CITY OF OAKLAND
AGENDA REPORT
TO: Oakland City Councilmembers and
Members of the Public
SUBJECT: Gary Payton Commemorative
Street Renaming
FROM: Councilmember, Noel Gallo,
District 5
DATE: April 30, 2026
RECCOMENDATION:
Councilmember Noel Gallo Recommends that the City Council:
ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO (1) COMMEMORATIVELY RENAME 40th A VE BETWEEN MERA STREET AND CARRINGTON STREET AS “GARY
PAYTON WAY ,” (2) AUTHORIZE THE INSTALLATION OF A PLAQUE
HONORING GARY PAYTON, PURSUANT TO THE POLICY AND
PROCEDURES ESTABLISHED BY OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. 77967 C.M.S.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution to commemoratively rename 40th Avenue between Mera Street and Carrington Street as “Gary Payton Way,” and authorize the installation of a plaque honoring Gary Payton. The proposed renaming recognizes Gary Payton’s extraordinary career achievements, leadership, mentorship, and lifelong contributions to the City of Oakland.
Gary Payton widely known as “The Glove” is one of the most iconic figures in basketball history and a proud Oakland native whose legacy continues to inspire youth, athletes, and community members.
BACKGROUND / LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Oakland City Council Resolution No. 77967 C.M.S. establishes the policy and procedures for commemorative street renaming to honor individuals who have made substantial, positive, and lasting contributions to the City of Oakland.
Gary Payton’s legacy is deeply rooted in Oakland. A graduate of Skyline High School, Payton rose to national prominence at Oregon State University before being drafted second overall in the 1990 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics. His 17‑year NBA career included:
• Nine NBA All‑Star selections
• 1996 NBA Defensive Player of the Year
• Leading Seattle to the 1996 NBA Finals
• Winning an NBA Championship with the Miami Heat in 2006 • Induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013
Payton remains the only point guard in NBA history to win Defensive Player of the Year.
Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Payton has demonstrated a long‑standing commitment to Oakland through mentorship, youth engagement, philanthropy, and community programs. His family continues this legacy through his father, Al Payton, a respected Oakland coach, and his son, Gary Payton II, an NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors.
ANALYSIS
Renaming this portion of 40th Avenue as “Gary Payton Way” honors a figure whose achievements reflect Oakland’s excellence, resilience, and community pride. Payton’s career and community involvement embody the values of hard work, leadership, and service.
Authorizing the installation of a commemorative plaque further preserves his legacy and provides a meaningful landmark for residents, youth, and visitors.
This renaming celebrates a globally recognized athlete who proudly represents Oakland, highlights the City’s rich cultural and athletic history, reinforces positive role-modeling for youth, and honors a multigenerational Oakland family dedicated to service and mentorship.
FISCAL IMPACT
This commemorative renaming is not anticipated to generate significant fiscal impact. Costs are limited to standard commemorative signage and installation, which can be supported through Council office allocations.
PUBLIC OUTREACH / COMMUNITY PROCESS
Extensive community support has been expressed for this renaming, including from youth advocates, athletic organizations, local leaders, and residents familiar with Gary Payton’s contributions to Oakland. Community groups have been planning celebratory activities tied to this recognition.
ACTION REQUESTED OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Noel Gallo Recommends that the City Council:
ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO (1) COMMEMORATIVELY RENAMING 40 th A VE BETWEEN MERA STREET AND CARRINGTON STREET AS “GARY PAYTON WAY ,” (2) AUTHORIZE THE INSTALLATION OF A PLAQUE
HONORING GARY PAYTON, PURSUANT TO THE POLICY AND
PROCEDURES ESTABLISHED BY OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. 77967 C.M.S.
For questions regarding this report, please contact Rosa M Velazquez, Chief of Staff, at [email protected].
Respectfully submitted,
Councilmember Noel Gallo
District 5
Prepared by:
Rosa M. Velazquez, Chief of Staff