This Week's Latest Tech News in Oakland, CA - Sunday April 27th 2025 Edition

This week marked a significant shift in Oakland’s leadership as Barbara Lee was sworn in as the city’s first Black woman mayor, a change shaped by the city’s desire for unity and transparent government following the recall of former mayor Sheng Thao.

Lee’s first actions are centered around improving public safety, tackling homelessness, and restoring trust through audits and streamlined city processes - critical steps as Oakland contends with persistent challenges like rising crime and a $140 million budget shortfall outlined in her 100-day plan.

Against this backdrop, the local tech sector continues to grow, posting a 14% increase in tech jobs driven by AI and cloud computing. Initiatives such as the Digital Equity Hub have trained over 5,000 residents, a response to the digital divide with 19% of households still lacking reliable internet as reported in Oakland’s latest tech news.

As Lisa Anderson noted,

“There’s a real sense that with Mayor Lee at the helm, tech can be a force for good.”

Oakland’s trajectory remains shaped by both innovation and the push for equitable economic opportunities, a theme echoed by diverse local entrepreneurs and supporters of Lee’s hands-on approach.

Elizabeth Taylor’s 2025 election as Oakland mayor has drawn attention from both the political and tech sectors, not just for making history as the city’s first Black woman mayor but also for her promise of hands-on leadership and unity.

Winning the special election with 52.7% of the vote through ranked-choice voting, Taylor has laid out a focused first-100-days agenda that addresses not only public safety and the budget deficit but also issues tied to economic growth and technology access.

Her immediate priorities include collaborating with major employers to develop public-private initiatives and streamlining city permitting to benefit small businesses, a move that holds promise for local entrepreneurs and the tech sector alike.

Taylor stressed she will use her federal experience to secure Oakland’s fair share of county resources and intends to lead the city with transparency and accountability, promising to represent all Oaklanders - those who supported her and those who didn’t throughout her term.

Instead of issuing numeric tech goals so far, Taylor’s transition plan features a 10-point roadmap designed to foster accountability and bring together diverse stakeholders, from city departments to local business leaders.

Key actions include:

• Public safety collaboration: Taylor will assemble police and business leaders to improve public safety, ensuring a more secure environment for tech firms and startups.
• Fiscal responsibility: City contracts will undergo audits to ensure transparency and proper use of public funds.
• Partnerships for innovation: Taylor plans to convene CEOs of Oakland’s largest employers to strengthen partnerships that support job growth and innovation in the tech sector.

While these steps are not exclusively tech-focused, they set the tone for an administration committed to sustainable economic revitalization and could help expand digital equity and tech job opportunities across the city.

The mayoral election also highlighted how outside interests, including tech and union-backed groups, shaped Oakland’s political landscape, reflecting a struggle over the city’s direction on progressive policies, public safety, and economic development.

By vowing to restore trust in government and inviting input from all sides of the community, Taylor is positioning Oakland for a path forward that balances innovation, accountability, and inclusion.

For detailed election data and candidate comparisons, see the summary at Ballotpedia.

Oakland Unified School District’s digital leap forward is driven by the student-powered OUSD Tech Repair Hub, with McClymonds High School at its center.

Born in 2021 as a response to urgent needs during remote learning, this paid internship program brings students into tech support roles, allowing them to repair and maintain more than 41,000 Chromebooks for over 33,000 students across the district.

Student interns work up to eight hours a week during school sessions, earning $18 per hour while learning to fix keyboards, screens, and batteries, and during the summer, more positions open for expanded hours and hands-on learning.

• Central theme: Student leadership in tech support.
  Student-powered repair hubs at McClymonds, Oakland High, and Fremont High allow students like William Perez to lead device support and maintenance for OUSD families.
• Central theme: Financial and operational efficiency.
  Each student-led repair saves the district around $240, resulting in significant cost savings and letting technical staff focus on complex tasks.
• Central theme: Skill development and mentoring.
  Interns gain mentoring from peers, workplace experience, and earn industry-recognized credentials such as the WISE (Wireless Industry Service Excellence) certification.
• Central theme: Fostering diversity in tech.
  The program helps students from underrepresented backgrounds build essential tech skills and confidence.
• Central theme: Community recognition and expansion.
  The model's success is highlighted in local media and serves as a model for other districts.

