Our Mission
The Laurel District Association (LDA) was established in 2005 and renewed in 2015. We are a 501(c)(3) property-based Business Improvement District (PBID). Our mission is to revitalize the commercial corridor of the Laurel District, one of Oakland’s beloved and most unique communities.
We are committed to increasing the quality of public improvements and educational, cultural, artistic, charitable, and social services within the Laurel District and the surrounding neighborhood.
Our Areas of Focus
District Identity:
We place an emphasis on the marketing, branding, and integration of Laurel District so that we can foster a true sense of community and pride. Specially curated events within the Laurel help establish new connections and foster relationships.
Accomplishments: Merchant Directory, LDA Website & New District Logo “The Laurel – Oakland’s Neighborhood,” New Street Pole Banners, Building Unity & Integration Amongst Laurel Business Owners.
Signature Events: The 20th Annual Laurel StreetFair World Music Festival on August 10th 2019, Laurel Lunar New Year Parade and Blessing of the Businesses, Holidays in The Laurel.
Community Advisory Board:
We collaborate with various community & residence groups, including the Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council, Laurel Village, Redwood Heights Community Group, Maxwell Park, Allendale, and Brookdale. This allows us to have a deeper understanding of the needs of our residents, visitors, and business owners so that we are able to better serve our community.
Accomplishments: Laurel District Identity Summit
Projects: Hosting a series of seminars and workshops to educate the community and create pride within our community.
Land Use:
We oversee development slated for vacant lots, zoning and vacancy issues and business attractions.
Accomplishments: Created a community summit to discuss the CN-2 zoning and planned development projects with Laurel District.
Organization:
We allocate a budget for the administration of the Business Improvement District.
Accomplishments: Hiring of an Executive Director, establishing leadership within the organization and key supporting roles.
Projects: We hold monthly meetings and work with consultants to move the organization forward.
Public Rights of Way:
We oversee approved funding for the maintenance, security, and beautification of Laurel District.
Accomplishments: Hiring Oakland’s Peralta Services Corporation to remove trash in the district five days a week, steam clean the sidewalks, remove graffiti and perform general maintenance on a weekly basis.
Projects: Planters throughout the district were beautified with a series of art installations.
Facades of the Laurel Improvement Program – A matching grant fund for building and business owners.
Interested In Our Work?
The Board of Directors meets every 3rd Monday at 6:00PM at Cafe Santana (4100 MacArthur Blvd.).
Board of Directors
PRESIDENT
Jain Williams
State Farm Insurance
4222 MacArthur Boulevard
(510) 530-3222
jain (at) jainwilliams.com
SECRETARY
Joanne Wong-Lam
Property Owner
3525 MacArthur Boulevard
jwonglam (at) gmail.com
TREASURER
Dorothy Okamoto
Property Owner
3714/18 MacArthur Boulevard
dorothyokamoto (at) aol.com
OTHER BOARD MEMBERS:
Alysia Gritz
Marquardt Property Management
alysia@mpmoakland.com
Kao Saelee
Jo’s Modern Thai
3725 MacArthur Boulevard
kao (at) josmodernthai.com
Lorie Mata
4173 MacArthur Boulevard
lorie (at) manoshomecare.com
Jonathan Evans
Community Representative
juanito_evans (at) yahoo.com
Toshia Thompson
Savvy The Salon
4142 MacArthur Boulevard
(510) 530-7289
savvythesalon.toshia (at) gmail.com
Vincent Phua
Property Owner
4251 MacArthur Boulevard
vcphua (at) gmail.com
Zinzi Zareef
Mizaan Boutique
4050 MacArthur Boulevard
(510) 530-8300
zinzi (at) comcast.net
Executive Director
Daniel Swafford
Laurel District Association
laureldistrictassociation (at) gmail.com