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

DateDetailsRegistration 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, 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
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
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
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
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
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
Saturday, 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
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

Past Public Meetings and Events

DateDetailsRegistration Link
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
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
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
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