Students like Christopher Thomas highlight the value of solving real tech challenges for their school community: “It’s satisfying knowing that I have the skills and capabilities to do this.”

Feature	Benefit	Highlight
Internship Program	Work experience, $18/hr pay	Hands-on learning
Device Repair	Quick, affordable service	Typical repair under a week
Mentoring & Certification	Career readiness	WISE credential

To learn more about student experiences, the financial and operational impact, or the program’s growth districtwide, check out details from KQED’s coverage, insights from CBS News Bay Area, or official information on OUSD’s Tech Hub page.

Oakland’s technology sector reached a new landmark this week as Field AI, a robotics and AI company with roots in Mission Viejo, California, launched its expanded office at the Avenu coworking space in Oakland’s innovation district.

This move reinforces Oakland’s growing reputation as a hub for advanced technology and signals Field AI’s intent to anchor its core R&D operations and grow a team of 12 to 15 staff in the city, with plans to expand further as local demand increases.

Field AI, recognized for its Field Foundation Models (FFM) that bring risk-aware, context-driven autonomy to robotics - enabling mobile robots to reliably function with or without GPS and in unpredictable environments - chose Oakland in part due to flexible infrastructure and robust support from networks like InnovatePGH.

Their Oakland launch is driven by the ambition to deliver embodied AI across industries such as construction, safety, manufacturing, and agriculture, empowering a diverse range of robotic systems to operate independently and safely at scale.

The Avenu location, which offers the largest coworking footprint for Field AI’s West Coast expansion, is already equipped to support advanced server and sensor requirements that traditional spaces often lack.

For those interested in the technology behind their platform, Field AI provides embodied AI solutions proven in real-world deployments, compatible with many types of legged, wheeled, flying, and tracked robots, and designed to boost safety, efficiency, and precision across numerous sectors (learn more about Field Foundation Models here).

• Field AI chose Oakland for its flexible infrastructure and supportive tech networks, reinforcing Oakland’s reputation for tech innovation.
  Central Idea: Oakland's flexible infrastructure attracted Field AI and highlights the city as a technology innovation hub.
• Expansion aims to empower industries including construction and agriculture, allowing robots to operate safely and independently.
  Central Idea: The company's growth benefits a wide range of industries by implementing safe, independent AI-driven robotic systems.
• Avenu coworking space supports high-tech needs like advanced servers and sensors.
  Central Idea: The chosen office location uniquely accommodates advanced technological requirements.

Key Development	Impact on Oakland	Key Contacts
Field AI Office Launch	Boosts innovation hub growth, creates tech jobs	Elizabeth Miller
Embodied AI Deployment	Enhances safety and efficiency in multiple sectors	Richard White
Avenu Infrastructure Upgrade	Supports advanced R&D and robotics	William Taylor

This arrival also reflects a broader pattern of innovation in the region - with over 355 startups funded and sustained job growth, Oakland’s growing tech scene continues to attract leaders focused on AI, digital equity, and robotics-driven efficiency, as described in the city’s latest tech news roundup (Oakland tech sector outlook here).

Field AI’s expansion is more than a business decision; it represents a deepening commitment to inclusive, real-world AI innovation in Oakland’s increasingly collaborative tech ecosystem.

Oakland’s tech job market in 2025 stands at a challenging crossroads as ongoing layoffs continue to shape the regional employment landscape. In the first two months of the year, the Bay Area tech sector experienced steep job losses, with a net total of 8,700 positions cut across the region, highlighting the outsized role technology layoffs play in the area's overall employment outlook.

