*Community & Economic Development Committee - 2026-03-10
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Community & Economic Development Committee approved two grant-related items: a $4.4M federal Lead Hazard Reduction Grant for lead paint remediation in low-income homes with small children, and authorization to apply for up to $1.6M from California's Pro Housing Incentive Pilot Program for affordable housing reserves. The committee also received an extensive informational report on HCD's Anti-Displacement Strategic Action Plan, which documents that Oakland's Black population decreased from 43% in 1990 to 21% in 2023, with Black residents representing 59% of newly homeless individuals despite being 22% of the population.
Key Decisions (3)
$4.4M Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Acceptance
Authorized city administrator to accept and appropriate up to $4,400,000 from HUD's Federal Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program. Habitat for Humanity East Bay Silicon Valley will serve as subrecipient for grant administration and construction services ($4,021,094.30). Includes $400,000 for healthy home improvements addressing mold and radon. Program targets low-income homeowners and renters with small children in equity-focused census tracts.
Pro Housing Incentive Pilot Program Application Authorization
Authorized city administrator to apply for, accept, and appropriate up to $1,600,000 from California HCD's Pro Housing Incentive Pilot Program for capitalized service reserves for affordable housing development loans.
Anti-Displacement Strategic Action Plan Informational Report
Received comprehensive report on HCD's anti-displacement services strategic plan. Report documents Oakland's Black population decline from 43% (1990) to 21% (2023), representing out-migration of nearly 70,000 Black Oaklanders. Black residents are 22% of population but 52% of homeless and 59% of newly homeless. Eviction filings have surpassed pre-pandemic levels since 2023 moratorium ended. Plan establishes equitable investment framework prioritizing homelessness prevention at top tier.
Development Activity (1)
Dignity Village Modular Project
41-unit modular housing project at approximately $350,000 per unit, compared to $1.1M per unit for 2700 International and 34th and San Pablo refurbishment projects. Construction ongoing for over a year.
Market Signals (6)
Housing Demand
Oakland is a renter-majority city with 59% renters; 40% of rental units are rent controlled and 18% have government subsidies.
Housing Demand
About 50% of Oakland renters are rent burdened (paying over 30% of income on rent), with 28% severely rent burdened (over 50%); 62% of Black households are rent burdened compared to 37% of white households.
Housing Demand
Eviction filings have surpassed pre-pandemic 2019 levels since the eviction moratorium ended in 2023, indicating significant tenant instability.
Infrastructure
Three-quarters of Oakland's housing stock was built before 1980, creating significant lead paint hazard remediation needs and deferred maintenance issues.
Labor
There is a shortage of certified contractors qualified to conduct lead-based paint remediation work in the Oakland area, with three-quarters of current contractors being African American-owned businesses.
Sentiment
Community stakeholders emphasized that long-time small property owners are vital to Oakland's housing ecosystem and need support, alongside tenant protection strengthening.