In 2006, a group of residents in the Oakland/Harrison Street neighborhood saw an opportunity in the proposed development of the new Whole Foods Store in their neighborhood. Through committed advocacy, they secured improved pedestrian access to the  neighborhood and new bicycle lanes. 

Rather than resting on their laurels, they decided to expand their success and create a citywide advocacy organization focused on bicycle and pedestrian issues.  That was the birth of Walk Oakland Bike Oakland (WOBO).  Kassie Rohrbach, a veteran organizer around issues of climate change and sustainable energy, became the group’s first Executive Director this January.

It's great when a local organization gets national recognition for its hard work.  It's even more exciting when it's an organization doing hard work for causes you really believe in, like promoting a more sustainable Oakland.  Walk Oakland Bike Oakland (WOBO) was among 7 organizations that received this year's Advocacy Award from the Alliance for Biking and Walking.