Conference Centers

The Center for Healthy Communities Oakland

We’re Open!

The California Endowment will continue to monitor developments around COVID-19 and to heighten or loosen our event guidelines accordingly. You will be advised of safety requirements and amenities by your Event Coordinator.

Hours of Operation

Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m – 4:30 p.m.

Friday: 8:00 a.m – 3:30 p.m.

Closed alternating Fridays.

Located near Lake Merritt in the heart of the business district, the Oakland conference center was conceived as an opportunity to ensure equitable access to meeting space in a rapidly changing neighborhood. It welcomes leaders, policymakers, residents, and youth to discuss, debate, and come together.

An embodiment of the belief that diversity is essential to a healthy community, the venue is a microcosm of the complex ecosystem of which it is a part. Originally an arm of the San Francisco Bay, Lake Merritt was formed by building a dam across the inlet, thus forming the only urban salt water lake in the United States.

With a unique ecology that supports a host of plant life and migratory birds, this tidal lagoon is home to the oldest designated wildlife refuge in the country. Rowing, biking and running are enjoyed by a vibrant urban community.

Like Lake Merritt itself, the Oakland conference facility is a place for nature and a diverse population to coalesce.

download icondownload CHC Venue Guide

Reservation Information

Due to demand, it is recommended that requests for space be submitted as far ahead as the schedules below allow. A minimum of 3 weeks’ notice is required.

Booking window

If your event is more than 100 people you may reserve 12 months in advance.

If your event is less than 100 people you may reserve 6 months in advance

Recurring events

For Recurring events, 3 bookings may be reserved at any given time.

For Quarterly events, 2 bookings may be reserved at any given time.

How to Make a Reservation

Please feel free to contact your venue to confirm availability before applying online. You will receive a response within 10 business days. If your request is approved, a contract and refundable room deposit will be required. A Center Events Coordinator will then assist you with all arrangements for your meeting.

Step 1

Apply online

Fill out our online application to let us know your desired room, date, and time. Please feel free to contact your venue to confirm availability before applying online.

First time users require account activation before you can apply. You will be contacted within 2 business days of creating your account.

Reserve: First Time Users
Reserve: Returning Users
Step 2

Waiting for approval

You will receive a response within 10 business days.

Step 3

Sign contract, pay room deposit, and make arrangements

If your request is approved, a contract and refundable room deposit will be required and a Center Events Coordinator will then assist you with all arrangements for your meeting.

Meeting rooms oakland

Meeting Rooms

Click on the floor plan to see a description of each room, including photos, diagrams, and available resources. Conference Center staff can assist in identifying the best room for your event.

download iconDownload Floor Plan

Technology

The Center for Healthy Communities offers an array of the latest audio visual equipment free of charge. Center staff is available for setup, initial guidance, and troubleshooting.

If dedicated tech support or equipment exceeding Center inventory is required for your meeting, please speak with your Event Coordinator about the possibility of contracting your own services. Wireless Internet access is available.

Technology Available

  • Computers
  • PC Inputs
  • Wireless laptop display
  • Projectors
  • Screens
  • Wireless Microphones
  • Distributed Audio
  • Audio and Video conferencing
  • Cloud-based Audio and Video recording

Food Services

Catering

Please speak with your Event Coordinator for information on surrounding caterers as well as kitchen and space accommodations.

download iconDownload Recommended Caterers

Lodging

AC Hotel by Marriott Downtown Oakland

.8 miles away Rate: 16% off BAR
1431 Jefferson St.
Oakland, CA 94612

1. Enter Dates of Stay
2. Special Rates-go to dropdown and select CORPORATE/PROMO/SET # then enter CQ2
510.994.5000
Link iconVisit Website

Moxy

.3 miles away Rate: 15% off BAR
2225 Telegraph Ave.
Oakland, CA 94612

1. Enter Dates of Stay
2. Special Rates – go to dropdown and select CORPORATE/PROMO/SET # then enter CQ2 (instructions are same as for AC Hotel, above)
510.974.1112
Link iconVisit Website

