Silicon Valley has become iconic for the many Internet and tech companies that are there. It’s a region in Central California south of San Francisco/Oakland that all of us in the industry owe a debt to. But that might be changing.
Due to the long commutes home, and the not so good public transportation in Silicon Valley, some are proposing Silicon Valley be moved to Oakland. You see, many employees live in San Francisco and some companies are settling there. But keep in mind it’s one of the most expensive cities in the US, and that will start more problems. But Oakland is cheaper and public transportation is better. Oakland is also offering tax breaks. I know, when people think of Oakland, they think of poverty, crime, gang banging, prostitution/pimping, and no opportunities. It was voted one of the toughest cities in the USA. But I see an opportunity here.
If Silicon Valley moves to Oakland, this could change the city’s reputation. I’m sure there are a lot of boarded up buildings that could be turned into gold mines of tech offices. It will be an easy commute between Oakland and San Francisco, the kind of commute not needed with a car. And there are some things Oakland can offer, like Jack London Square and the infamous Raiders. But most of all, these tech companies can tap into Oakland’s untapped reservoir: the youth of that city. There is so much potential there. Push the education system to give them a tech based quality education. Hire high school and college kids for lower entry level work, and turn them on. Offer field trips to these headquarters for younger kids. Teach and hire these kids to these corporations. It won’t happen overnight, but this can be good for everyone involved. Will this work?