…bringing together neighborhood residents, merchants and government to strengthen and stimulate the economic development potential of emerging communities.

Our History

OCCUR is a community organizing and direct service nonprofit organization founded in 1954. It was originally founded by white business and political leaders in the city to address problems of disinvestment in Oakland’s core urban area. Kaiser Industries provided staffing for the group with Norris Nash, customer relations director for Kaiser Industries.

In 1954, amendments to the Housing Act gave cities the option to use federal money for redevelopment. To take part in the program, cities needed to provide a “workable program,” part of which was demonstrating citizen participation in determining priorities for community development. Due to its focus on urban development and its political/economic ties to the city, OCCUR became the citizen group that acted as the citizen advisory group to the City.

In 1969, OCCUR created a committee to review its membership and dues process. Paul Cobb and other members of the Black Caucus sat on the committee. As a response, OCCUR set up a Board of Directors (which included Cobb, Elijah Turner, and other members of the Black Caucus) and eliminated the small membership dues. This was a successful program that turned OCCUR into an organization led by a population that was more representative of Oakland’s diversity. By 1976, Paul Cobb was appointed as Executive Director of OCCUR.

Current Role and Services

OCCUR is committed to empowering historically excluded communities through a range of programs focused on tech education, entrepreneurship, and equity. As a key part of its empowerment initiatives, OCCUR owns and operates the David E. Glover Emerging Technology Center in East Oakland. Other key initiatives include OCCUR’s: Black Business Capacity Building Program, Financial Literacy Series, and A Model Built on Faith nonprofit development program.

In East Oakland, OCCUR has made a significant stride by owning and operating the David E. Glover Emerging Technology Center. Named in honor of a remarkable community leader and previous Executive Director of OCCUR, David E. Glover, the Center stands as a beacon of hope and innovation. It offers cutting-edge technology training, creating pathways for young minds to explore new possibilities and prepare for the evolving job market.

In addition to this, OCCUR’s Black Business Capacity Building Program is an inspiring initiative that directly supports black-owned businesses. It not only facilitates networking opportunities but also provides vital resources and tools that aid in business development and sustainability.

Recognizing the importance of financial literacy as a stepping stone to economic empowerment, OCCUR’s Financial Literacy Series is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed financial decisions. This plays a critical role in breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering financial independence.

Furthermore, acknowledging the positive impact that faith-based organizations have in communities, OCCUR has launched 'A Model Built on Faith' nonprofit development program. This initiative harnesses the power and reach of faith communities to create sustainable change through community-driven projects.

Together, these initiatives and others, are not just programs, they represent OCCUR’s unwavering commitment to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who have historically been marginalized. It’s not just about providing resources; it’s about empowering individuals to transform their communities from within.