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 designated Community Benefit District (CBD), provides long-term solutions to keep our community safe, clean, and welcoming. Our work includes daily graffiti abatement, trash removal, and power washing. We support public safety through ambassador services and private security, assist small businesses, and organize cultural events such as the Lunar New Year Parade and Chinatown Night Markets. OCIC also encourages volunteerism and helps preserve the neighborhood’s cultural identity through beautification efforts and community engagement.

OCIC is governed by a diverse Board of Directors made up of Oakland Chinatown stakeholders including property owners, small business owners, nonprofit leaders, and residents.


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 Board of Director Pacific Sales & Management Property Owner
    Anderson Gin Board of Director Property Owner
    Hal Gin Executive Vice President Property Owner
    Josephine Hui Board of Director Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Toishan Benevolent Association Property Owner
    Joe Ma Vice President Toishan Benevolent Association Property Owner
    Michael Yim Secretary Gardenwinds Property Owner
    Bruce Ruan Board of Director Alameda Sherrif's Dept. & Toishan Association Property Owner
    Dong Suh Treasurer Asian Health Service Property Owner
    Douglas Wong Board of Director Chinese American Citizens Alliance Property Owner
    Inger Li Board of Director Bank of the Orient Property Owner
    Howard Lee Board of Director Wa Sung Property Owner
    Alfred Lee Board of Director OCCC Property Owner
    Joshua Simon Board of Director EBALDC Community Member
    Jabari Jourdan Ali Board of Director Community Member
    Sky Liang Board of Director APEN Community Member
    Warren Chu Board of Director OCCC Community Member
    Kenneth Tang Board of Director APEN Community Member
    Lisa Liu Board of Director MHACC Community Member