Personnel Policy in the City: The Politics of Jobs in Oakland offers a compelling case study of the University of California's Oakland Project, an innovative model of university-community partnership aimed at addressing urban challenges. Emerging in 1956, the project sought to bridge academic expertise and municipal governance by embedding faculty and graduate students in Oakland city agencies. By dedicating significant time to understanding and addressing issues such as city budgeting, personnel policy, and federal aid, the project members worked alongside city officials to propose actionable solutions while avoiding the transient stigma often associated with academic interventions.

This book captures the multifaceted approach of the Oakland Project, which combined rigorous policy analysis, direct community engagement, and scholarly inquiry. It highlights the project’s dual mission of advancing urban governance and enriching academic understanding of municipal politics and decision-making. By sharing lessons learned and practical insights, this volume serves not only as a record of the Oakland Project’s achievements but also as a guide for universities seeking to meaningfully engage with urban communities. Through its in-depth exploration of the politics of jobs and personnel policy in Oakland, the book offers valuable perspectives on the intersection of academic research, public administration, and social impact.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1975.