Ronald V. Dellums
Mayor, City of Oakland
1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza3rd Floor
Oakland, CA 94612

Hon Ronald V. Dellums:

Whereas the conditions in the business areas we the undersigned endure are constant, persistent and severely limit our ability to have safe, secure, attractive, and viable businesses,

Whereas these conditions include but are not limited to: crime, public and private blight, unresolved illegal dumping, homelessness, and inadequate and poor maintenance of public infrastructure,

Whereas these conditions limit our ability to conduct our business, attract and retain employees and customers,

Be it resolved that we the undersigned, implore you to take immediate steps to protect, preserve, and support the industrial and commercial businesses of Oakland, by affirming:

1. Uninterrupted business retention and expansion (BRE) services of the Oakland Commerce Corporation by voting to break the tie vote of the City Council on June 17, 2008.

2. The establishment and staffing of the Mayors Office of Economic Development and Revitalization pursuant to the Oakland City Charter, Chapter III (d) The Mayor shall actively promote economic development to broaden and strengthen the commercial and employment base of the City.

3.The establishment at the highest level within the City Administrators Office the authority and staffing required to perform economic development and revitalization activities. This authority and staffing will have oversight over all the Offices sub agencies such as CEDA, PWA, and OPD. The staff will report directly to the Mayors Office of Economic Development and Revitalization.