Background
OPDC was founded in 1980 as a non-profit 501 (c) 3 community-based organization.
It was an outgrowth of the community planning process that produced the Oakland
Plan, a comprehensive report concerning revitalization and development in
all areas of Oakland. The community planning process also recommended creation
of a community-oriented planning and development organization, and OPDC was
established.
Since its founding, OPDC has been instrumental in ongoing
Oakland master planning efforts, in neighborhood development, and in the creation
of affordable housing in Oakland. Since inception, OPDC has created over 320
housing units, has participated in every major Oakland planning process, and
has been a strong community partner with other Oakland community and institutional
groups.
Key Organizational Accomplishments
- Developed 320+ housing units in a mix of low and
moderate income housing for both rental and homeowner markets.
- Grown an active workforce development program that
links community residents primarily with living wage, benefited jobs in
the medical industry. In 2003, this program saw an average of 92 clients
per month.
- Established the Oakland Business Improvement District
as a taxing authority of the City of Pittsburgh that taps a sustainable
mechanism for improvements in the Oakland Fifth/Forbes Corridor.
- Built the Oakland Development Fund, a $500,000 catalytic
loan pool for development in Oakland neighborhoods.
- Managed the Oakland Façade and Home purchase
program, a pool of grant funds for home purchase incentives and façade
improvements to Oakland's owner occupied housing.
- Gained acknowledgement that the community voice is
necessary in the master planning efforts of Oakland and has participated
in major planning efforts from this standpointFacilitated the discussion
between the community and other Oakland non-residential stakeholders.
back to top
