Oakland in Transition

By Jeremy Sorgen, PhD and Oscar Navarro

December, 2024

In 2023, the City of Oakland embarked on an ambitious initiative to engage its residents in shaping the city’s future through the Talking Transition survey. Nearly 10,000 Oaklanders shared their perspectives on critical policy areas, including housing and homelessness, community safety, and economic opportunity. This collaborative effort, led by a diverse Design Team of community-based organizations, aimed to ensure that voices often underrepresented in decision-making processes were heard.

This report, produced in partnership with Northeastern University’s Community to Community (C2C) Impact Engine, analyzes the survey findings and their implications. Using a blend of quantitative and qualitative methods, it explores residents’ priorities for affordable housing development, enhancing public safety, and fostering equitable economic growth. Key insights include the demand for streamlined housing solutions, improved police responsiveness, and expanded support for vulnerable populations, including unhoused individuals and formerly incarcerated community members.

With a focus on actionable recommendations, this research serves as a vital resource for policymakers, advocates, and Oakland residents committed to building a more inclusive, safe, and economically vibrant city. The report concludes by highlighting opportunities for expanded community engagement and sustainable development strategies to address Oakland’s most pressing challenges.