Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce

Every year, the Oakland Metro Chamber looks for ways to make our Annual Meeting a little more memorable and a little more Oakland.

This year, every guest will receive a custom "Oakland First" tote filled with thoughtfully curated gifts celebrating the creativity, innovation, and community spirit that make Oakland special.

Inside, attendees will discover unique surprises created specifically for this year's event, including a one-of-a-kind commemorative glass designed to mark the occasion. And because a special glass deserves something special to enjoy in it, we're also including a carefully selected beverage to complete the experience.

The Annual Meeting is our opportunity to reflect on Oakland's progress, celebrate the people and organizations driving our city forward, and look ahead to what's next. We wanted this year's gift bag to capture that same sense of pride, connection, and possibility.

And another huge thank you to our incredible sponsors helping to make this year's event one you won't forget!

Registration is available here: https://bit.ly/4dnl53n

Oakland’s biggest celebration of business, community, and culture is almost here!

Join us at this year's Annual Meeting as we recognize the incredible organizations making a lasting impact on our city and enjoy an unforgettable culinary showcase from some of Oakland’s most exciting restaurants.

Congratulations to our 2026 Award Winners!

Community Catalyst Award
Winner: East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation (EBALDC)
Recognizing extraordinary leadership and dedication to strengthening Oakland’s communities.

Heart of Oakland Award
Winner: Town Love Box
Honoring the businesses and individuals who embody Oakland’s resilience, compassion, and community spirit.

Oakland on the Map Award
Winner: McGuire and Hester
Celebrating champions who continue to elevate Oakland’s reputation both locally and beyond, plus celebrating 100 years in business.

And because no Oakland celebration is complete without incredible food...

Flour + Water Pizza Shop will be serving its renowned Bay Area-inspired pizzas featuring slow-fermented dough, locally sourced ingredients, and unforgettable flavors.

Payakk will showcase contemporary Thai cuisine from Chef Tobb Pinpech, bringing bold flavors, vibrant aromatics, and modern interpretations of beloved Thai traditions.

Black Forest Kitchen will introduce guests to the iconic Berlin-style döner kebab, blending authentic German street food with Bay Area creativity.

alaMar Dominican Kitchen, led by Top Chef alum Chef Nelson German, will delight guests with vibrant Dominican flavors inspired by family recipes and New York street food culture.

Limewood will offer award-winning cuisine from Chef Joseph Paire, combining California-inspired flavors with classic Americana and elevated culinary craftsmanship.

Plus, the annual favorite dim sum from Town Fare by Chef Michele McQueen, refreshing libations from Drake’s Dealership, and sweet treats from Donut Petit!

This is more than an awards celebration; it’s a showcase of the people, businesses, and flavors that make Oakland one of the most vibrant cities anywhere. Stay tuned for a sneak peak at this year's gift bag and more restaurant photos.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you! Registration is available here: https://bit.ly/4dnl53n

Happy Pride Month!

June is here, and with it comes a chance to celebrate the LGBTQ+ people in our communities and workplaces, their stories, their resilience, and everything they bring to our lives.

Pride is about more than a month on the calendar. It's a reminder to show up for each other, to make space for everyone to feel seen and valued, and to keep building the kind of environment where people can truly be themselves.

Wishing everyone a joyful, colorful, and meaningful Pride Month.

to join East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation (EBALDC) at their groundbreaking for 34SP in Oakland, a 100% below-market-rate community, providing 60 units of permanent housing for Oakland residents, with 50% of the units designated for permanent housing for homeless individuals and families. EBALDC is one of Oakland’s nonprofit leaders in creating affordable housing communities in the East Bay that integrate locally owned businesses, nonprofits, and programs promoting health and well-being. Join the Metro Chamber of Commerce this year in honoring EBALCD during our 2026 Annual Meeting and Celebration for the work they are doing to lift up all in our community.

Tickets are still available. Register here: https://bit.ly/4dnl53n

Exciting Annual Meeting Update!

Meet the Oakland Restaurant Collective Restaurants that we will showcase on June 24th!

Representing contemporary Thai cuisine, Payakk offers a refined dining experience inspired by Chef Tobb Pinpech’s decades of culinary expertise and commitment to locally sourced ingredients. Guests can expect bold Thai flavors, vibrant aromatics, and thoughtfully crafted dishes that celebrate tradition with a modern touch.

Flour + Water Pizza Shop brings its acclaimed Bay Area pizza program to Oakland, featuring slow-fermented dough, locally sourced ingredients, and handcrafted pizzas with a distinctive West Coast influence. Known for its airy crust and creative approach to classic pies, the restaurant has quickly become a favorite among pizza lovers.

Black Forest Kitchen is introducing guests to one of Germany’s most beloved street foods: the döner kebab. Chef Pierre Bay’s Oakland-based concept serves authentic Berlin-style döner sandwiches and bowls, blending traditional German flavors with fresh ingredients and contemporary Bay Area flair.

Led by Top Chef alum Chef Nelson German, alaMar Dominican Kitchen celebrates Dominican culture through vibrant dishes inspired by family recipes and the street food traditions of Washington Heights, New York. Known for its bold flavors and modern presentation, alaMar offers an unforgettable culinary experience rooted in heritage and community.

We can't wait to see you there! Registration is available here: https://bit.ly/4dnl53n

Oakland is one step closer to a major decision on the future of city governance.

The Charter Reform item has officially passed the Oakland Rules & Legislation Committee and heads to Full City Council on June 2. Before the vote, get informed.

⏰ TODAY is the LAST DAY to register for this special Inside Oakland conversation hosted by the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and BID Alliance alongside SPUR and the League of Women Voters of Oakland.

📅 Wednesday, May 27
🕓 4:00 PM–6:00 PM
🚪 Registration opens at 3:30 PM

Hear directly from:
🎙️ Nicole Neditch
🎙️ Richard Fuentes
🎙️ Gail Wallace

Learn what the proposed Strong Mayor, Strong Council model could mean for Oakland, including mayoral veto power, stronger Council oversight tools, and an independent Budget Analyst office.

Voters will have the final say. Make sure you understand what’s on the table.

Registration is available here: https://bit.ly/3RGENOY

Big news for Oakland governance: The Oakland Rules and Legislation Committee has passed a Charter Reform item to Full City Council on June 2nd, bringing Oakland one step closer to a voter decision on how our city is governed.
Before that vote, get informed. Join the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and BID Alliance alongside SPUR, the League of Women Voters of Oakland, and members of Mayor Lee’s Charter Reform Working Group for a special Inside Oakland conversation next week, Wednesday, May 27th, from 4:00 PM–6:00 PM, with registration opening at 3:30 PM.

We’ll hear from:

🎙️ Nicole Neditch, Governance & Economy Policy Director at SPUR
🎙️ Richard Fuentes, Charter Reform Working Group member and BART Budget & Performance Office
🎙️ Gail Wallace, former President and current Board Member, League of Women Voters of Oakland

Together, we’ll break down what the Strong Mayor, Strong Council model actually means for Oakland: one clearly accountable Mayor with veto power, a stronger City Council armed with real oversight tools, and an independent Budget Analyst office.

Voters will have the final say. Come learn what you’ll be deciding.

Registration is available here: https://bit.ly/3RGENOY