Community Relations

Community Relations

Community Engagement

The Port of Oakland, through the Oakland Seaport, Oakland International Airport, and waterfront properties, generates 98,345 local jobs. As the second largest job generator in Oakland and the fifth largest job generator in the region, the Port remains a critical source of economic opportunity and jobs in Northern California.

Our mission is not only to operate a thriving seaport; an airport-community connection is also a pillar of our work. Throughout the year, the Port of Oakland offers family-friendly events at Jack London Square; provides opportunities to explore the Oakland Seaport by boat on free harbor tours; hosts free field trips at Middle Harbor Shoreline Park for learning about the natural habitat and maritime activities; makes charitable contributions, sponsorships, and grants to local community-based organizations; and has speakers available to share the Port’s story for classrooms and business functions.

We listen carefully to citizen feedback and follow up on your suggestions and concerns. That’s why Port staff engages with residents and local businesses regarding Port activities and developments at neighborhood councils, civic organizations, and community festivals and fairs.

Community Investment Program

Approved by the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners on July 2015, the Port of Oakland Community Investment Program seeks to add value and best serve our diverse communities within the Port’s footprint. This program provides grants to benefit the communities in the Port’s Local Impact Area (LIA) in Oakland, Alameda, Emeryville, and San Leandro, as well as communities in the Port’s Local Business Area (LBA) in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

Harbor Tours

The Port of Oakland is pleased to sponsor free harbor tours from May through October 2024 on a Blue & Gold boat. The tours will be held once a month, and each tour will last approximately 90 minutes.

Visitors will learn about the Port, its operations, and the economic and jobs impact on the region. Harbor tours provide a unique vantage point because the Port’s marine terminals can be viewed from the water. The excursions are a great way to see how the Oakland Seaport works.

Boarding will take place at the Oakland Jack London Terminal (Ferry Dock) at 10 Clay St. (at the corner of Water Street) in Jack London Square, Oakland, California. There are nearby parking lots (There is a fee to park.)

Contact

Laura Arreola

Community Relations Manager

Not sure who to contact or have a general question? Use our contact form to route your request

Port of Oakland Calendar

Upcoming Public Meetings and Events

No upcoming events to display at this time.

DateDetailsRegistration Link
Thursday, December 5, 2024
8:30 – 10:30 am
Oakland Structures

Oakland is at a crossroads with issues like crime, homelessness and the high cost of new development clouding its horizon. Yet it is a city with rich assets and diversity that bodes well for the future. What key projects will redefine the city? What sectors are growing? How can Oakland ensure that it provides enough housing? What will happen to the Coliseum now that the A's are gone? And what does office development look like in the post pandemic world?

Location:Oakland Marriott City Center (1001 Broadway, Oakland)
Web Link
Friday, December 6, 2024
3:30 – 8:30 pm
COMTO Northern California - 21st Annual Scholarship & Industry Awards Gala | Celebration of Transportation

COMTO Northern California is dedicated to breaking barriers and ensuring that the transportation industry reflects the diversity of our communities. This gala supports their mission to provide scholarships that empower students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue their academic and career goals in transportation.

Location: Oakland Marriott City Center (1001 Broadway, Oakland)
Register Link

Website
Saturday, December 7, 2024
4 – 7:30 pm
Bridgegood Benefit: Feel Good

Join Designers, Artists, and Creatives on Saturday, December 7, at BRIDGEGOOD Studio in Jack London Square for a Feel Good Event! Enjoy a BRIDGEGOOD Talent Showcase, hands-on screen printing, bracelet-making, a BINGO Networking Mixer, and interactive Hip Hop Dance entertainment, along with a silent auction and raffle gift baskets. They will also be serving delicious local eats from Oakland's finest Filipino establishment, Lucky Three Seven, featuring their famous G-Fire wings. Celebrate creativity and design for social good while supporting BRIDGEGOOD.

Location: 95 Washington Street, Oakland, CA 94607
Register

Past Public Meetings and Events

DateDetailsRegistration Link
Wednesday, November 20th, 2024
9 am – 2 pm
2024 Bay Area Construction Workforce Conference

Join us at the 2024 Bay Area Construction Workforce Conference on November 20th to hear from education and workforce development leaders across the state. This year, we are featuring keynote conference speakers California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, Division of Apprenticeship Standards Chief Curtis Notsinneh, and Assemblymember Liz Ortega.

