Guest guest Posted June 2, 2006 Report Share Posted June 2, 2006 http://www.sustainlane.com/article/895/ The SustainLane 2006 US City Rankings Are Here! #6 Oakland: Stepping out of the Shadows Long overshadowed by San Francisco, Oakland is emerging as a sustainability leader. Mayor Jerry Brown, whose second term ends in January 2007, has overseen a plan to bring 10,000 new residents into a redeveloped city center. The plan is dramatically increasing the downtown population, reducing sprawl, and making public transit more efficient—all while giving the city’s urban center a dose of energy. Farmers markets, community gardens, and green buildings further support the city’s move toward sustainability. Oakland is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the US. While its expensive housing (#44) puts it out of reach for many Americans, it’s more affordable than other Bay Area cities, including San Francisco and San Jose. Healthy Living Oakland’s bayside location keeps its air cleaner (#4) than that of most American cities, with fresh Pacific breezes coming in through the Golden Gate and blowing straight at Oakland’s port. Temperatures are pleasantly moderated by these cool breezes. The sun comes out more than it does in fog-enshrouded San Francisco, making Oakland a great setting for outdoor recreation and fitness. On weekends and evenings, Oaklanders love to walk, jog, bike, and play around Lake Merritt, a 140-acre lake adjacent to downtown, and in the other 65 parks and 29 regional parks covering more than 97,000 acres in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The city’s eight farmers markets and 36 community gardens support its #9 ranking for food and agriculture. Water quality (#37) ranks below average, with 18 pollutants found in the water by the Environmental Protection Agency, 5 of which exceed the agency’s recommended limits. If you live in Oakland, it’s a good idea to filter your water. Getting Around From 2000 to 2004, Oakland’s public transit commuter use has increased more than in any US city we looked at, from 17% to 22%. Not only does this improve regional air quality; it also keeps money in the local economy that would otherwise leave the nation for imported oil. The combined rate for biking and walking to work is just over 4%, which is below average for most of the larger, older US cities in our study. (This may reflect the number of people who commute across the bay to San Francisco or into Silicon Valley for jobs.) It will be interesting to see if the percentage improves with the continuing development of downtown residential neighborhoods. Economic Factors In conjunction with graduate students from the University of California in neighboring Berkeley, Oakland has created a plan to source 30% of its food locally. Oakland has demonstrated its leadership in supporting the expansion of farmers markets, community gardens, and school gardening programs. Oakland ranks #17 in green building, with six registered and one certified green building, and derives two megawatts of solar power and 17% of its energy supply from renewable sources. This gives it a higher percentage of renewable energy than any other city SustainLane analyzed. Oakland installed 1.1 megawatt solar arrays in 2005, one of the largest municipal installations in the nation. The city does face a serious earthquake risk, placing it at #48 for natural disasters, a lower ranking than even at-risk neighbors San Francisco and San Jose. Summary/Next Steps Oakland’s innovations span several categories. Its plan to get 30% of the city’s food from local sources, strong public transportation infrastructure, and evolving city center reflect its commitment to sustainability. As part of an alliance with San Francisco, Berkeley, and other Bay Area communities to jointly get half of their energy from renewable sources by 2017, Oakland has an opportunity to participate in a regional industry cluster that could one day serve the entire nation. Oakland has a number of opportunities to strengthen its position. An important part of Oakland’s vitality is its diversity, an asset it risks losing if it fails to create more affordable housing. Rising crime in low-income West Oakland is a continuing problem that affects all elements of the city’s livability. The city has also been challenged to retain jobs from its manufacturing base. Light manufacturing and/or assembly associated with solar and other renewable energy technology as part of Oakland’s regional alliance would make an ideal match for the city’s rail and port connections. Related Articles Read East Bay resident Michael Pollan’s thoughts about local food. Want a healthier night’s rest? Consider what Berkeley resident and European Sleep Works owner Mike Lavin has to say about sound sleep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 6, 2006 Report Share Posted June 6, 2006 Wow!! eight farmers markets and 36 community gardens!! makes me want to pack my bags and move there tommorow! if it weren't for the fact that I can't afford it and the little earthquake thingee. sounds like a really cool place , fraggle <EBbrewpunx wrote: > > http://www.sustainlane.com/article/895/ > > The SustainLane 2006 US City Rankings Are Here! > > > #6 Oakland: Stepping out of the Shadows > Long overshadowed by San Francisco, Oakland is emerging as a sustainability leader. > > > Mayor Jerry Brown, whose second term ends in January 2007, has overseen a plan to bring 10,000 new residents into a redeveloped city center. The plan is dramatically increasing the downtown population, reducing sprawl, and making public transit more efficient†" all while giving the city’s urban center a dose of energy. Farmers markets, community gardens, and green buildings further support the city’s move toward sustainability. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 6, 2006 Report Share Posted June 6, 2006 eh... earthquakes here hurricanes there everyplace has something to make ya run screaming in fear... personally, the berkeley farmers market is the best.... the one on saturday is just the best i've ever been to...tons of organic veggies, organic plants, compost and gardening classes, vegan food, entertainment.... then i got to the one nearest me, jack london square, and just sigh but...gotta love em anyways! >Anouk Sickler <zurumato >Jun 5, 2006 7:43 PM > > Re: woot...numba 6! > >Wow!! > >eight farmers markets and 36 community gardens!! > >makes me want to pack my bags and move there tommorow! >if it weren't for the fact that I can't afford it >and the little earthquake thingee. > >sounds like a really cool place > > > > > , fraggle <EBbrewpunx wrote: >> >> http://www.sustainlane.com/article/895/ >> >> The SustainLane 2006 US City Rankings Are Here! >> >> >> #6 Oakland: Stepping out of the Shadows >> Long overshadowed by San Francisco, Oakland is emerging as a >sustainability leader. >> >> >> Mayor Jerry Brown, whose second term ends in January 2007, has >overseen a plan to bring 10,000 new residents into a redeveloped city >center. The plan is dramatically increasing the downtown population, >reducing sprawl, and making public transit more efficient†" all while >giving the city’s urban center a dose of energy. Farmers markets, >community gardens, and green buildings further support the city’s >move toward sustainability. > > > > > > > >To send an email to - > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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