3. Alternatives for District 6

ROOTED

Provide protections against gentrification, improve access to high-quality affordable housing, and expand on existing programs/resources to better serve current residents

The first alternative proposes the creation of a community land trust opportunity areas and sale incentives for landowners across areas affected by displacement. Opportunity areas were selected based on availability of land that could be transferred to the Oakland Community Land Trust (CLT). The partnership would help Oakland CLT double their original goal and accelerate their progress by transferring previously vacant land with support from the city. The support for families transitioning out of homelessness is also sought, coupled with prevention programs to help residents remain in place. The aim is to transfer CLT properties to management by The Oakland Community Project which already manages major facilities in the district providing beds for unhoused individuals facing emergencies or in transition. Lastly, this alternative seeks to create a cooperative economic ecology by incubating local and community owned businesses and providing professional development programs out of the Eastmont commercial center.

CONNECTED

Reanimating open commercial streets as socio-economic connectors and gathering spots for the community to share, play, and consume local goods

District 6 is both a bedroom community and a food desert where residents have little engagement with commercial zones. This alternative focuses on 3 strategies to address these concerns. The first is to turn vacant lots into open spaces for local residents to shop for goods and enjoy arts and cultural events. These sites would include mixed commercial amenities and consider more diverse and affordable businesses. The second strategy focuses on building connector roads through streetscape improvements and complete streets adaptations expanding the Slow Streets program. The third strategy centers on building capacity for equitable and inclusive economic development through neighborhood driven programs and coalitions. This alternative could build upon existing efforts from organizations like the Black Cultural Zone, a community economic development corporation that joins together neighboring organizations in East Oakland.

Figure 3.1 Rooted District 6

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RESILIENT

Creating a community that is able to mitigate, adapt to, and recover from environmental threats through physical interventions, policies, and educational programs

The first approach of this alternative is the equitable movement of vulnerable populations out of floodplains and projected sea level rise inundation zones. To accomplish this, the city government should acquire at-risk properties through fair-pay buyout programs and convert them to open green spaces. A second approach is the decarbonization of public transportation through electrifying the bus fleet, expanding bike lane routes and implementing complete streets, reducing carbon emissions to improve air quality, and encouraging outdoor activities. Another major program is widespread building retrofits including mandating earthquake-safe building practices for new or substantially improved buildings. Another facet of this alternative is to implement community greening programs, such as improving the quality of parks and public spaces. The alternative also aims to build resilience through education about disaster preparedness reaching residents through K-12 schools and adult education. Finally, this alternative will serve to boost the local economy by providing high-quality green jobs.

Figure 3.3 Resilient District 6

How well do these alternatives meet the goals?

The Rooted alternative addressed the goals around affordable housing and supports the vision for a vibrant local economy and environmental health. The Connected alternative responds primarily to the goals on local economic vitality and enhancing access to multi-modal mobility and partially addresses efforts on community cohesion and awareness of resources. The Resilient alternative addresses the goals around transportation and environmental health and supports self determination and economic empowerment. ROOTED CONNECTED RESILIENT

GOAL 1

GOAL 2

GOAL 3

GOAL 4

Build and maintain quality, affordable housing options which preserve neighborhood character and community cohesion. Enhance access to safe and affordable public and multi-modal transportation opportunities. Create a vibrant local economy that serves residents’ needs and provides high quality job opportunities. Improve the quality of existing environmental amenities while minimizing the effects of natural hazards on vulnerable populations. Meets all goals Meets some goals Does not meet goals