It will be an incredible day of networking, collaboration, and connection with industry leaders to discover new opportunities within the Bay Area’s construction workforce.

Location: Cypress Mandela Training Center — 977 66th Ave, Oakland, CA
Register
Thursday, November 14, 2024
4 pm – 7 pm
Meet the Electrical Infrastructure Design-Build Primes

View brochure here.

Location: OAK - 1 Airport Drive, Terminal One, Muir Woods Conf. Room (Floor 2)

Register Link
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
4 – 7 pm
The West Oakland Community Action Plan (WOCAP) is the country’s first community-led clean air plan–but we won’t be the last. As other communities around the Bay begin to develop their own clean air plans, we’re proud to model how community members, agency staff, and community-based organizations can work together to reduce emissions. On Wednesday, we’ll share how the first five years of WOCAP have gone, what we have planned for the next five, and what we’ve learned along the way.

Location: DeFremery Recreation Park (Social Hall)
DeFremery Park – 1651 Adeline St., Oakland
Registration Link

Come meet your neighbors, celebrate cleaner air in West Oakland, and build community with us!
Monday, November 4, 2024
1:00 – 3:00 PM
San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport Aviation Stakeholder Advisory Committee

The agenda for the November 4, 2024, meeting, and minutes from the August 12 meeting will be disseminated prior to the meeting and posted online at the “web link” to the right.

Location: (In-person) Lake Merritt Conf. Room, Terminal 1, 2nd Floor; (Virtual) Zoom information will be disseminated closer to the meeting date.
Web Link
Sunday, November 3, 2024
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Port Sponsored Festival: Unity Council 29th Annual Dia de los Muertos Festival

The Oakland Día de los Muertos Festival is a free, outdoor festival that brings over 100,000 people to the vibrant, culturally-rich Fruitvale neighborhood to enjoy world-class live music, family-friendly games, rides and activities, traditional Latin American artisans, and the stunning altar artistic installations created by community members paying homage to los Muertos. The Día de los Muertos Festival was inducted into the U.S. Library of Congress by Congresswoman Barbara Lee as a “Local Legacy.”

Location: International Blvd. at Fruitvale Ave., in Oakland, CA
Web Link
Saturday, November 2, 2024
Doors Open at 5 pm
Lovelife Foundation: Oakland Finest Black Tie Gala & College Scholarship Drive
The Lovelife Foundation presents its 5th annual black tie gala and college scholarship drive. Proceed go to benefit high school graduates who will be attending a 4-year college. There will be food, dancing, entertainment and an awards ceremony.
Location: Downtown Oakland Marriot Hotel – 1000 Broadway, Oakland
Get Tickets
Thursday, October 24
4 – 7 pm
SPUR Silver Awards

The Bay Area’s most prominent civic event brings together elected officials, and business, civic, and philanthropic leaders to celebrate three exceptional individuals and their contributions to our communities.

Location: Blue Shield of California Theater at YBCA in San Francisco
Web Link
Saturday, October 19, 2024
6 – 10 pm
Chabot Space and Science Center: Annual Starlight Gala: Visions of Tomorrow
Join the dazzling extravaganza which will include stargazing, a unique auction experience, delicious food, networking with new friends and plenty of surprises.
Show your support for STEM education and the thrilling space age happening right here, right now in Oakland.
Location: 10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland
Web Link
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Doors Open at 5:30 pm, Program Starts at 6:30 pm
Oakland Asian Cultural Center: Future>Forward 2024 Gala
The 2024 GALA: FUTURE > FORWARD, will bring together the community to seek OACC’s vision of transformative change for the future. Proceeds from the Gala will support the work of OACC and help them create robust programs and events that serve the AAPI community in Oakland and beyond.
Location: 388 9th St., Suite 290, Oakland
Web Link
Saturday, October 19, 2024
12 noon – 3 pm
Prospera: Eighth Annual Summit for Latina Entrepreneurs: “Human Libraries: Bridging Stories, Learning and Connection”
The Eighth Annual Summit for Latina Entrepreneurs offers a safe space for healing, unlearning, and inspiration. Participants will gain valuable tools, resources, and connections through panels, activities, and networking sessions to support their personal and professional development. Additionally, a marketplace will showcase products and services from participating entrepreneurs, community organizations, and sponsors, creating opportunities for exposure and collaboration.
Location: Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland
Register
Saturday, October 19, 2024
12 noon – 4 pm
Oakland Ed Fund: Oakland Grown: Student Art & Music Festival
The joy-filled celebration will feature student performances and visual arts displays, art activities–all culminating in a special hometown concert by Oakland native and internationally acclaimed R&B artist GOAPELE.
Location: Oakland Museum Garden - 1000 Oak Street, Oakland
Web Link
Saturday, October 19, 2024
8am - Donut Fun Run
9 am - Donut Eating Contest

