The Connecting Element: A Conversation with JLID's Savlan Hauser

Tag: People

Savlan Hauser has spent the last decade building JLID into a connecting element of the Jack London neighborhood—one that informs policy, coordinates across sectors, and brings people together. But her path here started on the streets themselves, as a young busker attuned to the rhythm of thriving urban spaces. Today, as JLID's Executive Director, Oakland BID Alliance Chair, and Visit Oakland Board member, she's working across multiple roles toward a shared vision: making Oakland more welcoming, active, and thriving for residents and visitors alike. Read on to learn about her journey, what's evolved over a decade at JLID, and why women must be part of shaping the cities we live in.

Q: You fell in love with vibrant urban spaces as a young busker on West Coast city streets. How did that childhood passion shape your path into urban design and development?

A: My professional and educational background before my Business Improvement District roles was in architecture and planning, but I have realized that no training made me quite so attuned to the ingredients of a vibrant urban scene as my former life as a busker. Borrowing a term from biology, I think street performers– or “buskers”– are really an indicator species for a great urban environment– their presence means plenty of foot traffic, space for people to linger and listen to a song or two, and hopefully toss a dollar or two in a kid’s violin case on their way to the next thing. Great downtown neighborhoods are places that bring people together and provide opportunity– not just for getting to your place of work, your errand, or to walk around the block– but also for serendipity, discovery, and joy! 

Q: You've been JLID's ED since 2014—what's kept you committed to this work for over a decade, and how has your vision for the organization evolved?

A: Jack London is a spectacular, diverse, historic place– there’s so much here, and we have so much to offer. Over the last decade, we’ve grown and evolved the organization significantly, enabling more cleaning and safety presence, more special art and beautification projects, more unique special events, and more advocacy. Our amazing Board brings so many creative ideas, strategies, and excitement for Jack London and the future. Our budget has grown thanks to new development and an expanded boundary. JLID has become a part of the infrastructure of the neighborhood– it is gratifying to serve as a connecting element for businesses and residents here. 

Q: You wear multiple hats as JLID Executive Director, Oakland BID Alliance Chair, and Visit Oakland Board member. How do these roles interconnect, and how do you manage balancing them?

A: I definitely see these roles in alignment! Local economic development is linked to tourism. Oakland is a great place to live and work, and so, of course, it is a great place to visit. Making Oakland even more welcoming, easy to get around, active, and thriving are all great things for the visitor experience, and are beneficial for Oaklanders as well. I am lucky to collaborate with other organizational leads and stakeholders on the Visit Oakland Board as we tackle shared goals. In our cohort at the BID Alliance, we represent a diversity of neighborhoods and scales of organizations across Oakland, but we share a tremendous amount in common in coordinating response from the City, informing policy, and sharing best practices. BIDs have a unique role in connecting public and private sectors, and bring a focus on a unique physical place. 

Q: What advice would you give to other women considering leadership roles in urban planning, nonprofits, or civic engagement?

A: This work is endlessly fascinating because it is incredibly interdisciplinary and dynamic. Cities are defined by change, and our tools, collaborators, and approaches to support thriving, inclusive urban places change as well. Commerce, cultural activities, art, performance, social life, work dynamics, and travel are all energies that feed a City, and we get to work with all of these sectors. Women must be part of shaping cities because we make places better when they’re designed for all of us. I’d advise anyone embarking on a leadership role to bring together a fantastic team, as we have here at JLID– and find opportunities to collaborate with organizations on goals that excite you.