TOWN ALIVE: ECONOMIC ACTIVATION ZONES At-Large Councilmember Rowena Brown
The Town Alive initiative establishes Economic Activation Zones —designated areas that re-energize
Oakland’s
public
spaces,
strengthen
small
businesses,
and
connect
residents
to
innovation
opportunities.
The program launches with two pilot components:
1. Entertainment Zones to activate commercial corridors with family-friendly outdoor events
and
cultural
festivals
2. Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) Activation Zones to foster equitable, community-based
innovation
and
create
hubs
for
community-based
AI
programming
Together, these pilots make Oakland’s economy more vibrant, inclusive, and future-ready.
Why This Matters
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Oakland has been rebuilding its local economy. Yet, many of our
commercial
corridors
still
need
structured
opportunities
for
economic
and
cultural
activation.
Town Alive bridges that gap by:
● Reviving local commercial corridors through safe, family-friendly programming. ● Partnering with community institutions to expand access to the growing responsible AI economy.
Oakland’s economic recovery depends on reconnecting people to places—and ensuring innovation
benefits
every
neighborhood.
The Zones
Entertainment Zones
By ordinance, these zones will create opportunities for outdoor gatherings, performances, and cultural
festivals
in
Oakland’s
commercial
corridors.
● Utilizes SB 969 , allowing adjacent bars and restaurants to sell alcohol in to-go containers
for
on-site
consumption
within
the
zone.
● Supports community-led programming that celebrates Oakland’s diversity and creativity.
Pilot Entertainment Zone Locations:
● Jack London District
● Broadway Valdez/Northlake District
● Temescal District
● Uptown Downtown
Management Plans:
● Management Plans are tailored plans for each Entertainment Zone that establish location-specific
requirements
for
operations,
public
health,
and
public
safety
during
events
● Produced by the Economic & Workforce Development Department (EWD) in collaboration
with
community
partners,
OPD,
OakDOT,
OPW,
and
other
relevant
departments
Becoming An Entertainment Zone:
● Contact your Councilmember and EWD to begin the process ● Receive City Council approval by ordinance establishing the Zone ● Develop a Management Plan with EWD outlining programming, safety, and operations ● Apply for Entertainment Zone event funding through the Oakland Fund for Public Innovation
(if
desired)
Responsible AI Activation Zones
These are physical hubs for community-driven AI education and innovation , ensuring Oakland
leads
with
equity
in
emerging
technologies.
Led by the Oakland Fund for Public Innovation (OFPI) , first-year programming will include:
● Public education events and professional conferences ● Civic technology pilots and student internships & showcases ● Small business support for responsible AI adoption ● Workforce development programs
Locations:
● Laney College (Downtown)
● The Unity Council’s Unity Tech Hub (Fruitvale) ● Mills College at Northeastern University (East Oakland)
Budget & Timeline
● Funding: $1 million startup allocation approved in the FY 2025-27 budget, and managed by
OFPI,
to
support
Entertainment
Zones
and
Responsible
AI
Activation
Zones.
● Sustainability: Future funding expected through private and philanthropic partnerships ● Council Consideration: November 2025
● Launch: Spring/Summer 2026