Education and Economic Development Project
The Council is exploring the relationships between economic development and education, especially the links between loss of student enrollment and the lack of affordable and family size housing in the city.
As brought into sharp focus during the recent public hearings on the sale of school district property surrounding the central office site on 2nd Ave., there is a significant and important relationship between local public education an the city’s economic development activities. Issues abound: to what extent does economic development decision making adequately consider and provide for its impact on schools? To what extent are the economic conditions of the school district connected to the lack of affordable family-sized housing leading to the out-migration of families? Can economic development policies more substantially address the needs of families and schools?
As the city continues its period of reinvestment and economic development, there is a need to pay more conscious attention to the impacts on schools and advocate for economic development policies that support the schools and families. The council proposes to conduct research that explores these relationships and to develop information on promising polices and practices that provide support to families and the schools.
The District’s enrollment has dwindled from 53,000 students five years ago to 39,700 currently and could shrink to 26,200 in just five years. The District's declining enrollment has a substantial effect on the district's financial health as funding is tied to average student attendence. Declining student enrollment is a significant issue in discussions about economic development, redevelopment and the supply affordable and appropriate family housing in Oakland.