Supporting a Resilient and Thriving Waterfront at the Port of Oakland

The Port of Oakland plays a vital role as an economic engine in our region, managing 20 miles of waterfront property and supporting over 98,000 jobs across maritime, aviation, real estate, and public access sectors. Yet, the Port also faces major challenges, said new Executive Director Kristi McKenney and representatives from the Jack London Improvement District in a briefing with the Bay Area Council’s Waterfront Initiative last Friday (July 25), including needed infrastructure upgrades and outdated regulations hampering the revitalization of Jack London Square. Specifically, McKenney stressed the importance of the Turning Basin Widening project to accommodate larger ships and legislation like SB 304 (Arreguín) to modernize the permitted uses of public trust lands to enable new community-serving amenities like grocery stores, gyms, and other flexible uses in Jack London Square.

With so many properties in the Square currently vacant, this legislation offers a critical opportunity to revitalize a key economic and cultural hub for Oakland, the East Bay, and the greater Bay Area. We’re grateful to Executive Director McKenney and her team for their leadership and partnership. The Bay Area Council looks forward to continuing our work together to build a resilient, accessible, and vibrant waterfront for all. To learn more about SB 304 (Arreguín) or to engage with the Council’s Waterfront Initiative, please contact Rigel Robinson.