Public engagement has been central to the process of figuring out how to shift away from fossil fuel use in buildings. It began in June 2019, when Oakland and Berkeley convened a workshop with housing developers (both market-rate and affordable), construction trades, and electrification experts to discuss the feasibility, needs, and benefits of building electrification, with a major focus on new construction. In 2021, we turned our attention to existing buildings. Oakland's Equitable Climate Action Plan, adopted in July 2020, mandated that major retrofits of City facilities as well as all new construction in the city must be all-electric by 2021; it also set a target that gas be eliminated from all existing buildings by 2040. This transition will have major implications for local workforce and economic development, so the City convened a series of workshops to explore the needs and challenges of workforce development for electrification in March 2021. As Oakland continues on the bold path of decarbonizing buildings, this page will be updated with progress, resources, and upcoming events.
On November 17th 2021, the City of Oakland hosted a workshop on building electrification in major retrofits, bringing together City staff, developers, builders, labor, business leaders, and others in discussing the challenges and optimal strategies for transitioning Oakland’s existing buildings away from gas use. The event will include small- and full-group discussion. Outcomes will directly inform the City’s policy development for building electrification and vehicle charging infrastructure. See presentation slides, recording, Jamboard notes and Q&A from the meeting here: Presentation Slides, Recording, Breakout 1, Breakout 2a, Breakout 2b, Jamboard synthesis, Q&A.
Learn about the Workforce Stakeholder Engagement Series to ensure a just transition in Building + Transportation Electrification
View recording of the November 20th, 2020 Building Electrification Ordinance webinar.