In what marks a significant stride toward alleviating housing shortages, the ground was broken for a new affordable housing complex in Oakland's Chinatown. This project, designed for seniors and including 44 units for formerly homeless individuals, is strategically next to the Lake Merritt BART station, harnessing the region's public transit system. According to information from the Bay Area Housing Finance Authority (BAHFA), the development, which received a $3 million loan from their Priority Sites Pilot Program, is anticipated to welcome occupants by the summer of 2026.

The intricate funding required for this 97-unit Chinatown Senior Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) complex has been mastered by BAHFA, managed jointly by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Association of Bay Area Governments. With a light hand of flexibility, BAHFA issued its loan before other funding sources closed, allowing EBALDC to fulfill all construction loan commitments. "Funding is critical, and this loan makes a significant difference for residents of Oakland," Alfredo Pedroza, BAHFA chair, told the Association of Bay Area Governments.

Located on BART-owned land, the Chinatown Senior TOD is the first act in a larger scheme to introduce around 460 additional homes, retail space, and a childcare facility. Managed properly, this development wasn't just advocated for by Nikki Fortunato Bas, Oakland City Council President, but also fueled by Measure U, which she co-authored and was supported by Oakland voters. In an interview with the Association of Bay Area Governments, Bas expressed her gratitude to EBALDC and the local community: "I'm excited for what this building and the rest of the development will do not just for Chinatown, but for all of Oakland."

The financing collaboration for this complex has been comprehensive, involving BART, the City of Oakland, the Oakland Housing Authority, and state authorities, among others. Beyond providing affordable homes, BAHFA's loan for Chinatown's TOD also supports broader perks, including infrastructure and public space enhancements. As a result, a landscaped paseo accessible to the public will connect the community more closely to the BART station, with rest areas and improved pedestrians.