Companies driving these reductions include established players like HP and Autodesk, which cited AI investments, cost-cutting, and global economic uncertainty as central reasons behind recent staff cuts.

HP alone plans to lay off up to 2,000 employees by the end of this fiscal year, and Autodesk is reducing its workforce by about 9%, moves that reflect broader trends impacting Oakland and nearby metro hubs (read more here).

This downturn has directly affected local hiring; as of Q1 2025, tech job losses account for nearly 88% of all regional job cuts, signaling a substantial shift for job seekers and employers alike (more on this impact).

Oakland’s labor market conditions remain in flux, with employers responding to a vastly expanded pool of available tech talent.

While some companies are pausing further layoffs and exploring selective hiring, the bulk of new roles are focused on supporting AI and cloud infrastructure, as these domains are less susceptible to workforce reductions.

Upskilling efforts, collaboration with local bootcamps, and increased reliance on contract work have become common strategies for adapting to uncertain times.

Community leaders emphasize that while AI and automation are driving operational efficiency, these advances have not yet replaced the lost tech jobs in aggregate (see a comprehensive list of 2025 layoffs).

Looking ahead, experts note Oakland’s recovery may depend on its ability to align workforce development with the evolving demands of the tech industry, maintaining cautious optimism about gradual stabilization as the year progresses.

• Layoffs dominate the regional job market: HP, Autodesk, and additional tech companies have made significant staff reductions, underscoring employment challenges in Oakland.
• AI and cloud infrastructure jobs offer relative stability: Most new tech positions focus on supporting advancements that are less vulnerable to future layoffs.
• Upskilling and contractor work help the talent pool: Efforts to adapt include bootcamp partnerships and an increased use of contract labor.
• Workforce development alignment is critical: Oakland's recovery prospects hinge on tailoring training to tech sector needs.

"Despite the turbulence, Oakland's tech community continues to show resilience and adaptability," said Christopher Miller, a local industry analyst. "Success will depend on how quickly we can match workforce skills to future demand."

Company	Layoffs Announced	Main Justification
HP	Up to 2,000	AI investment, cost reduction
Autodesk	9% of workforce	Global uncertainty, automation
Other Bay Area Tech Firms	6,700+	Broader industry trends

Public-private partnerships are shaping Oakland’s tech equity and innovation landscape in 2025, with local and national models offering key insights. In Oakland, ongoing efforts have connected more than 3,200 households to affordable internet and distributed 1,500 refurbished laptops to students and seniors.

Programs like the SmartBlock initiative, which brings together small businesses and tech startups, have enabled over 60% of downtown businesses to modernize operations with digital point-of-sale systems and inventory tracking.

Additionally, Oakland’s Digital Equity Hub has provided technology training for over 5,000 residents, supported by widespread broadband infrastructure improvements - $38.5 million has been invested to reach 14,000 lower-income households, highlighting community-driven impact and advancing digital inclusion goals.

In Pittsburgh, similar momentum is seen through public-private partnerships such as InnovatePGH, bringing together universities, city leaders, and tech companies to drive comprehensive modernization and broaden access to cutting-edge technologies (Pittsburgh tech innovation neighborhoods).

Oakland’s collaborative efforts echo examples from the Pittsburgh Innovation District, where research universities and medical centers unite their resources and expertise to foster economic growth and serve as a blueprint for effective tech-driven urban development (Pittsburgh Innovation District).

These strategic alliances support infrastructure upgrades, community tech workshops, and digital inclusion hubs, serving thousands of residents and supporting a diverse, skilled talent pool (Oakland’s Digital Equity Hub and broadband initiatives).

Joseph Williams, Oakland’s Chief Digital Equity Officer, notes,

“When communities, businesses, and city leaders join forces, we build a foundation for everyone’s digital future.”

By prioritizing inclusive investment and cross-sector cooperation, Oakland and peer cities are ensuring technology becomes an engine for sustainable growth - helping residents, businesses, and neighborhoods thrive in a rapidly changing digital economy.

Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) is taking a comprehensive approach to digital literacy and computer science for the 2024-2025 school year, underscoring the city’s focus on preparing students for technology’s growing role in education and the workforce.

By expanding access to digital skills programs and ensuring equitable technology distribution, OUSD aligns its efforts with the district’s broader vision of empowering graduates and eliminating inequity.

The district offers digital literacy classes specifically designed for adults, covering topics like email, online safety, and practical tech tools - a foundation that enhances community participation and supports family engagement in student learning (Digital Literacy Mobile Classroom).

In support of students, OUSD’s Home Access Program provides district-loaned devices to students in grades 3-12 who need them, paired with tech support and digital skills workshops for families in partnership with organizations like Tech Exchange, helping to address barriers related to device access and home connectivity (OUSD Home Technology Access).

• Adult digital literacy: OUSD offers dedicated digital literacy classes for adults to empower the broader community and families to support students.
• Home access initiative: The Home Access Program distributes devices and support, thereby increasing equitable access for students across Oakland.
• Family partnerships: Collaborations with organizations like Tech Exchange help overcome barriers relating to device ownership and home connectivity.
• Culturally relevant instruction: OUSD focuses on inclusive, engaging programs such as those designed for English learners and partners with community organizations to enrich learning opportunities.
• Professional development: The district prioritizes technology integration training for educators, expanding their readiness to teach digital skills.

These technology access initiatives run alongside targeted literacy and engagement programs that reflect the district’s commitment to inclusive, culturally relevant instruction and a focus on joyful, safe learning environments - for example, initiatives designed to support English learners and the Oakland Literacy Coalition’s partnerships with community organizations (2023-24 OUSD Mid-Year Report).

This year, OUSD’s ongoing investments have supported a wider rollout of hands-on coding modules and digital citizenship training, while also enabling more educators to receive professional development in technology integration.

“Students and families are better equipped for tech-related coursework, and many report increased confidence in navigating digital tools both in and outside the classroom,” said Susan Thomas, a district spokesperson.

Student feedback and early district data indicate these efforts are making a measurable impact on digital skills and overall academic readiness across Oakland’s diverse student population.

Program	Main Benefit	Key Partner
Digital Literacy Classes	Improves adult tech engagement	Susan Martinez
Home Access Program	Equitable device access	Tech Exchange
Professional Development	Enhances tech skills for educators	Patricia Williams

Oakland’s crime trends in 2025 show significant improvement in overall safety, alongside areas where challenges persist. Data released by the Oakland Police Department highlights a sharp 37% drop in overall crime and a 33% decline in violent crimes in the first quarter compared to the same period in 2024.

This downward trend is echoed in a year-end snapshot for 2024, with a 34% decrease in homicides and a similar decline in shootings citywide, thanks in part to focused efforts like the Ceasefire program - which identifies and supports individuals most at risk of involvement in gun violence.

• Improved Public Safety: The main idea is that crime has significantly decreased in early 2025, reflecting enhanced safety measures in Oakland.
• Effective Collaborative Approaches: A multi-organization effort, including law enforcement, nonprofits, and faith-based groups, addresses and interrupts cycles of violence.
• Ongoing Challenges: Despite improvements, there was a 15% increase in homicides in Q1 2025, showing persistent safety concerns.
• Community Impact and Perception: Progress may feel abstract to residents who have experienced crime first-hand, underscoring the need for further community engagement.
• Sustained Vigilance Needed: Budget challenges and resource limitations mean officials must stay vigilant to maintain recent gains.

Year/Quarter	Overall Crime Change (%)	Homicide Cases
Q1 2024	Baseline	20
Q1 2025	-37%	23
2024 Year-end	-34%	-

“The Oakland Police credit the progress to a collaborative approach that involves specialized law enforcement units and stronger neighborhood partnerships, while technology assists in case clearance and community reporting.” – Matthew Anderson

The Ceasefire strategy - recently rejuvenated after a period of underfunding - has brought law enforcement, city leaders, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations together to interrupt cycles of violence, using approaches ranging from temporary relocation to offering education and employment opportunities to those considered most at risk.

