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 & Policy Officer, First Five Alameda

    Staff Liaison: Barbara Leslie, President & CEO

    Economic Development Committee

    The Chamber’s Economic Development program drives sustainable and equitable growth in Oakland by uniting business leaders, local officials, and community partners. The Committee will drive economic initiatives, advocate for essential infrastructure and development, and support local business expansion. Through its Annual Economic Institute Study, the Chamber provides crucial data on industry trends, workforce demographics, and market demands. Equipped with these insights, the committee can make informed, strategic decisions that address pressing economic challenges, attract new investment, and build the City’s economic resilience and competitive advantage. The committee will also seek partnerships with organizations to help educate the City on general plan and city wide land use policies that impact economic goals, fostering job creation throughout Oakland. By addressing long-standing economic development issues through a solutions-oriented, interdisciplinary approach, the committee will hold ad hoc convenings as needed to advance program goals in key areas like Land Use, Transportation, Workforce and Education, and Broadband.

    AdHoc Committees: Education and Workforce and Transportation and Land Use

    Staff Liaison: Barbara 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: Oliver Gutierrez, 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: Oliver Gutierrez, Small Business and Workforce Manager

    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: Oliver Gutierrez, Small Business and Workforce Manager