Office of Real Estate Development
Office of Real Estate Development
Overview
The Office of Real Estate Development (ORED) at the Oakland Housing Authority (OHA) is dedicated to expanding affordable housing opportunities in the City of Oakland through the creation and preservation of high-quality and safe affordable housing communities for low-income individuals and families. ORED plays a critical role in advancing OHA’s long-term strategic goals by leading a diverse portfolio of initiatives, including new housing development, strategic partnerships, financing, and acquisitions that ensure long-term affordability and equity in housing access.
Affordable Housing Development Through Partnerships
Collaboration is at the heart of our development strategy. ORED actively partners with experienced nonprofit and for-profit developers to expand the supply of affordable housing in Oakland. These partnerships leverage private, public, and philanthropic resources to bring innovative housing solutions to life.
We work closely with our partners to:
- Identify and entitle viable development sites.
- Structure complex financing sources, including Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), local, state and federal loans, and conventional debt.
- Provide critical development financing including predevelopment and gap financing loans and Rental Assistance Subsidies (RAS).
- Ensure long-term affordability, compliance, and community engagement throughout the development lifecycle.
These partnerships have resulted in the successful delivery of over 2,500 new affordable homes, with an additional 1,700 units in the pipeline, for families, seniors, and persons with special needs across Oakland.
Self-Development of Affordable Housing Communities
In addition to external partnerships, ORED directly leads the planning and execution of self-developed affordable housing communities. These in-house projects are designed to meet the highest standards in architecture, sustainability, and resident well-being.
Key elements of our self-development approach include:
- Community-centered design that reflects the needs and voices of local residents.
- Integration of supportive services to promote stability and upward mobility.
- Commitment to long-term affordability, environmental stewardship, and smart urban planning.
Our self-development projects represent OHA’s deep commitment to innovation and leadership in the affordable housing space.
Acquisition of Affordable Housing and Land
To expand Oakland’s affordable housing stock, ORED proactively acquires existing buildings and strategically located land. These acquisitions are essential to:
- Protect long-term affordability in neighborhoods experiencing rapid change.
- Prevent displacement and preserve housing options for low-income residents.
- Position OHA to respond quickly to emerging development opportunities.
We target properties and parcels that align with our mission of delivering high-quality, service-enriched housing that strengthens communities.
Building Oakland’s Future—One Community at a Time
The Office of Real Estate Development is proud to play a central role in shaping a more equitable Oakland. Every project we pursue, whether through strategic partnerships, self-development, or acquisition, is a step towards ensuring that all Oaklanders—regardless of income—have access to a safe, dignified, and affordable place to call home.
We invite community members, developers, and stakeholders to collaborate with us as we continue to invest in the future of Oakland.
