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Initiativies

Community Air Monitoring, Air Pollution Awareness & Community Cleanups

Understanding What We Breathe. Improving Where We Live.

Lifers partnered with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), residents, technical experts, and environmental organizations to better understand neighborhood air quality while educating the community about pollution sources and environmental health.

The initiative included:

  • Installation of community air monitoring equipment

  • Air pollution awareness and education

  • Community science engagement

  • Environmental outreach

  • Community cleanup activities

  • Public health awareness

Residents learned how to identify common sources of pollution, understand potential health impacts, and participate in efforts to improve neighborhood conditions.

By combining data, education, and direct action, the initiative helps communities better understand both visible and invisible environmental challenges.

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Join the Movement

Creating a healthier, cleaner, and more resilient Oakland takes all of us.

Whether you're a community member, business leader, nonprofit organization, educator, or public servant, there is a place for you in this work.

Community members can volunteer, participate in a workshop, attend an event, join a cleanup, contribute to community science efforts, or help spread awareness about the environmental issues impacting our neighborhoods.

Businesses and organizations can support our work through tax-deductible contributions, sponsorships, in-kind resources, workforce partnerships, or collaborative initiatives that strengthen Oakland communities.

Local government agencies and elected leaders can partner with us to engage residents, identify solutions, and advance projects that improve environmental quality, public health, workforce opportunities, and neighborhood conditions.

While we may approach challenges from different perspectives, we share a common goal: a healthier, safer, and more vibrant Oakland for current and future generations.

Together, we can protect our environment, empower our residents, and build a lasting legacy of community stewardship.

Get Involved. Partner With Us. Help Shape Oakland's Future.

Port of Oakland Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Program

Reducing Emissions Where Communities Live and Work

The movement of goods through Oakland's freight corridors is essential to the regional economy, but it can also impact air quality in nearby neighborhoods.

Through this initiative, Lifers helps educate residents about freight-related emissions, cleaner transportation technologies, and the connection between transportation systems and community health.

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Brownfields Workforce Development Program

Training Oakland Residents for Environmental Careers

In partnership with workforce and environmental organizations, Lifers is leading an initiative to train 60 Oakland residents from Communities of Concern for careers in environmental protection, transportation, and green infrastructure.

Participants can receive training in:

  • Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

  • HAZWOPER Environmental Safety

  • Urban Forestry

This initiative transforms environmental challenges into economic opportunity.

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Legacy House Resilience Hub

A Place Where Restoration Becomes Reality.

The Legacy House represents Lifers' vision for a community-centered resilience hub that supports residents through housing stabilization, workforce development, environmental education, digital literacy, AI readiness, mentorship, and community support services.

The Legacy House is designed to help residents build stability while creating pathways toward long-term success.

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Community Science, Environmental Awareness & Youth Leadership

Identifying Pollution. Engaging Residents. Empowering Future Leaders.

Lifers partnered with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to helps Oakland residents better understand environmental conditions affecting their communities while creating opportunities for meaningful participation in environmental solutions.

Through community science, outreach, and research, Lifers is working to identify pollution sources and environmental stressors throughout Oakland, helping residents recognize the conditions that impact neighborhood health and quality of life.

The initiative also includes cumulative impact research to better understand how multiple environmental burdens may collectively affect communities.

A key component of Cycle 5 is the creation of the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), which engages young people in environmental education, community science, outreach, and leadership development.

Cycle 5 also expands awareness of the LIFERS Tool, developed during Cycle 4, which provides residents with access to local air quality information, environmental resources, and community reporting tools.

Key Focus Areas

  • Pollution Identification & Environmental Awareness

  • Cumulative Impact Research

  • Youth Advisory Committee (YAC)

  • Community Science Engagement

  • LIFERS Tool Education & Outreach

Because informed communities are empowered communities.

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Trash = Emissions

Changing How Communities Think About Illegal Dumping

For years, illegal dumping was viewed primarily as a blight issue.

Through the leadership, research, and persistence of Lifers Founding Director Mr. Charles, a broader conversation emerged around the environmental impacts of unmanaged waste.

His work helped advance recognition that illegally dumped waste contributes to environmental degradation, public health concerns, and emissions-producing activities associated with waste accumulation, decomposition, transportation, and disposal.

Today, the concept of "Trash = Emissions" has become a powerful framework for understanding the connection between illegal dumping, environmental quality, and community health.

The initiative continues to educate residents, promote environmental stewardship, and advocate for cleaner, healthier neighborhoods.

Because What Ends Up on the Ground Eventually Ends Up in the Air.

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Lifers - Community Scientist

Uplifting communities.

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