SAVE THE VULCAN! CAMPAIGN

Following the tragedy of the Ghost Ship fire, the city of Oakland has increased its oversight on live-work spaces, thus putting new pressures on landlords and increasing the requirements involved when these buildings change hands. In 2018, the Vulcan was put up for sale for $16M by its owner. As a result, an additional $14M of upgrades to the building would be required when it is sold. If the building is sold to a commercial developer, this expense will be passed on to its residents in the form of a staggering rent increase, putting its nearly 200 low-income artist residents at risk of mass displacement amidst California’s housing crisis.

In an effort to save their home, the Vulcan’s residents undertook an unprecedented organizing effort to found the Vulcan Tenant’s Union (VTU) and secure legal representation to petition the city to place the building under rent control. They needed to raise at least $50k in only one month to afford legal aid, get media coverage, and position themselves correctly in the media. They needed support with fundraising, coalition building, and amplifying their cause through effective website copy and social media marketing.