Oakland relies on its many boards and commissions to provide critical guidance in City decisions and to serve as important forums for public participation. With this privilege comes a responsibility to comply with governmental ethics laws and to uphold the public’s trust. There are many rules and responsibilities that you will need to learn about in this new role as a Public Servant so take the time to review these board member essentials to avoid any costly missteps.
The Oakland Government Ethics Act provides a framework of ethics laws addressing issues such as gifts, conflicts of interests, the misuse of city resources and position, political activities, and post-employment restrictions. The Public Ethics Commission provides advice, assistance, and training to individuals that are subject to local ethics laws.
The Public Ethics Commission ensures compliance with the City of Oakland's lobbyist registration laws.
You can find a comprehensive list of all lobbying activity in Oakland on this page
Enhancing government transparency is at the core of the Public Ethics Commission mission to ensure fairness, openness, honesty and integrity in City government. Our goal is City government that opens up and facilitates residents' understanding and participation, and community members collaborating to bring about meaningful change.
State and local disclosure laws are one tool to prevent conflicts of interest with City officials' public duties by shining light on their personal interests. The Public Ethics Commission acts as filing officer for financial disclosure statements filed by candidates, political committees, lobbyists, and designated City employees and officials. Disclosure statements are public records and are available for review online.
Oakland is one of several California cities to adopt a Sunshine ordinance. These ordinances attempt to provide the public with greater opportunities to access public meetings and information. They also create special obligations on City employees to ensure these opportunities are fulfilled.
The Design Review Committee (DRC) is an official committee of the Oakland Planning Commission. The DRC meets every fourth Wednesday of the month (and additionally as needed) to provide design feedback to project developers and staff.
The Zoning Update Committee (ZUC) meets as needed to hear preliminary zoning code updates prior to consideration by the full Planning Commission. The ZUC is an official committee of the Planning Commission.
Public Art Advisory Committee Agendas & Minutes
A network of One-Stop Career Centers help Oakland Adults find jobs.
The West Oakland Job Resource Center (WOJRC) is a place to learn about and prepare for careers in the building and construction trades.
Help develop a pool of skilled future employees while creating meaningful job opportunities for Oakland youth, ages 16 to 21.
As of February 1, 2012, the City of Oakland Redevelopment Agency ceased to exist. The new Redevelopment Successor Agency, housed within the Public/Private Development Division, was created to wind down and complete the activities of the former Redevelopment Agency.
The Redevelopment Successor Agency and its Oversight Board was created to wind down and complete the activities of the former Oakland Redevelopment Agency following dissolution in 2012.