History of the CBD

In 1999, the Oakland City Council approved the Oakland Property Business Improvement District Ordinance (Ord. No. 12190 C.M.S). This legislation allows for the formation of property-based assessment districts (CBDs) to undertake a range of services within an assessment area, independent from government, to further the development and economic viability of an area.

Property owners along Telegraph Avenue from 20th to 35th Streets in Oakland voted to approve forming a CBD for that area in July of 2007 and renewed in 2017. They were unhappy about the long economic decline of the area and wanted to band together for positive change. The goal was to create a strong advocacy group that would bring resources and attention and make the area more attractive for visitors. To boost economic revitalization, property owners, including a large number of Korean-Americans agreed to assess themselves to an additional property tax. They approved calling the new CBD Koreatown Northgate, which reflects both new investment and the existing neighborhood. The CBD works to build strong community relationships among property owners, merchants and residents.

About the Community Benefit District

There are 12 volunteer members on our board of directors. They are residents, business owners, and/or property owners in the CBD. Collectively, property owners contribute approximately $600,000 each year into the CBD. The assessments are an addition to each owner's property tax bill.

55% of funds are used for Public Right of Way Sidewalk Operations (PROWSO).
25% of funds are used for administration.
15% of funds are used for marketing and identity.
5% of the funds are held in contingency.

Security & Operations

StreetPlus ambassadors sweep sidewalks, report and remove illegal dumping, remove graffiti, report feedback from businesses and residents and assists reducing loitering and providing resources for the unsheltered. Regular meetings with the Oakland Police Department to eradicate quality of life crimes from the area. Strategically placed cameras combat graffiti and protect small businesses. The placement of these cameras have resulted in the capture of two homicide suspects within the district. In light of recent police reductions, it's imperative that Oakland Merchants unite in an effort to ward off neighborhood crime and nuisances. Working with Streetplus Ambassbors and the Community Resources Officer. More information here Utility boxes like the ones shown below are a grafitti abatement effort and a beautification project

Upcoming Meetings

Executive Committee - Every first Tuesday of the month @ 6:00 pm
Board of Directors - Bimonthly, On the second Tuesday of the month @ 6:30 pm

KONO Meetings are currently being in person at: 2633 Telegraph Ave Suite 109, Oakland, CA 94612 Please contact us for information on attending.

Marketing & Identity

KONO’s website contains a comprehensive directory of KONO businesses, and bi-monthly newsletter promotes them. We have worked with the city and other partners on numerous beautification projects including tree planting, street planters, graffiti abatement, garbage removal, and art including murals, utility box paintings and trash bin mosaics. We have replaced the new streetlamp banners which hang in the district in 2021. Our production of Oakland First Fridays draws thousands to the district every month, giving a strong boost to businesses in and around KONO. First Fridays also serves as the platform for the annual Korean Culture Fest.

reports and documentation

2022 KONO Annual Report 2021 KONO Annual Report 2020 KONO Annual Report
2019 KONO Annual Report
2018 KONO Annual Report
2016 KONO Annual Report
2015 KONO Annual Report
2014 KONO Annual Report

KONO CBD Bylaws
KONO 2017 Management District Plan
Engineers Report

board meeting minutes

executive committee minutes