Brooklyn Basin Mixed Use Development – City of Oakland, CA (.gov)

Report on Emily Weinstein’s Contributions to Affordable Housing and Community Development

Introduction

Emily Weinstein has dedicated over two decades to advancing affordable housing and community development, primarily focusing on economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in California. Her work aligns closely with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 1 (No Poverty), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Professional Experience and Leadership

1. Current Role: Deputy Director of Community Development, City of Oakland

   • Led strategic planning for the allocation of $350 million from Measure U bond funds, supporting sustainable urban development (SDG 11).
   • Launched the City’s homelessness prevention pilot program, addressing SDG 1 by working to eradicate poverty and homelessness.
   • Oversaw the Community Development and Engagement and Rent Adjustment Program teams, promoting inclusive community participation and equitable housing policies (SDG 10).

2. Independent Strategy Consultant

   • Advised developers and public agencies on maximizing economic, social, and health equity outcomes through community-centered real estate development strategies.
   • Contributed to projects that support SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by integrating health equity and economic opportunity considerations.

3. BRIDGE Housing: Director Roles

   • Directed the Rebuild Potrero initiative and the Community Development and Evaluation Department.
   • Pioneered the Trauma Informed Community Building model, addressing the complex challenges faced by low-income and historically excluded communities, supporting SDG 10 and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Educational Background and Additional Contributions

• Earned a dual degree in City Planning and Real Estate Development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), equipping her with expertise to support sustainable urban development (SDG 11).
• Completed a fellowship as a Culture of Health Leader with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, reinforcing her commitment to health equity (SDG 3).
• Served two terms as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Oakland, contributing to local governance and sustainable city planning (SDG 11 and SDG 16).

Conclusion

Emily Weinstein’s extensive career demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through affordable housing, community engagement, and health equity initiatives. Her leadership in Oakland and beyond exemplifies effective strategies to foster inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 1: No Poverty – The article discusses initiatives aimed at affordable housing and homelessness prevention, which directly relate to reducing poverty.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The Trauma Informed Community Building model and focus on health equity indicate a connection to promoting well-being.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The emphasis on historically excluded communities and social equity outcomes aligns with reducing inequalities.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Community development, affordable housing, and strategic urban planning are central themes related to making cities inclusive and sustainable.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 1 – Target 1.4: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.
2. SDG 3 – Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services.
3. SDG 10 – Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
4. SDG 11 – Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
5. SDG 11 – Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

• Indicator for SDG 1.4: Proportion of population living in slums, informal settlements or inadequate housing.
• Indicator for SDG 3.8: Coverage of essential health services and access to health equity programs such as Trauma Informed Community Building.
• Indicator for SDG 10.2: Measures of social and economic inclusion of historically excluded communities.
• Indicator for SDG 11.1: Proportion of urban population living in adequate housing.
• Indicator for SDG 11.3: Number of cities with participatory urban planning processes and strategic investment plans (e.g., the $350M Measure U bond investment plan).
• Additional implied indicators: Number of homelessness prevention programs launched, and evaluation metrics of community development initiatives.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: oaklandca.gov