OBID Programs

The Oakland Business Improvement District strives to be recognized as a vibrant and dynamic business district that sets the national standard for other commercial districts’ growth and innovation.

To accomplish our goal of creating a vibrant and dynamic business district the OBID will:

  • Build effective partnerships with businesses, institutions and property owners to maintain a clean and safe community.
  • Attract, retain and promote quality businesses and retail segments to support our local economy.
  • Promote Oakland as a renowned destination point with a business, retail and institutional mix offering unique products, services and events.
  • Coordinate events and programs designed to promote Oakland as the preferred place to shop, work, learn and live.

2022 OBID Annual Report

Public Programs & Events: 

Sidewalk Sweets

Sidewalk Sweets

Share with us your favorite line of a poem or song lyric and what makes Oakland so poetic to recieve a Sidewalk Sweets Card!

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GLOWLAND

GLOWLAND is an annual, month-long winter festival beginning the week before Thanksgiving, featuring art installations, live music events and illuminations throughout Oakland.

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Sidewalk Poetry

OBID is accepting short poem entries for the Sidewalk Poetry Project from new, emerging or professional writers of any age. Winning writers will receive a $100 stipend and have their poems painted onto city sidewalks throughout the Oakland business district this spring.

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Lights! Families! Oakland!

Oakland Business Improvement District in partnership with UPMC and University of Pittsburgh presents Lights! Families! Oakland! Enjoy immersive light installations, open streets, and family-friendly play spaces in Oakland.  

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band playing music with people dancing on Oakland Ave

Oak Ave Live!

Free outdoor concert series on Oakland Avenue. Live performances, drink specials, and game every Saturday from 6-9PM. 

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Oakland Ave outdoor dining

Oakland Streateries

OBID worked with local businesses to create inviting streeteries, outdoor-dining areas along Oakland Avenue, Meyran Avenue, and between Forbes Avenue & Fifth Avenue.

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Argyle Studio

Argyle Studio popup shop is a curated collection of hand-made goods and one-of-a-kind wares created by over 30 local artists and makers, 50% of whom are people of color.

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Outdoor dining on Oakland Avenue

Oakland Open Space Pilots

In partnership with the Pittsburgh Innovation District, OBID launched a series of open space activation strategies to enhance business district vibrancy.

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Programs for Business Owners:

Cleaning & Beautification

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Promotion, Marketing, and Events

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Business and Retail Services

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Advocacy and Government Relations

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OBID Membership

Property owners and businesses located within the Central Oakland Business Improvement District are eligible to benefit from all OBID place management programs and services.

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