Introducing the General Plan Community Advisory Group

Published on July 21, 2025

Group photo of city staff and General Plan Community Advisors

Photo Credit: Sophia Chan.

On January 17, 2025, members of the newly formed General Plan Community Advisory Subcommittee met for the first time. They shared their vision and hopes for creating a new General Plan that makes Oakland an inclusive and vibrant town for all. The Community Advisory Subcommittee consists of 30 Oakland residents from diverse backgrounds and communities often excluded from planning. Over 200 residents applied to be part of the advisory group.

The purpose of the group is to serve as a sounding board for Phase 2 of the General Plan Update, which will include topics such as land use, transportation, infrastructure, parks/open space. Phase 2 of the General Plan Update began last fall. It started with an online town hall, an in-person event at the Oakland Museum, and a survey on community priorities. Community engagement efforts are now underway. The General Plan Community Advisory Subcommittee has launched as part of this effort.

The Community Advisory Subcommittee is part of the larger General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC). The GPAC consists of three groups:

The Technical Advisory Subcommittee consists of regional and local agencies, such as BART and Alameda County Department of Public Health.
The Community Advisory Subcommittee is open to residents of Oakland and reflects the diversity of Oaklanders’ identities and experiences, with a focus on underrepresented perspectives.
Ex-Officio Members includes representatives from (1) invited City of Oakland boards and commissions; and (2) neighboring jurisdictions with land use authority.

The members of the Community Advisory Subcommittee are: