Why It May Not Be Full Speed Ahead for Downtown Oakland's Renaissance
A new report from SPUR indicates that Downtown Oakland faces numerous challenges to really take off. The Bay Area-based urban planning and policy think tank warns the area is at a crossroads, and there are no guarantees for the future. "An economic boom could stall before it really gets going. Jobs and housing could expand elsewhere, leaving downtown Oakland underutilized. Or the economy could really take off —but in a way that harms Oakland's character," according to the report. Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf (whom we snapped speaking at a Bisnow event this summer) said her administration is working closely with SPUR to ensure the area’s growth in conjunction with community and business leaders in the area. The downtown area has enjoyed quite the revival of late, welcoming more residents and companies as well as new nightlife and dining options. [IBA]
