented challenges and hardships of this pandemic. Their dedication is inspiring beyond words, and I am so grateful and honored to thank them for their commitment and service.
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A's Update: City Staff Presents Recommended Deal |
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At a City Council study session this week, city staff presented their recommended deal on the Ballpark District at Howard Terminal. The presentation answered many questions and showed how we can structure a development deal that protects our taxpayers, ensures our beloved A’s stay rooted in Oakland, and creates a transformative waterfront project that will benefit generations to come.
We believe that only the tax revenues generated by the ballpark development itself should be used to invest in the project's much-needed public infrastructure and community benefits, in a way that never puts the City or County's general funds at risk. The staffs’ recommendations put us all on a path to deliver on our shared vision for a world-class ballpark and waterfront development that creates more affordable housing and public parks, connects downtown to the waterfront, and brings great jobs to West Oakland, all while protecting the economic engine of our Port.
We look forward to bringing the Oakland City Council a term sheet for approval at their Special City Council meeting on July 20, 2021.
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Walking Through History in Oakland |
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This week I'm pleased to highlight not one, but two Oakland walking tours which showcase the history of our beautiful city through immersive and interactive experiences.
Gesso's Migration + Memory is an audio tour that begins in Old Oakland and focuses on the history of human migration and the influence that different people and cultures have had on the past and present of Oakland. Watch creator and Oaklander Sarah Holtz's interview on KTVU here.
The Black Liberation Walking Tour, presented by the Friends of the Hoover-Durant Public Library, celebrates the Black history and culture of the Hoover Durant neighborhood. Creator and third-generation West Oaklander David Peters was interviewed by KQED about his project.
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Free Vaccine Clinic: July 10th & 31st |
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The Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California is hosting two free vaccination clinics in the coming weeks. Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available by drop in or appointment, with no identification required. Protect your family, friends, and community by getting your shot!
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“If you were born in Oakland, you won the lottery ticket as a child in this city, because you have a whole city that cares about you. ”
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Dancers posing at City Hall. In SPACES, a site-specific participatory art show, Oakland residents and artists collaborate to highlight the culture and vibrancy of Oakland.
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Together, we are #OaklandUndivided. Our vision for the future is one where every child in Oakland has access to a computer, internet, and tech support at home. Thank you to our community partners, education leaders, and donors for your support.
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