City of Oakland California

The Community and Economic Development Agency (CEDA) is an umbrella agency overseeing the growth and economic development activities of various City departments.

To set priorities, we're taking a strategic look at the big picture. We're soliciting input from the community and asking: What do we want the character of Oakland to be? What kinds of business and development projects do we want, and where should they be located?  As our strategy becomes clearer, we’ll determine what we need to do to bring that strategy to life.

We urge you to get involved! Check for meetings on the events calendar in the lower left of this page.

Our immediate priorities for economic growth

• Fuel investment in East and West Oakland
• Collaborate with the Port of Oakland to develop a single vision for developing the former Army base
• Leverage the success of our nationally respected hospitals and health care providers
• Identify land and build the infrastructure to attract larger-scale green tech and life sciences facilities
• Build a more positive relationship with our sports teams to bring people, dollars and excitement to our city

The Department of Engineering and Construction (DEC) has been transferred to the Public Works Agency on July 1, 2010. The department’s three organizational divisions are Engineering Design and Right of Way Management, Project Delivery and Transportation Services. The revised website for Public Works Agency, including DEC, will launch in late summer.

We have compiled a library of relevant business related articles on Oakland - everything from new business openings to real estate deals. Click here to visit the article library.

Citywide Zoning Update Community Workshops

CEDA's Strategic Planning unit, in coordination with the Planning Commission, maintains the General Plan and the Planning Code  and prepares area plans.

The General Plan defines the community’s long-range development objectives. The current plan was adopted in 1998 and remains in effect until 2015. The Planning Code specifies land uses and development standards for specific zoning districts. Area plans translate General Plan policies into sustainable development alternatives for specific areas of the City.

Three area plans are in progress: (each would link to its respective pages)

• Central Estuary
• Lake Merritt BART Station area
• Broadway/Valdez Retail Corridor

The City of Oakland is updating its zoning regulations, the legal standards that govern land development. Zoning regulations affect many people living and working in Oakland. We urge you to become familiar with the zoning update process and get involved!

To learn about other planning efforts underway, click here for a roster of current planning projects including the East Bay Bus Rapid Transit Project.

Online services make CEDA more accessible to you!

• Watch Videos of City Council/Redevelopment Agency Board Meetings
• Register your Foreclosed and Vacant Property
• Request Zoning Information
• Schedule a Permit Inspection
• Submit a Records Research Request or an Expedited Records Research Request
• Request a Plan/Permit Retrieval

Even more services will be available online when new modules become available including the capability of searching for official copies of documents.

CEDA staff members are able to accomplish great things thanks to the policies and guidance given by several different legislative and advisory bodies. Click on the links below to learn more about each group.

• City Council/Redevelopment Agency Board
• Community & Economic Development Committee of City Council
• Cultural Affairs Commission
• Design Review Committee
• Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board
• Planning Commission
• Residential Appeals Committee
• Zoning Update Committee