- The CBD offers a sustainable and reliable revenue source to provide advocacy, supplemental services, promotions, and more.
- Local stakeholders manage priorities with structure to respond quickly to changing community.
- A cleaner, safer and more attractive district for all residents, businesses and organizations.
- Collective marketing to expand the reach of businesses further than any one Merchant could on their own.
- The potential to increase property values for all land uses, improve sales and decrease commercial vacancy rates.
- The district will be better able to compete with nearby retail and online retailers improving the business climate, offering jobs, and helping residents’ access nearby services.
The Oakland Chinatown neighborhood has been impacted by several factors, the historical Chinatown neighborhood footprint is shrinking due to development and policies. Crime, graffiti, vandalism, illegal dumping and more recently fires, and the COVID-19 Pandemic have weakened our economy. Cultural expression and our families that still reside in Chinatown are impacted.
The Oakland Chinatown community has for decades, relied on the leadership of a few dedicated volunteers and organizations to advocate for resources, produce events, and improved quality of life for the district.
But the current needs are growing, and it is essential to guide and fund a more sustainable and effective approach, at scale. The best answer to improve the district in every aspect mentioned is a formal streamlined effort to bring marketing, streetscape improvements, additional cultural events, government advocacy, facilitating business development, and sensitivity to language and cultural needs.
The idea of a Community Benefit District is perfect for the Chinatown community. It will equalize the commitment and resources of stakeholders and encourage participation via a formal structure with oversight and dedicated administration. A CBD will allow opportunities to support existing business residents and organizations and provide for new businesses, residents and investors a voice to help build and sustain a stronger Oakland Chinatown.
More importantly, 2020 was a lost year for many businesses and property owners due to the devasting impact of the COVID 19 pandemic. Chinatowns throughout the US have suffered more than any other ethnic business community and neighborhoods. The best way to move forward is by having a pool of funds to immediately help rebuild the commercial fabric, public spaces, walkability and safety of the public rights of way throughout Chinatown from Broadway all the way to the historic Kaiser Convention Center and the Oakland Museum.