West Oakland is located in Alameda County of the East Bay Area, bounded by three freeways- 580 to the north, 880 to the west and south, and 980 on the east. Traveling north, San Pablo Avenue first cuts through 980 and then 580 near the northeast corner of West Oakland.

It has three main opportunities and constraints: ONE, air pollution disproportionately affects the residents of West Oakland; due to the freeway traffic and port activity, the air contains nearly six times the pollutants than the county, Bay Area and state of California.
TWO, residents have poor access to fresh produce; while liquor stores occupy the leading corner of many blocks, there are few grocery stores that supply fresh fruit and vegetables.
THREE, the area is culturally significant for the historic population of African Americans.

Based on the major disparities affecting the community, the GOALS seek to improve the welfare of West Oakland residents by bridging the socio-economic and environmental disparities between West Oakland and its surrounding context. The three prioritized objectives are environment, food, and, community and identity. First, address air pollution from the port and freeways. Second, ensure access to fresh, quality food and provide educational opportunities on nutrition. Lastly, the design considers and aims to represent the communal and cultural essence of West Oakland.