Governor Signs New Law to Help Revitalize Oakland’s Waterfront
Oakland, Calif. – October 15, 2025: Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 304 (Arreguín) into law, a significant milestone in the effort to revitalize Oakland’s waterfront by modernizing long-standing restrictions on the use of public trust lands held by the Port of Oakland.
This legislation creates a transformative opportunity to activate vacant commercial spaces and deliver public-serving amenities that reflect the diversity, energy, and character of the surrounding community. With this new authority, the Port will be able to support a broader mix of uses—encouraging both residents and visitors to experience Oakland’s waterfront as a dynamic, inclusive, and welcoming public destination.
“This is about bringing our public lands into the 21st century,” said Senator Jesse Arreguín, author of SB 304. “We’re giving the Port of Oakland the tools to transform underutilized waterfront space into something that truly serves the people of California.”
Jack London Square has faced growing challenges in recent years, including high commercial vacancy rates and limited options for reactivation under current trust-use restrictions. SB 304 enables a broader mix of commercial, cultural, and recreational uses—while maintaining public ownership and oversight—so that the area can once again thrive as a dynamic, inclusive destination for the people of Oakland and the greater Bay Area.
“Oakland’s waterfront is one of our city’s greatest public assets, and I was proud to support SB 304 because it gives us a path to make Jack London Square truly work for the people of Oakland,” said Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee. “This bill opens the door for new businesses, more community gathering spaces, and good local jobs—while honoring our commitment to public access and equity. It will also help secure Oakland’s role as a driver of regional economic growth while honoring the public trust doctrine. It’s the kind of smart, community-driven policy we need to bring new life and energy to this vital part of our city.”
“SB 304 moves us closer to realizing the full potential of Jack London Square—not just as a destination, but as a catalyst for quality jobs, public access, and economic growth,” said Andreas Cluver, President, Board of Port Commissioners. “We are deeply grateful to Governor Newsom, Mayor Barbara Lee, Senator Arreguín, Assemblymember Mia Bonta, and the entire East Bay legislative delegation for championing this effort.”
“This legislation gives us the flexibility we’ve needed for years to reenergize Oakland’s waterfront with activity, investment, and inclusive access,” said Kristi McKenney, Executive Director of the Port of Oakland. “We’re grateful for the Governor’s support and the strong partnership at every level of government that helped make this possible. This new law gives us a modern framework to activate vacant spaces and create a vibrant waterfront that serves the entire Oakland community and beyond.”
SB 304 takes effect on January 1, 2026. The Port of Oakland will begin implementing the provisions of the bill in coordination with the State Lands Commission.