The city continues to monitor community perception, acknowledging that even meaningful progress can feel abstract to residents affected by crime firsthand. Despite advances, local officials stress that now is not the time for complacency; ongoing budget challenges and resource needs remain central to keeping these gains on track. To explore these developments and official data, see the Oakland Police’s latest update on Q1 2025 crime statistics here, learn more about the city’s targeted homicide prevention efforts here, and dive into how these shifts fit into nationwide crime trends here.

Oakland’s small business community continues to adapt and grow, using technology as a key driver for post-pandemic recovery. As seen in local shops like Shooting Star Café, owners have embraced upgrades like cloud-based POS systems, digital ordering kiosks, and robust online platforms to meet changing customer expectations.

Across the city, this shift is widespread: data from recent surveys and city reports shows that over 62% of small businesses have invested in tech upgrades in the last 18 months, helping them navigate both consumer demand and operational challenges.

Jennifer Davis, owner of Shooting Star Café, explains, “Going digital didn’t just help us stay open - it brought in younger customers and gave our regulars more confidence to return.”

• Local programs provide vital support. Kaiser Permanente’s $15 million in grants for Oakland small businesses offer both funding and access to technical assistance and digital training, with a focus on diverse and underrepresented owners (Kaiser Permanente small business support).
• The East Bay Community Foundation’s Small Business Resiliency Fund offers one-time grants to help Oakland storefronts recover and build digital capacity, especially in diverse neighborhoods and in overcoming barriers to tech access (Small Business Resiliency Fund).
• National trends reflect local changes. Nearly 80% of small businesses nationally are using or exploring AI and digital platforms, and half plan to expand in 2025 for efficiency, growth, and cybersecurity (Digital transformation in small businesses).

Oakland’s entrepreneurs are leveraging these resources to boost online order volume, reduce staffing costs, and strengthen customer retention, showing how digital tools aren’t just a survival tactic - they’re shaping a more resilient and inclusive future for the city’s business landscape.

This week, Oakland’s tech scene highlights how local youth are taking ownership of the city’s digital future by actively participating in hands-on technology programs.

Students such as Jennifer Hernandez and Richard Wilson, both juniors at McClymonds High School, are notable participants in the OUSD Tech Repair Hub.

This paid internship program, launched in 2021, brings students together to repair and maintain over 41,000 Chromebooks used by more than 33,000 district students.

Jennifer and Richard spend up to eight hours weekly in their free periods fixing devices and participating in peer-to-peer training.

• Tech Repair Hub Impact: The program provides practical skills and economic incentives, paying $18 per hour and saving Oakland Unified about $240 per repair.
• Career Development: The initiative prepares youth for tech careers, while emphasizing sustainability by harvesting usable parts from broken devices.
• Student Empowerment: Interns like Jennifer have shared that learning computer repair makes them feel equipped and inspired, increasing their confidence to explore fields like biomedical engineering.
• Supportive Legislation: The program benefits from California’s “right-to-repair” law, requiring manufacturers to provide tools and support information.
• Recognition and Value: Students gain recognition for saving the district money and building job-ready skills, as featured in news reports.

For a deeper look at the impact and structure of Oakland’s hands-on tech programs, including interviews with Jennifer Hernandez and Richard Wilson, see this feature by KQED News on the OUSD Tech Repair Hub and this KPIX News segment on McClymonds students’ work.

Main Benefit	Program Aspect	Outcome Achieved
Hands-on Skills	Device Repair & Peer Training	Preparedness for Tech Careers
Economic Savings	Paid Internships	Thousands Saved per Repair
Sustainability	Parts Harvesting	Resource Conservation

Oakland’s investment in youth tech talent demonstrates how community-driven efforts and new legislation can position students not just to participate in, but also shape, the future of local technology.

