Revive Oakland! coalition rallies outside hearing to press for "good jobs" contract with community

The Port of Oakland is expected to vote Tuesday on extending the existing Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with developers for its portion of the enormous former Oakland Army Base, a key step toward a final deal on a project that could eventually create up to 8,000 jobs. If the port does not extend the agreement, the long-awaited projected will be stalled.

Prior to the vote, the Revive Oakland! coalition will stage a rally to press its demand for a community contract to ensure the project creates quality jobs that are accessible to Oakland residents. Through this vote, the Port can ensure the final deal includes a good jobs contract with the community. Key elements of the contract include a commitment to creating quality jobs, funding for community job training center, and hiring local residents.

"We're hopeful the Port will help revitalize Oakland's economy by encouraging developers Phil Tagami and AMB Corporation to sign the good jobs contract. We can't afford to let this once in a lifetime opportunity to put Oaklanders to work slip between our fingers," said Shirley Burnell of ACCE.

At the coalition's June 17 launch, a host of elected and community leaders - including County Supervisor Keith Carson and several faith leaders - signed a symbolic contract to express their support for the campaign. Assemblymember Sandre Swanson, the Alameda County Public Health Department, and Youth Uprising are also among the 25 endorsers. Moreover, Oakland Rising, a progressive organization dedicated to educating and mobilizing voters, identified over 3,000 Oakland voters who back the "good jobs" contract this spring.

The redevelopment of the former Base could put thousands to work in construction jobs in demolition and cleanup, which could be available as soon as next year, and permanent jobs like clerks, mechanics, and forklift operators several years down the line. The Base closed in 1994 and the Federal Base Reuse Authority returned the property to the City of Oakland and the Port of Oakland in 2006. Last year, both the City and Port signed "exclusive negotiating agreements" with local developer Phil Tagami's California Capital Group and international property corporation AMB.

What: Community rally for a "good jobs" contract with developers of the massive Oakland Army Base
project, just before the Port of Oakland is expected to take a significant vote on the fate of the massive
redevelopment project.

When: Tuesday, July 20.
• 4:30 PM Community Rally

Where: Port of Oakland Headquarters, 530 Water Street
Organized by the Revive Oakland! coalition.