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Oakland, California
Incorporated in 1852 and celebrating its Sesquicentennial
in 2002, Oakland has a rich history that dates back
to 1200 B.C. with the arrival of its original inhabitants
the Ohlone Indians. Through its history and into the
present, Oakland has evolved to become the most culturally
and ethnically diverse city in America. More than 125
languages and dialects are spoken in Oakland.
Oakland is experiencing a renaissance, particularly
in downtown and along the waterfront. Scores of new
retails stores, restaurants and cafés corporate
offices and small businesses are opening throughout
downtown. Jack London Square, Oakland’s
premier waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment
destination in the East Bay. The city’s 40 neighborhood
commercial corridors continue to revitalize as new businesses;
community organizations, restaurants and retail stores
seek proximity to Oakland residents whose average household
incomes have increased 15% since 1995.
Oakland has emerged as a major economic force in the
region. Mayor Jerry Brown (former Governor of California)
has cultivated a pro-business climate that has led to
unprecedented investment and attracted 300 new companies
and 10,000 jobs over the last three years. More than
60 major development projects are underway throughout
the city. Mayor Brown’s goal of attracting 10,000
new residents to downtown is being realized; which will
make the area even more appealing to retailers and developers.
Forbes rates Oakland the 10th best city to do
business in the U.S. The local economy is a diverse
mix of traditional and new economy companies. Rated
the nation’s #1 office market through 2005, as
published in the Wall Street Journal, Oakland
continues to attract companies seeking good values on
prime land and office space near San Francisco, Silicon
Valley and the Central Valley.
Another factor that continues to bring new companies
to Oakland is the availability of skilled labor –
according to 2000 U.S. Census data, Oakland boasts the
8th most educated workforce in the nation. Current U.S.
Census data also ranks Oakland 3rd in the nation in
the number of women-owned businesses.
Newsweek named Oakland among the top 10 tech
cities of the future. Scores of technology companies
relocated to Oakland during the economic boom to take
advantage of the city’s tax incentives and fully
wired downtown. Not overly tech reliant, Oakland is
experiencing a “softer landing” amidst industry
woes and a sluggish national/regional economy.
Money rates Oakland one of the top 25 cities
to live in the U.S. and among the top 10 in the West.
Oakland’s landscape is a picturesque mix of lovely
hillside neighborhoods; diverse mix of historic and
contemporary architecture; 19 miles of shoreline along
San Francisco Bay; two lakes and more parks and open
space per capita than any other city in the Bay Area.
All of this, in combination with great weather, panoramic
Bay views, world-class attractions, eclectic dining
and exciting local culture, make Oakland a great place
to live, work, visit and do business.
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Media Contact:
Manette Belliveau
510-839-9000
manette@oaklandcvb.com
www.oaklandcvb.com
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