History/Overview

The Oakland Task Force was formed at the behest of former Mayor Richard Caliguiri to provide a forum for Oakland institutions to exchange information concerning their current and future development plans.  The invitation extended to the heads of all Oakland institutions to participate was a result of a two-year citizen's planning effort which ultimately culminated in the publication of "The Oakland Plan" in 1980.  The Allegheny Conference on Community Development, a primary stakeholder, was selected as the convener of these meetings and their representative became the first chairperson.  The most senior staff of the institutions and the City, along with community representatives met and exchanged information and subsequently acted as a clearinghouse of information and a collected advocate for Oakland projects.

In its earliest days, the Oakland Task Force was conceived and used as a forum that advanced policy and projects in Oakland.  In collaboration with community organizations such as Peoples Oakland and later with Oakland Directions Inc. the Oakland Task Force discussed, reviewed and commented on proposed development projects in Oakland.  Public approval bodies such as the Pittsburgh City Planning Commission and Pittsburgh City Council requested the opinion of the Oakland Task Force when acting on Oakland projects or legislation.

Over time, as stakeholders changed and agendas evolved, the focus of the Oakland Task Force shifted and more emphasis was placed on the discussion of facilities.  Through this shift however, the clearinghouse function remained vital.  When the City's Department of City Planning announced the revamping of the Zoning Code for Oakland, it served to re-energize the task force because institutions planning any construction projects were now required to develop a ten year mast plan and seek approval by the Planning Commission.

Now that institutions have complied with the master planning process, the collaboration institutions, governmental entities and community organizations have worked to produce plans such as the"Oakland Improvement Strategy," the"Oakland Civic Loop," and the "Future of Oakland - A Community Investment Strategy." These studies have affirmed the need for the Oakland Task Force to be a stronger advocate and policy forum for Oakland projects.  In addition, the membership of the Oakland Task Force has expanded to include representation from other community organizations, governmental entities and public agencies.  The recommendations from the "Future of Oakland - A Community Investment Strategy" study currently serves as the guide for development projects in Oakland.