City of Oakland General Plan Update | Oakland 2045 General Plan

Oakland's 2045 General Plan Update process is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for all Oaklanders to work together to create a visionary blueprint for the future of our City.

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Phase 1 of the General Plan Update (GPU) wrapped up in October 2023 and the GPU team has been preparing for Phase 2, set to kick off in early 2024. Phase 2 will include development of the following Elements:

- Land Use and Transportation Element (LUTE) Update
- Open Space, Conservation and Recreation (OSCAR) Element Update
- Noise Element Update
- Infrastructure and Capital Facilities Element

As in Phase 1, the Elements will be accompanied by a Racial Equity Impact Analysis and update of the Zoning Code.

We look forward to engaging you in this work!

What's the General Plan Update?

Oakland’s General Plan Update (GPU) is a collaborative, citywide planning process required by the state to plan for a vibrant future for all residents. Through this process, we will create more livable and connected neighborhoods where folks can access what they want and need, like grocery stores, arts & and entertainment, retail, libraries, parks, and safe and reliable transportation. Once approved in 2025, the Plan will guide citywide development over the following two decades, with a focus on creating an equitable and just city.

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What is a General Plan?

A General Plan is a policy document required by the State that establishes a citywide vision and consistent direction for future development. It reflects community priorities, values, and includes supporting goals, policies, and implementation measures to achieve the community's vision. California Law requires specific topics, also called "Elements," to be covered in a general plan (Gov. Code § 65302). Required elements include land use, circulation, housing, environmental justice (new as of 2016), conservation, open space, noise, and safety.  State law allows a jurisdiction to include within its General Plan any other element(s) that it sees fit.

Read more about each General Plan Element or check out this video to learn more about Oakland's General Plan Update. You’ll learn about the process and timeline as well as the key topic areas (aka Elements).

Oakland General Plan Update (GPU) Process and Timeline

The Oakland General Plan Update will address citywide needs and envision a more vibrant future for all Oakland residents. Through this process we will create more livable and connected neighborhoods where folks have access to the things they want and need, like grocery stores, arts &and entertainment, retail, libraries, parks, and safe and reliable transportation. Once adopted in 2025, the General Plan will guide the development of our city for the following two decades.

The Oakland General Plan Update process will be completed in two phases. Phase 1 began in November 2021 and concluded in October 2023 and included the development and adoption of the Housing, Environmental Justice, and Safety Elements.i. Phase 2 will kick off in early 2024 and will focus on the Land Use and Transportation Element (LUTE), Open Space, Conservation, and Recreation (OSCAR) Element, Noise Element, and the Infrastructure and Capital Facilities and Element.

Phase 2 Overview

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Oakland General Plan Update Phase 2

Phase 2 will work with the Oakland community to advance the following goals:

- Build a transportation system where everyone has access to safe and reliable options to get them where they need to go

- Create more livable and walkable neighborhoods where folks have access to the things they want and need, like grocery stores, arts & entertainment, retail, libraries, and parks

- Develop parks and recreational spaces, focusing on the most underserved neighborhoods, so that everyone can access and enjoy natural spaces

- Protect neighborhoods adjacent to freeways, airports, and industrial activities from excessive noise

- Improve our city’s infrastructure, from roads, bridges, and sidewalks to facilities such as public restrooms and fire stations

- Identify and work to meet the needs of Oakland’s many different, yet interconnected communities

City of Oakland General Plan Update - Phase 2
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Oakland GPU Framework and Guiding Principles

Developed at the beginning of Phase 1, and serving as a foundation for the General Plan, these initial principles help guide the General Plan process as it continues to unfold:

  • Equity and Environmental Justice
  • Transparency
  • Relevance and Clarity
  • Focused Planning Process
  • Flexible and Adaptable Process
  • Strategic and Long-Range Thinking
  • Interdepartmental Coordination
  • Inter-Agency Coordination
  • Important Role of Community Based Organizations
  • Youth Engagement
  • Place-based Approach

Learn more about the Guiding Principles.

Community Engagement

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Phase 2 Community Engagement

The community engagement process for the GPU is supported by both Dyett & Bhatia and the Deeply Rooted Collaborative. Dyett & Bhatia, a planning consultant, supports the city with citywide outreach events. The Deeply Rooted Collaborative, is comprised of sixteen community-based organizations led by a backbone team of Urban Strategies Council, Just Cities and Eastside Arts Alliance. Deeply Rooted supports the city by engaging historically underrepresented communities.

There are no upcoming events at the moment.

View Past Meetings and Events

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Project Timeline

  • November 2021

    Phase 1 Kickoff

  • January 2023

    Housing Element Adopted by City Council

  • February 2023

    Housing Element Certified by the State of California

  • September 2023

    Environmental Justice (EJ) Element and Safety Element Adopted by City Council

  • October 2023

    Phase 1 Planning Code Amendments Adopted by City Council

  • March 2024

    Phase 2 Kickoff

  • July 2026

    Anticipated Adoption of Phase 2 Elements

Phase 2 Project Team

The General Plan Update team includes City staff, and our consultant team consisting of Dyett & Bhatia and the Deeply Rooted Collaborative.

City staff leading the project are named below.

General

  • Joanna Winter, Planner IV, Phase 2 Project Manager
  • Laura Kaminski, Strategic Planning Manager
  • Tarisha Bal, Deputy City Attorney

Land Use and Transportation Element (LUTE)

  • Johnny Jaramillo, Planner IV, Lead
  • Michelle Matranga, Planner III
  • Timothy Green, Planner II

Noise Element

  • Ruslan Filipau, Planner IV

Infrastructure & and Capital Facilities Element

  • Daniel Findley, Planner III, Lead
  • Audrey Lieberworth, Planner III
  • Bebe LeGardeur, Management Intern

Open Space, Conservation, and Recreation (OSCAR) Element

  • Khalilha Haynes, Planner III, Lead
  • Kelsey Hubbard, Planner II

Community Engagement

  • Kelsey Hubbard, Planner II, Lead
  • Khalilha Haynes, Planner III
  • Mariah Padilla, Management Intern
  • Stephanie Skelton, Public Service Representative
  • Aaron Lehmer, Technical Communications Specialist

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