Step into Oakland Chinatown, and you are immediately welcomed by the heartbeat of a community shaped by generations of history, culture, resilience, and belonging. The sounds of neighbors greeting one another in multiple languages, the laughter of families gathering in Lincoln Square Park, the activity of local businesses, and the vibrant rhythms of lion dances and community celebrations reflect a neighborhood deeply rooted in tradition yet continually evolving.
In Summer 2024, APEN, Friends of Lincoln Square Park, the City of Oakland, and The California Endowment launched the Rooted and Resilient initiative through the Partners for Places Round 21 Grant Program, building on this enduring foundation in Chinatown. More than a climate resilience initiative, it reflects a community that has spent decades investing in relationships, preserving cultural identity, and working together to shape its future.
This report documents the engagement, partnerships, lessons, and outcomes that shaped the Rooted and Resilient initiative and the Lincoln Recreation and Resilience Center. It also shares adaptable lessons for communities, governments, funders, and practitioners advancing community-centered resilience. Use the buttons below to access the full report, or to download a short Community Brief with highlights in English or Chinese.