Hampton Inn

.8 miles away Rate: 15% - 18% off BAR
378 11th St.
Oakland, CA 94607

*Enter your dates and click Special Rates to enter Corporate Code 0560074396
Link iconVisit Website

Hyatt Place Emeryville

3.7 miles away Rate: 15% off BAR NLRA
5700 Bay St.
Emeryville, CA 94608

Corporate Code 122570
510.285.9232
Link iconVisit Website

Driving Directions

Contra Costa
  • Take Highway CA-24 W through the Caldecott Tunnel.
  • Take Highway I-980 W to the 18th Street exit.
  • Take the 18th/14th Street exit.
  • Turn left onto 17th Street. Follow 17th Street to Franklin Street.
  • Turn left onto Franklin Street. The Oakland Conference Center is located on the right corner of 20th & Franklin Street (next to Wells Fargo Bank).

 

Marin
  • Take the San Rafael Bridge to Highway I-580 and merge into to Interstate 80 W.
  • At the San Francisco /Oakland Interchange, take Highway I-580 E.
  • Merge onto I-980 W towards Downtown Oakland.
  • Take the 18th/14th Street exit.
  • Turn left on 17th Street. Follow 17th Street to Franklin Street.
  • Turn left on Franklin Street. The Oakland Conference Center is located on the right corner of 20th & Franklin Street (next to Wells Fargo Bank).

 

Pleasanton/Livermore
  • Take Highway I-580 W to Oakland.
  • Merge onto I-980 W towards Downtown Oakland.
  • Take the 18th/14th Street exit.
  • Turn left on 17th Street. Follow 17th Street to Franklin Street.
  • Turn left on Franklin Street The Oakland Conference Center is located on the right corner of 20th & Franklin Street (next to Wells Fargo Bank).

 

Sacramento
  • Take I-80 W to San Francisco.
  • Take the exit to I-580 E towards Downtown Oakland.
  • Merge onto I-980 W towards Downtown Oakland.
  • Take the 18th/14th Street exit.
  • Turn left on 17th Street. Follow 17th Street to Franklin Street.
  • Turn left on Franklin Street The Oakland Conference Center is located on the right corner of 20th & Franklin Street (next to Wells Fargo Bank).

 

San Francisco/Bay Bridge
  • Take the Bay Bridge/Oakland to I-80 E.
  • Merge onto I-980 W towards Downtown Oakland.
  • Take the 18th/14th Street exit.
  • Turn left on 17th Street. Follow 17th Street to Franklin Street.
  • Turn left on Franklin Street The Oakland Conference Center is located on the right corner of 20th & Franklin Street (next to Wells Fargo Bank).

 

Oakland International Airport
  • Take 880 North to the Broadway exit in Downtown Oakland.
  • Turn right at the first light onto Broadway.
  • Turn right onto 17th Street. Follow 17th Street to Franklin Street.
  • Turn left on Franklin Street The Oakland Conference Center is located on the right corner of 20th & Franklin Street (next to Wells Fargo Bank).

  • Please consult Google Maps

  • The following bus lines serve the 19th Street BART area: 6, 11, 12, 14, 18, 51A, 72, 72M, 72R, 800, 802, 805, 851, NL AC Transit Maps & Schedules

Douglas Parking/ California Bank & Trust

Address: 2003 Franklin Street, Oakland 94612
Phone: 1-800-877-9984
Entrance: 20th & Franklin, off Franklin
Rate: $3.50/30 min, $14.00/All Day (7:30am–4:30pm)

ABM Parking Services/LAKE MERRITT PLAZA

Address: 1999 Harrison Street, Oakland 94612
Email: LMP@abm.com
Entrance: 20th & Harrison, off Harrison
Rate: $5.00/30 min, $30.00/All Day (6am–7pm)

Ace Parking/Kaiser Plaza

Address: 325 22nd Street, Oakland 94612
Phone: 510-340-0897
Entrance: Webster St & Kaiser Plaza
Rate: $3.00/15 min, $35.00/All Day (24 hours)

*Note: All rates are subject to change without notice.

