City of Oakland California

In the last few months, Oakland has moved forward with two big projects that will have a lasting impact on the City for decades to come: Coliseum City, a world-class mixed-use entertaiment and tech district as Oakland's International Gateway, and the new logistics center at the Old Army Base that will be a major generator of new jobs and increased maritime and trace and logistics activity. As part of this project, the Port of Oakland was awarded at $15 million TIGER 2012 Grant to fund a new Port Rail Terminal, a critical and complimentary component of this project.

>>Mayor Jean Quan, Governor Jerry Grown and US Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood at the press conference announcing the Port of Oakland receiving a $15 million TIGER 2012 grant to expand the Port of Oakland.

• 'Coliseum City' project could change face of Oakland--Oakland Local, March 7, 2012
• Tiger Grant Event-- YouTube, July 15, 2012

The key to Oakland's vitality and our climb out of the recession is our ability to attract and grow jobs in Oakland. Because of our central location, accessible transportation, educated workforce and growing reputation as the "in" place for restaurants and entertainment, many businesses are discovering that Oakland is a great place to work!   

• Business leaders from Pandora, Numi Tea and Pican share why they love Oakland
• Oakland/Emeryville Target Grand Opening

Did you know that Oakland:

• Ranked 11th best retail market by Market Forecast, 2009
• Ranked 10th Greenest Real Estate Market in the US-- Cushman & Wakefield Green Building Opportunity Index, November 2011
• Ranked 8th in the nation in the percentage of women-owned businesses by the Center for Women's Business Research based on 2000 Census-- Note: Women-owned businesses increasingly are driving the economic health of the top 50 metropolitan areas through job creation and generating revenue
• Ranked 7th in the country in Grubb & Ellis' 2008 U.S. Industrial Market Strength Forecast report
• Is the nation's 5th Coolest City according to Forbes Magazine, 2010
• Ranked the 4th greenest city in the Mother Nature Network, July 2012
• 4th Most Fit City in America, according to Men's Fitness, March 2012
• California's 2nd most literate city and 15th in the Nation,  America's Most Literate Cities, 2011
• #2 "Can-Do" City, Newsweek, September 2011
• #2 US City in Per-Capita availability of Eco-Friendly Services, Thumbtack, July 2012
• One of the most ethnically diverse cities in the nation-- Oakland is home to the world.
• Where the Creative Class Earns the Most, The Atlantic Cities, July 2012

In the last 10 years, oakland has also been ranked in the top 10 for use of renewable energy, percentage of women-owned businesse;s,; most "Most Wirede" metro area, heathiest city in the U.S., best places to retire, most fun city, best climate and best drinking water.

For more information about doing business in Oakland >

My office has joined a city-wide initiative to make Oakland one of the most "connected" cities in the nation. Eliminating the Digital Divide plays a pivotal role in the education and career success of young people and helps seniors stay connected and avoid isolation. I've joined a coalition of public and private organizations that is working together to expand broadband connection throughout the city. Working with our recreation centers, senior programs, schools, senior centers, Oakland Housing Authority, the County and others, our goal is to provide easy access to the internet for Oakland residents no matter where they live or what their economic status.   For additional information, go to Get Connected Oakland!

>>Left to Right: Bruce Buckelew, Oakland Tech Exchange West; Joe Gross, Sustainable Systems; Mayor Jean Quan; David Glover, OCCUR at April 28, 2011 press conference.