'Tent City' For Oakland's Homeless

City officials in Oakland, California, are proposing the creation of a "tent city" to provide temporary shelter to the homeless. Advocates say the private tents will be preferred to the city's existing barracks-style shelters.

1 minute read

May 14, 2007, 1:00 PM PDT

By Nate Berg


"While the tent city would house only 45 individuals or families out of an estimated 1,000 chronically homeless people in Oakland, it would be part of a broader initiative the city would undertake over a three-year period. The goal would be to move all encampment residents into temporary housing with services that would include substance abuse counseling, job preparation and links to permanent housing. The annual estimated cost of the tent city and services is $971,704."

"There is an acute need in the city for housing for the city's homeless population. Residents confront daily the problems of homelessness including vagrancy, panhandling, illegal dumping and worse. Oakland's chronically homeless residents -- those with physical disabilities, mental illness or substance abuse issues who eschew traditional shelter life -- have an array of special needs, illustrating the need for a more comprehensive solution."

Wednesday, May 9, 2007 in The San Francisco Chronicle

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

Get top-rated, practical training

For Lease painted on window of vacant commercial space.

2024: The Year in Zoning

Cities and states are leaning on zoning reform to help stem the housing crisis and create more affordable, livable neighborhoods.

January 8, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Cyclist on bike in green painted bike lane at intersection with three-story buildings in background.

NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide

The third edition of the nationally recognized road design guide includes detailed design advice for roads that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users.

January 8, 2025 - National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)

Colorado flags draped between buildings in downtown Denver, Colorado.

Denver Pauses Multifamily Development in Westside Neighborhoods Amidst Gentrification Concerns

City officials say the pause on permits for redevelopment projects aims to stop the displacement of long-term residents.

January 9, 2025 - Governing

24-hour parking sign above parking garage entrance through which you can see a white SUV driving

Comprehensive Parking Supply, Cost, and Price Analysis

Every time somebody purchases a vehicle they expect governments and businesses to provide parking for their use. These facilities are costly. For every dollar motorists spend on their vehicles somebody spends about a dollar on parking.

3 hours ago - Comprehensive Parking Supply, Cost and Price Analysis

Red and white "Wildfire Evacuation Route" sign on signpost.

Learning From Wildfire Evacuations

Researchers are working to understand how people behave during wildfire events and how to most effectively get people to safety during deadly fires.

4 hours ago - Wired

Empty large outdoor parking lot with green trees in background.

Parking Reform Yields New Housing

As more cities eliminate or reduce their minimum parking requirements, the impact on housing supply is coming into focus.

5 hours ago - The New York Times

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.