Conference Center Use Policies

Space Eligibility

Use of The Center for Healthy Communities venues are open to the following eligible organizations:

  • Nonprofit organizations that are exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and are classified as “not a private foundation” under Section 509(a)
  • Independent, sponsored projects of a nonprofit Section 501(c)(3) organization acting as a fiscal sponsor
  • Government and public agencies

The following types of events may not be held at The Center for Healthy Communities

  • Commercial Events: The Center for Healthy Communities may not be used for any profit-making activities.
  • Fundraising Events: The Center for Healthy Communities may not be used for any fundraising events, including but not limited to, selling merchandise or other items related to the event and/or raffles.
  • Political Events: The Center for Healthy Communities may not be used for events that promote political campaigns, influence the outcome of public elections, carry on, directly or indirectly, voter registration drives, attempt to influence legislation or engage in lobbying, or promote or engage in any partisan electoral activity.
  • Private or Family Events: The Center for Healthy Communities may not be used for any private events such as weddings, birthdays, or other family celebrations.
  • Religious Events: The Center for Healthy Communities may not be used for proselytizing or for events whose primary focus is religious worship and instruction. Faith-based organizations whose efforts fit within The Endowment’s goals are welcome to use The Center for Healthy Communities.

Accessibility

Conference center facilities are designed to include the full participation and enjoyment of people with physical disabilities as well as those who are not fluent in English.

Meeting rooms and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. A list of recommended interpreters for most commonly used languages in California is available upon request.

At The Center for Healthy Communities Los Angeles and Sacramento, assisted listening devices are available for the deaf and hearing impaired, and simultaneous interpretation equipment is available in some rooms.

Animal Access

Guide dogs and assistance animals for people with disabilities are permitted in The Center for Healthy Communities but must be on leash at all times and muzzled, if necessary.

No other animals are permitted.

Cellular Phones

Use of cell phones is restricted to the lobby and outdoor areas to minimize disruption to meetings and working staff.

Deposit

A security deposit is required. Deposits will be returned within a reasonable time following your event, provided no equipment or facility damage was incurred.

Fees for Event Admission

Organizations using The Center for Healthy Communities may only charge an admission or meeting fee to cover such direct meeting costs as materials, speaker fees or catering.

Financial Sponsorship

Organizations using The Center for Healthy Communities may solicit additional outside philanthropic sponsorship solely to cover direct expenses of events.

The Center for Healthy Communities prohibits sponsorship by alcohol or tobacco-related companies. Corporate sponsorship requires special permission by the Events Manager.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in all areas of The Center for Healthy Communities.

Media

Any media presence requires approval of The California Endowment’s Communications and Public Affairs Department. Users must notify conference center staff if they are inviting or expect news media.

Public Transportation

Users are strongly encouraged to distribute information about available modes of public transportation to their guests and to arrange carpools.

Support Services

Business support: The Center for Healthy Communities staff can only assist with limited photocopying, sending of faxes and access to telephones. Users should bring adequate materials and staff to support their events.

Technical support: Staff is available to help with initial guidance and setup of audiovisual equipment.

Set up support: Room set ups and breakdowns as arranged with your Event Coordinator will be managed and executed by The Center for Healthy Communities staff. Porters are also available to help unload and set up items.

Parking

Venue is convenient to public transportation and public parking lots.

Cancellations

The Center for Healthy Communities must be notified of cancellation a minimum of three (3) business days (per The California Endowment’s 9/80 schedule) before the scheduled date of an event to avoid forfeiture of the room deposit. Repeated cancellations may result in loss of all future access to the venue’s services.

Ready to Make a Reservation?

Reserve online, or give us a call to double check our availability using the contact information here.

Reserve: First Time Users Reserve: Returning Users

Hours of Operation

Monday – Thursday: 8:00am – 4:30pm

Friday : 8:00am- 3:30pm

Closed alternating Fridays.