Protecting our investment

The CBD is a special assessment district into which property owners contribute money to ensure the district is safe, clean and promoted. The help of property owners allows us to continue the tremendous success of the KONO Community Benefit District in keeping the neighborhood clean and safe, engaging with the community and promoting our diverse array of dining, shopping and cultural events.

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. 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. The small residential population could not support widespread economic revitalization, so outside investment from the district's large number of Korean-American property and business owners was targeted. 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.

New murals in the neighborhood: New Parkway Theater (Copy)

New murals in the neighborhood: Fulani Center (Copy)

New murals in the neighborhood: DREYE (Copy)

New murals in the neighborhood: Community Rejuvenation Project (Copy)

More Information on KONO

Bylaws for the Koreatown Northgate Community Benefit District

KONO 2017 Management District Plan

Engineers Report

About the Community Benefit District

There are 11 volunteer members on our board of directors. They are residents, business owners, and/or property owners in the CBD. One 3/4 time and one 1/2 time staffis employed to complete all administrative duties. 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, to reimburse the City and County for collection costs.

Security & Operations

StreetPlus ambassadors sweep sidewalks, report and remove illegal dumping, remove graffiti, report feedback from businesses and residents and monitor crime and loitering. 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. In light of recent police reductions, including our Walking and Problem Solving Officer, it's imperative that Oakland Merchants unite in an effort to ward off neighborhood crime and nuisances. More information here Utility boxes like the ones shown below are a graffii abatement effort and a beautification project

Painted Utility Boxes (Copy)

Upcoming Meetings

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

KONO Meetings are currently being held online because of the pandemic. Please contact us for information on attending.

Marketing & Identity

KONO’s website contains a comprehensive directory of KONO businesses, and our 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 are currently in the process of replacing the streetlamp banners which hang in the district. 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.