The City of Oakland and the East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation (EBALDC) have received $35.9 million from the California Strategic Growth Council and the California Department of Housing and Community Development. The funding comes from the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program, which aims to support affordable housing projects and transportation improvements that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The grant will be used for a new affordable housing development at 285 12th Street in Oakland, as well as for significant transportation infrastructure upgrades in Districts 2 and 3. The project includes building 64 units of affordable family housing in Oakland’s Chinatown neighborhood. These homes will be available to households earning between 30-60% of Area Median Income, with 13 units reserved for people exiting homelessness. The development is expected to create jobs with prevailing wages and expand opportunities for local businesses.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee said, “This award shows what happens when we align our housing, transportation, and climate goals: 64 affordable homes, including units for neighbors experiencing homelessness, plus over two miles of protected bike lanes and bus-only lanes on Broadway. We’re going to continue building green, resilient communities throughout Oakland where families can stay rooted, and people can get around safely. As a commissioner on the Bay Area Housing Finance Authority at MTC, I see firsthand how regional collaboration can unlock transformative investments like this – bringing together state climate dollars, local housing bonds, and transit improvements to create the kind of integrated, equitable development our region needs. Oakland is on the move — and continues to lead the way on affordable housing development.”
Additional transportation improvements funded by this award include over two miles of protected bike lanes through the Martin Luther King Jr. Way Streetscape and 7th Street Connection projects. There will also be transit access enhancements such as reconstructed curb ramps, high-visibility crosswalks, pedestrian lighting, dedicated bus-only lanes on Broadway totaling more than one mile, transit signal priority at intersections along Broadway and 7th Street, as well as new bus-boarding islands and shelters.
Oakland District 2 Councilmember Charlene Wang stated: “From the Chinese Exclusion era to today, Chinatown has fought to stay rooted in Oakland. Affordable housing is a continuation of that struggle—a promise that our elders, workers, families, and neighbors who have been unhoused do not have to be displaced to survive. This project keeps that promise.”
Funding for these initiatives is supported by proceeds from California’s Cap-and-Trade program. In addition to AHSC funds, Oakland’s Housing and Community Development department recently secured an $8.26 million award for the same development through Measure U bonds focused on affordable housing and infrastructure.
Emily Weinstein, Director of the Housing & Community Development Department commented: “HCD is proud to work with our City partners to deliver affordable housing near transit. These coordinated, place-based investments will create lasting impacts, ensuring that low-income Oaklanders have sustainable access to healthy communities. We are grateful for the support of all the project partners that will help make this project a reality.”
Josh Rowan from the Oakland Department of Transportation added: “With this grant, we are upholding our promise to provide safe and reliable transportation options for all residents regardless of income or neighborhood… Receiving this grant also underscores the importance of the City coming together to deliver projects that are interconnected. Residents in affordable housing must have access to high-quality transportation options.”
EBALDC has experience implementing similar projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions through land use planning around transit-rich sites such as Casa Arabella and Prosperity Place.
Janelle Chan, CEO of EBALDC said: “The AHSC award acknowledges the transit-richness of the 12th street project location and EBALDC is proud that we are delivering 64 affordable homes that the Chinatown community advocated for on this site… We are excited new families, regardless of their income, will be able to connect to the many services and amenities available and be a part of a vibrant neighborhood.”
The Oakland Housing Authority (OHA) is also supporting deep affordability at 285 12th St., committing $12 million in funding along with providing 24 project-based vouchers—eight designated as Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing vouchers.
Patricia Wells from OHA said: “OHA Moving to Work (MTW) funding for 285 12th Street helps ensure more Oakland residents have access to affordable service-enriched homes in a transit-rich neighborhood… This investment will make an especially meaningful difference for residents at risk of homelessness including veterans…”
Homelessness prevention remains a top priority in Oakland’s multi-pronged approach which focuses on protecting residents from displacement; preserving existing affordable stock; producing new deeply-affordable units; while working with community organizations.
The city’s Department of Transportation continues its work under its Strategic Plan focusing on equity; safety; sound infrastructure; responsible governance—ensuring mobility options remain accessible across neighborhoods.
