Labor, business and community groups urge supervisors to approve Coliseum amendment

Speakers at the Aug. 13 special meeting urged the Alameda County Board of Supervisors to approve the amendment that would carve out environmental release and indemnity obligations for the arena buyer.

Andreas Kluver, executive officer of the Alameda County Building Trades Council, said the site has been hard to develop and that previous developers "ran away." He told the board the current developer has stayed engaged and urged the supervisors: "Let's get the shovels going." Barbara Leslie, CEO of the Oakland Chamber, said "Moving this transaction forward is an important step because major economic development requires certainty," and called the site a potential economic hub because of its proximity to transit and the airport. Ken Maxey of the Urban League said he hoped supervisors would "vote yes today, and move this forward" so residents can access jobs and events at a revitalized arena.

Supporters framed the amendment as a practical measure to reduce legal exposure for a buyer and to unlock private capital. OAC representatives also spoke in favor of the amendment and described next steps the developer would take after approval.