Since 2012, I worked with Ragged Wing Ensemble to create a new art space in downtown Oakland called the Flight Deck. Specifically, I partnered with Executive Director, Anna Schneiderman, to conduct a feasibility study and write a business plan with an innovative share model for paying the rent and creating collaborative programming. The project provided a vehicle for me to use my urban planning expertise to work with the developers, architects and community partners to bring the concept from an idea to fruition. We led a team of six staff in a $300,000 fundraising effort. I played a key role in working with the City of Oakland to secure a matching grant through their Redevelopment program. We, as a group, ran a successful crowd-funding campaign through Indiegogo that raised $50,000. In addition to developing the business model, I also designed and maintain the Flight Deck website, serve as the Flight Deck Manager and am a contributing member of the social media and blogging team.
The project was profiled in the
San Francisco Chronicle, on the cover of the Datebook, and in the
East Bay Express. Additionally, the Flight Deck was voted best new venue, only one month after opening, by the readers of the East Bay Express.
I wrote a blog post about the opening of the space.
