Oakland Slow in Keeping Its Promise to Help Small Businesses Deal With Transit Changes

Oakland created a fund of $4 million dollars to aid small businesses affected by the construction of a new BRT line on International Blvd. So far, none of that money has been spent, though some of the funding was supposed to be spent by 2017.

1 minute read

April 24, 2018, 10:00 AM PDT

By Casey Brazeal @northandclark


Oakland is building a 9.5 mile bus rapid transit (BRT) system along International Boulevard. To accommodate small businesses along that stretch, the city set aside $4 million dollars: $2 million for consulting and $2 million for cash grants. So far none of that grant money has been awarded. "In fact, allocation of that money is at least a year behind schedule. The fund was approved in July two years ago. Half of it comes from federal money that was meant to be spent by June 2017," Eli Wirtschafter reports for KALW.

That's not for lack of interest, according to the city. Sixteen businesses are in line to get cash grants this year.

"Like the business-assistance grant program, construction on the BRT is also a year behind schedule. AC Transit has not confirmed a date for when construction will begin on Nguyen’s block," Wirtschafter reports. While the construction is not tied to the assistance program, both have yet to deliver.

Wednesday, April 18, 2018 in KALW

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Google street view of red brick multi-story power plant building in Pittsburgh, PA.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower

A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

July 4 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cyclist on protected bike lane in middle of street in Washington D.C. with Washington Monument obelisk visible in background.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”

The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

July 4 - Streetsblog USA

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business