Oakland's Plan for Growth
Oakland's General Plan Update is an exciting chance for everyone in Oakland to help plan the city's future.
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New! General Plan Update Process
The General Plan Update is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for all Oaklanders to work together to create a visionary blueprint for our City's future over the next two decades. The update will occur in two phases, guided by a set of core principles rooted in equity.
Visit the General Plan Update page for more details.
General Plan Elements
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, conservation, open space, noise, and safety.
About the General Plan
The General Plan is a policy document and 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.
Latest News
Phase 2 Survey Report Out Now!
Last Fall, we launched a citywide survey to understand Oakland residents' priorities for Phase 2 of the GPU. The Phase 2 Survey Report(PDF, 32MB) shows people's priorities around issues such as the future of employment, parks improvement and maintenance, transportation issues, and more topics related to the General Plan Update.
What's the General Plan Update?
The Oakland General Plan Update (GPU) is an exciting chance for everyone in Oakland to help plan the city's future. Through the General Plan, we aim to create livable and connected neighborhoods where people have access to everything they need, such as grocery stores, entertainment, stores, libraries, parks, and safe transportation.
News & Announcements
NEWS EMBED
What is a General Plan?
A General Plan is a document required by the State that sets a vision for the city's future development. It reflects community priorities and values. It includes goals, policies, and measures to achieve this vision. California law requires specific topics, called "Elements," to be covered in a General Plan. These include land use, circulation, housing, environmental justice, conservation, open space, noise, and safety. The city can also include other elements if needed.
You can learn more about the General Plan by taking a look at each of Oakland's current Elements or watching a video summary about Oakland's current GPU process.
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 residents. We aim to create livable and connected neighborhoods where people have access to everything they need, such as grocery stores, entertainment, stores, libraries, parks, and safe transportation. Once adopted in 2026, the General Plan will guide the city's development for the next 20 years.
The Oakland General Plan Update process has two phases. Phase 1 began in November 2021 and concluded in October 2023. We adopted the Housing, Environmental Justice, and Safety Elements. Phase 2 is starting in 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 Element.
Phase 2 Community Engagement
View previous and upcoming events and resources
Phase 2 Overview
Oakland General Plan Update Phase 2
In Phase 2, we will work with the Oakland community to achieve the following goals:
- Build a transportation system with safe and reliable options for everyone
- Create more livable and walkable neighborhoods with access to grocery stores, entertainment, stores, libraries, and parks
- Develop parks and recreational spaces, especially in underserved neighborhoods, so everyone can enjoy natural spaces
- Protect neighborhoods from excessive noise near freeways, airports, and industrial areas
- Improve city infrastructure, including roads, bridges, sidewalks, public restrooms, and fire stations
- Identify and meet the needs of Oakland's diverse communities
City of Oakland General Plan Update - Phase 2
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.
Project Timeline
- November 1, 2021
Phase 1 Kickoff
- January 1, 2023
Housing Element Adopted by City Council
- February 1, 2023
Housing Element Certified by the State of California
- September 1, 2023
Environmental Justice (EJ) Element and Safety Element Adopted by City Council
- October 1, 2023
Phase 1 Planning Code Amendments Adopted by City Council
- Summer 2024
Phase 2 Kickoff
- July 1, 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)
- Lakshmi Rajagopalan, Planner IV, Co-Lead
- Michelle Matranga, Planner III, Co-Lead
- Timothy Green, Planner II
Noise Element
- Ruslan Filipau, Planner IV
Infrastructure & and Capital Facilities Element
- Daniel Findley, Planner III, Lead
- Bebe LeGardeur, Management Intern
Open Space, Conservation, and Recreation (OSCAR) Element
- Khalilha Haynes, Planner III, Lead
- Mariah Padilla, Management Intern
- Bebe LeGardeur, Management Intern
Community Engagement
- Khalilha Haynes, Planner III
- Daniel Findley, Planner III
- Mariah Padilla, Management Intern
- Stephanie Skelton, Public Service Representative
- Aaron Lehmer, Technical Communications Specialist