The Donut Fun Run

The Donut Fun Run will be a timed, donut-themed 5k race held at Alameda Point's Seaplane Lagoon Promenade. Our first annual event will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024. The post-run Donut Festival will feature live music, live entertainment featuring The Dancing Donuts, food booths, wine and beer, photo ops, and of course, donuts from Donut Petit!

Location: Alameda Point's Seaplane Lagoon Promenade

Web Link
Friday, October 18, 2024
5:30 – 7:00 PM
Port of Oakland Harbor Tour

Take a FREE 90-minute narrated harbor tour from Oakland Estuary to the San Francisco Bay on board a Ferryboat. Learn about the Port of Oakland, its operations and economic impact on the region.

Location: Boarding will take place at the Oakland Jack London Terminal (Ferry Dock) at 10 Clay St. (at the corner of Water Street) in Jack London Square, Oakland, California.
Registration Required
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Starts 6:30 PM
Airport-Community Noise Forum Meeting

The agenda for the October 16, 2024, meeting will be disseminated prior to the meeting and posted online at the “web link” to the right.

Location: (In-person) Port of Oakland Board Room, 530 Water Street, 2nd Floor , (Virtual) ) Zoom information will be disseminated closer to the meeting date.
Web Link
Saturday, October 12, 2024
10 am – 12 pm
58th Annual United Nations Flag Raising Celebration with Parade
“Peace and Nonviolence” Free, family friendly event
The event will include live entertainment, guest speakers, and light refreshments.
Location: Jack London Square, Oakland at UN Flagpole
Web Link
Thursday, October 10, 2024
11 am – 2 pm
Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce 21st Annual Business Awards Luncheon

Join OAACC for their 21sst annual business awards luncheon, “Forging Innovative Paths for a Successful Oakland Now!”

Location: Scott's Seafood Restaurant – Jack London Square – 2 Broadway, Oakland
Buy Tickets Here
Sunday, October 6, 2024
4 pm - 7:30 pm
Girls Inc 2024 EmpowerFest

Participate in an evening full of celebration and generosity dedicated to the empowerment of women and girls.

Location: Oakland Museum of California – 1000 Oak St., Oakland
Register Here
Sunday, October 6, 2024
12 noon – 3 pm
Alameda County Community Food Bank - Savor the Season

Join Alameda County Community Food Bank for a lively and impactful afternoon with gourmet food and wine to support Alameda County Community Food Bank’s critical hunger-relief efforts.

Location: Wente Vineyards – 5050 Arroyo Road, Livermore
Register Here
Saturday, October 5, 2024
10 am – 6 pm
Oakland Black Cowboy Association (OBC) 50th Annual Black Cowboy Parade and Festival

The Oakland Black Cowboy Association (OBCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to enlightening children and adults about the contributions of people of color in the settling of the West while actively enhancing and promoting the furtherance of the African American cowboy in modern society. The event celebrates the existence of OBCA and is a platform to inspire and educate people about their culture and cause while creating new experiences.

Location: 1651 Adeline St., Oakland, CA 94607
Web Link
Friday, October 4, 2024
6 – 10 pm
West Oakland Cultural Action Network Clean Air Day Community Mixer

Brown Likka Fridayz presents the Clean Air Day Community Mixer on Oct. 4 in West Oakland! The Port of Oakland and Oakland Ballers are sponsoring this FREE backyard event for the neighborhood!

Come for a night full of fun conversation and community, as we discuss ways to promote clean air in Oakland and beyond.

