08-03-2025
Public safety, perception fueling Oakland's economic woes, report says
OAKLAND, Calif. (KRON) — Ahead of next week's economic development summit in Oakland city leaders on Friday were presented a snapshot of a key report that will help drive the city's economic policies. The Oakland City Council requested the talk as it manages through a $129 million budget deficit.
Economist Adam Fowler said that when it comes to bolstering the economy in Oakland,the city's immediate focus should be on public safety and perception, increasing retail foot traffic, and keeping big and small businesses in the town.
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'You had a Target downtown, right? Is it there? It's not there anymore,' said Fowler. 'Like, I would, to the extent you could talk to somebody there, be like, that's why. Like, Target is a good sales tax driver.'
Crime and the common view that Oakland's streets are not safe is driving companies away, according to Fowler, who also said the city's transient occupancy, sales and business tax revenues have significantly decreased since 2019.
'What used to be kind of an active city center, a brand, a creative brand, is still very much sucking wind when we look at the metrics from the macroeconomic standpoint,' Fowler continued.
Fowler spoke at the Oakland Chamber of Commerce's Economic Institute. On Friday, during a special meeting with the city council, he shared findings of the annual economic indicators report that will be presented at next week's economic development summit.
'You're very unique in terms of the largest cities in the state, you have the lowest taxable sales activity,' Fowler said.
Fowler said fewer people are flying in and out of Oakland Airport and fewer are staying in the hotels that have chosen to keep their operations in Oakland.
'I heard just their safety, safety, safety. That's what I heard through everything you said. And, messaging. Perception turns into reality,' said Oakland City Councilmember Ken Houston.
Right now, the perception is Oakland is not safe to visit, shop or raise a family. The economic indicators report says that needs to change in order for Oakland to balance the budget.
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