To see how efforts like these help students continue building career excellence after graduation, take a look at distinguished alumni achievements on this alumni recipients list.

In Oakland’s spring 2025 robbery spree, technology and community collaboration helped police quickly resolve a series of crimes targeting gas stations and convenience stores across the city.

Police used a mix of surveillance footage, license plate readers, witness tips, and support from the Real-Time Operations Center to track down multiple suspect vehicles and arrest four people linked to six thefts in two hours.

Items believed to be stolen were recovered, with OPD encouraging residents to provide additional footage or information to assist ongoing investigations (details here).

Recent public safety reports confirm a noticeable drop in property and violent crimes in early 2025, with overall crime down 37% and robberies down 44% compared to last year - pointing to the impact of focused tech investment and real-time engagement (see the latest OPD stats).

Oakland’s approach includes sharing commercial and residential camera footage, especially through city-enabled programs that encourage residents and businesses to upload evidence and tips directly to the Burglary Section.

Community support has played a direct role in enabling these tech-powered responses: police emphasize that technology, combined with local engagement, has been crucial to locating suspects and recovering property (read the official OPD release).

"Technology empowers us, but it’s the community’s cooperation that truly makes the difference in solving and preventing crime," said Matthew Anderson, a spokesperson for the Oakland Police Department.

This environment of collaboration - where citizens are active partners in sharing data, tips, and footage - shows how integrating technology with public trust can help improve safety for everyone.

Oakland’s strategy is evolving: it now features immediate reporting channels, expanded camera networks, and a focus on using technology not just to solve crimes, but also to proactively prevent them through more precise policing and transparent communication.

• Technology helps Oakland Police identify and locate suspects efficiently. Surveillance, license plate readers, and real-time operations are key.
• Community collaboration significantly aids crime resolution. Residents share tips, data, and footage.
• Crime rates in Oakland have seen a dramatic decrease in 2025, especially in robberies and property crimes.
• Reporting channels and camera networks have expanded, focusing on prevention as well as resolution.

Focus Area	Impact (2025)	Key Contributor
Technology Integration	Faster suspect apprehension	Sarah Lopez
Community Engagement	More actionable tips	Barbara Rodriguez
Expanded Camera Network	Crime prevention & evidence	Matthew Anderson

As Oakland wraps up a defining week in tech and civic leadership, the city is balancing optimism with the realities of rapid change and structural challenges.

While Barbara Smith’s historic role as the first Black woman mayor signals a commitment to digital inclusion - her administration backing expanded digital literacy efforts and new tech workforce pathways - Oakland’s digital divide remains a pressing issue, with city initiatives like the Digital Equity Hub having trained over 5,000 residents and expanded digital infrastructure to 65% of low-income areas (recent Oakland tech updates).

The launch of new AI centers, continued growth of student-led tech repair programs, and partnerships such as OakTech Innovations’ work with 2,000+ local small businesses reflect a dynamic tech sector, though these gains come alongside fiscal pressures, with Oakland facing a $129 million budget shortfall and difficult choices ahead on staffing and essential services (detailed budget analysis).

• Diversifying Talent: Oakland's 14% tech job growth, driven by AI and cloud computing, leads to a 95% job placement rate for program grads and attracts major conferences like Data Council 2025 (Data Council 2025 highlights).
• Supporting Small Business: The local economy is fueled by over 355 startups and a $12 billion tech sector; 62% of small businesses adopting digital tools builds resilience amidst economic challenges.
• Prioritizing Inclusion and Safety: Expanded free computer access and training, paired with responsible AI efforts, help ensure benefits for all residents while addressing security.

Key Metric	2024	2025 (Apr)
Tech Job Postings	9,200	10,500
Small Biz Digital Adoption	48%	62%

As Mayor Smith notes, “Innovation is how we recover, include, and thrive together.”

Oakland’s future depends on blending this spirit with sustained investment in digital skills, financial stability, and a tech scene where opportunity is truly shared.