committees

Make a Difference – Join a Chamber Committee

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Public Policy

The Public Policy Committee is comprised primarily of government affairs professionals from Chamber member businesses, nonprofits, and public agencies. The Committee is responsible for guiding and advising the Chamber Board of Directors in legislative decisions as well serving as a place for policy generation and discussion. Task forces include ballot measures, public safety, illegal dumping, and budget. 

Meets the second Tuesday of each month. Open by invitation only.

Chair: Ana Apodaca, Government Affairs and Policy Officer, First Five Alameda County

Staff Liaison: Sky Marazzi, Public Policy Manager 

Chmaber Housing
Transportation, Housing, and Land Use

Transportation, Housing, and Land Use drives the Chamber’s agenda relative to ensuring Oakland is well-positioned for sustainable and equitable economic growth by convening an array of stakeholders from developers to transit agencies to city planners to nonprofit leaders. The committee tackles longstanding economic development issues from a unique, solutions-oriented and inter-disciplinary approach. Task forces include manufacturing, infrastructure, and broadband.

Ad Hoc Committee.

Chair: Edward McFarlan,  JRDV Urban International

Staff Liaison: Barb Leslie, President/CEO 

diversity, equity & inclusion

The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Our DEI Committee is focused on educating companies on the importance of DEI efforts and will create a platform for a variety of DEI initiatives. Task forces, workforce, marketplace, and workplace.

The committee hosts a series of events to foster an engaged community through education, discussion, and collaboration.

Meets quarterly.

Chair: Ken Maxey, Director of Government Relations, Comcast

Staff Liaison: Sky Marazzi, Public Policy Manager 

Education and Workforce

Education and workforce preparation are the most important economic development activities in working to ensure prosperity and growth can be shared by all Oaklanders. The education and Workforce Committee guides the Chamber’s regional workforce development responsibilities while also identifying policies and practices that will create new jobs throughout Oakland. Task forces include tech and innovation, trade and logistics, healthcare, and education.

Ad Hoc Committee

Chair: Ahmed Ali Bob, Community Affairs Lead, Block, Inc.

Staff Liaison: Barb Leslie, President/CEO 

Chamber Community
Community Impact Committee

The Community Impact Committee (CIC) is a unique, structured program bringing together for profit and non-profit organizations in furtherance of productive partnerships committed to philanthropy and social mission.

Quarterly programs open to the public.

Chair: Blase Bova, Executive Director, St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County 

Staff Liaison: Sky Marazzi, Public Policy Manager 

Chamber Small Business
Small Business Council

Oakland’s vibrant small business community is an asset to the entire city. The Small Business Council convenes a diverse group of Oakland entrepreneurs, employees, and advocates to share knowledge and resources to grow and support Oakland’s small and micro business ecosystem.

Meets once a month.

Chair: Angela Tsay, CEO & Creative Director, Oaklandish

Staff Liaison: Barb Leslie, President/CEO 

Holly Baumbach, Chief Administrative Officer