ABOUT US

Oakland Chinatown Improvement Council

1,116

Parcels

858

Property Owners

52

Square Blocks

ABOUT US

Established in 2021, the Oakland Chinatown Improvement Council (OCIC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit committed to maintaining and supporting Oakland Chinatown, its small businesses, residents, and the greater Chinatown community.


During the pandemic, Chinatown businesses suffered from a wave of losses due to xenophobic and misinformed beliefs that our neighborhood was linked to the coronavirus. A second wave of hardship ensued as our elders, residents, and small businesses were targets of seemingly senseless violence. 


OCIC, as a Community Benefits District (CBD), is a long-term solution to make our community feel safe, clean, and welcoming again. OCIC provides safety and cleanliness through ambassadors and security services, graffiti abatement, promotion of the unique qualities of our Chinatown and its businesses, management of events within our cultural district, coordination of volunteer efforts in Oakland Chinatown, and more.


OCIC is governed by a diverse Board of Directors made up of Oakland Chinatown community members which includes property owners, small business owners, non-profits, and residents.


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OUR MISSION

Oakland Chinatown Improvement Council (OCIC) was established with a mission to enhance the district through comprehensive cleaning, revitalization, and safety initiatives. Our Board of Directors is a diverse cross-section of our community. We believe that this diversity in backgrounds, viewpoints and values strengthen our organization. While individual Board of Directors maintain their personal political affiliations or religious beliefs, it is imperative to iterate that OCIC, as an organization, refrains from engaging in any activities that may be perceived as political or religious. Our primary focus remains steadfastly dedicated to the betterment of our community through nonpartisan and nonreligious efforts. 


Frequently Asked Questions

See some common questions and answers below, or email us at info@ChinatownOakland.org

  • What is the Oakland Chinatown Improvement Council?

    The Oakland Chinatown Improvement Council (OCIC) is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization founded in 2021. Developed with the backing of Oakland Council President Nikki Bas and by a coalition of property owners, nonprofits, and community stakeholders, OCIC includes Oakland Chinatown and stretches to Lake Merritt Bart Station to the Alameda County Court House. OCIC funds special benefit services over and above what the City already provides. These services include; cleaning, safety, district identity and promotion, and public space activations.


  • Where is your main office?

    We are located at 638 Webster St. Suite 220 in Oakland Chinatown.

    • What is a Community Benefits District?

      Oakland’s Property-Based Improvement Districts (PBIDs)—also known as Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) or Community Benefit Districts (CBDs)—enhance public spaces through locally managed services funded by property owners.


      Under state law, property owners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks and removing graffiti on their property. With limited baseline city services, PBIDs fill critical gaps by providing cleaning, safety, beautification, and other improvements tailored to each neighborhood.


      These districts empower communities to invest in a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant Oakland.

    • How is OCIC managed?

      The Oakland Chinatown Improvement Council (OCIC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization guided by a volunteer Board of Directors representing property and business owners, residents, workers, nonprofit leaders, and community members. Advisory committees meet regularly to collaborate on key program areas, providing valuable input and guidance. OCIC staff are responsible for carrying out the organization’s strategic vision as outlined in its management plan.

    These are the boundaries of the Oakland Chinatown Improvement Council District Map.

    NAME TITLE AFFILIATION MEMBER TYPE
    Stewart Chen President Careplus Chiropractic Health Property Owner
    Ann Fok Pacific Sales & Management Property Owner
    Anderson Gin Property Owner
    Hal Gin Vice President Property Owner
    Josephine Hui Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Toishan Benevolent Association Property Owner
    Joe Ma Vice President Toishan Benevolent Association Property Owner
    Michael Yim Secretary Property Owner
    Tim Chan BART Property Owner
    Bruce Ruan Alameda Sherrif's Dept. & Toishan Association Property Owner
    Dong Suh Treasurer Asian Health Service Property Owner
    Douglas Wong Chinese American Citizens Alliance Property Owner
    Inger Li Property Owner
    Ener Chiu Vice President EBALDC Property Owner
    Howard Lee Property Owner
    Alfred Lee OCCC Property Owner
    Sandra Ue OACC Community Member
    Jabari Jourdan Ali Community Member
    Sky Liang APEN Community Member
    Warren Chu OCCC Community Member
    Joshua Simon East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation Community Member
    Kenneth Tang Asian Pacific Environmental Network Community Member
    Lisa Liu MHACC Community Member
    Linds Young Oakland Museum of CA Community Member

    2024 ELECTION INFORMATION : OCTOBER 24, 2023

    NAME TITLE EMAIL
    Tony Trinh Executive Director tony.trinh@ocic-ca.org
    Yesica Zhang Administrator yesica.zhang@ocic-ca.org
    Jessica Mei Community Events and Office Coordinator jessica.mei@ocic-ca.org
    Junfeng Wu IT Specialist junfeng.wu@ocic-ca.org
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