Sign up for the CA Clean Air Pledge today at www.cleanairday.org.
Web Link
Saturday, September 28, 2024
6 pm – 9 pm
La Clinica de La Raza - All That Jazz

La Clinica de la Raza will be celebrating more than 53 years of connecting communities in the East Bay with healthcare services they need and deserve.

Location: Yoshi's – 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland
Register Here
Saturday, September 21, 2024
9 am – 12 pm
California Coastal Cleanup and Oakland Creek to Bay Day
(In partnership with Matson Terminals, East Bay Regional Parks, EBMUD, and City of Oakland)

Volunteers will help clean up trash and debris to beautify our local waterway.

Location: East Creek Slough
Flyer
Saturday, September 21, 2024
9 am – 12 noon
California Coastal Cleanup and Oakland Creek to Bay Day

Turn the tide on trash and join the global movement to keep our cities and shared waterways clean. Oakland Creek to Bay Day is part of California and International Coastal Clean-up Day, one of the most significant volunteer days in California and the world! Here is one way you can have an immediate and tangible impact on the health of your San Francisco Bay estuary, local wildlife, and your own health.

In appreciation for all your hard work, AFTER the shoreline clean-up, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, the Port of Oakland will provide lunch for volunteers (RSVP required).

Location: Middle Harbor Shoreline Park
Registration Link
Friday, September 20, 2024
10 am – 3 pm
Port Sponsored “Zero Emissions Ride & Drive”

Fleet owners will have the opportunity to drive ZEVs and talk to companies that offer financing, leasing, insurance, charging infrastructure, etc.

  • Ride, drive or preview a battery or fuel cell electric truck

  • Learn about the various zero-emissions technologies

  • Talk to companies offering financing, leasing and insurance

  • Mobile and stationary electric charging solutions

  • ZEV infrastructure parking solutions…and more!


Location: Middle Harbor Shoreline Park, 2777 Middle Harbor Rd, Oakland, CA 94607
RSVP
Flyer
Thursday, September 19, 2024
11 am – 1 pm
COMTO NorCal Small Business Finance Forum

An exclusive event designed for small businesses eager to explore new financial horizons. Don’t miss the expert panel discussions where banks and lending institutions will demystify the lending process and discuss funding demographics, providing valuable insights into which groups are more frequently funded and identifying opportunities for underfunded sectors to gain better access to necessary capital. Gain a better understanding of obtaining access to capital and the best strategies for your business.

Location: OAK, Muir Woods Conference Room – Terminal 1, 2nd Floor
Meeting/Event Information
Flyer
Thursday, November 14, 2024
6 – 9 pm
Native American Health Center: 2024 Gala Celebration Strength, Resiliency, Excellence
The Native American Health Center is excited to announce our 2024 Gala Celebration on November 14, 2024! We invite you to gather your colleagues and join us at Bloc 15 in Oakland for an unforgettable evening of celebration and support. Together, we will honor our rich history, celebrate the present, and embrace a future defined by STRENGTH, RESILIENCY, AND EXCELLENCE.
Location: Bloc 15 - 252 2nd Street, Oakland
Web Link
Thursday, November 14, 2024
4 pm – 7 pm
Meet the Electrical Infrastructure Design-Build Primes

Location: OAK - 1 Airport Drive, Terminal One, Muir Woods Conf. Room (Floor 2)
Meeting Flyer

Register
Saturday, November 16, 2024
6 – 8 pm
EBAC Silver Gala
25th Anniversary EBAC Auxiliary SILVER Gala
Location: The Gold Bar, Treasure Island - 1 Avenue of the Palms #167, San Francisco
Web Link
Wednesday, November 20th, 2024
9 am – 2 pm
2024 Bay Area Construction Workforce Conference

Join us at the 2024 Bay Area Construction Workforce Conference on November 20th to hear from education and workforce development leaders across the state. This year, we are featuring keynote conference speakers California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, Division of Apprenticeship Standards Chief Curtis Notsinneh, and Assemblymember Liz Ortega.

It will be an incredible day of networking, collaboration, and connection with industry leaders to discover new opportunities within the Bay Area’s construction workforce.

Location: Cypress Mandela Training Center — 977 66th Ave, Oakland, CA
Register
Thursday, November 21, 2024
4 – 6 pm
East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (EBASE’s) Fall Happy Hour, Hope & Tenacity: On the Path to Justice

Location: La Peña Cultural Center – 3105 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley
Web Link