At the November 12, 2024 BPAC Policy and Legislative Committee meeting, Oakland Planning Bureau staff provided an overview of the General Plan Update, with a focused discussion on the LUTE’s role in promoting active transportation and welcomes feedback from the BPAC.

The City of Oakland is currently updating its General Plan and wants to hear from community members. The Oakland General Plan Update will set forth a vision for Oakland’s future development that reflects community priorities and values. We aim to create livable and connected neighborhoods where people have access to everything they need, such as grocery stores, entertainment, stores, libraries, parks, and safe transportation. Once adopted in 2026, the General Plan will guide the city’s development for the next 20 years.

The Oakland General Plan Update process has two phases. Phase 1 began in November 2021 and concluded in October 2023. We adopted the Housing, Environmental Justice, and Safety Elements. Phase 2, initiated in Fall 2024, focuses on the Land Use and Transportation Element (LUTE), Open Space, Conservation, and Recreation (OSCAR) Element, Noise Element, and the Infrastructure and Capital Facilities Element.

The LUTE designates the kinds, location, and intensity of land uses, as well as appropriate zoning controls to achieve development policies. It also sets the policy foundation for a safe and reliable transportation system that facilitates the efficient movement of goods and people.

An excerpt is below, followed by the full presentation.

LUTE Update: Big Picture Questions

• How can we create more equitable distribution of opportunity in our neighborhoods?
• How can we make it easier, safer, and more accessible for people to get where they need to go without a car?
• How can transportation policies promote economic development ?
• How can transportation policies support climate action?
• How can transportation policies advance racial and social equity?
• How can the plan build upon existing work and community planning efforts and priorities?

LUTE Update: Transportation Focus

• Access and proximity to destinations and essential amenities
• Greenhouse gas emissions and air quality
• Emerging technology and Intelligent Transportation Systems
• Equity
• Safety/Vision Zero
• Regional Connectivity (Link21)

Discussion Questions for BPAC

• How can the LUTE build upon existing work and community planning efforts and priorities? What other efforts should we be aware of?
• Of the issues the BPAC has identified, what solutions or transportation policies are appropriate for the LUTE versus the Pedestrian Plan?
• What are potential land use and transportation conflicts with BPAC Priorities?

Presentation