PREPARED BY: ELIZABETH LOPEZ DATE OF MEETING: 06/17/24
SUBJECT:
TITLE
CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ADOPTION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO PROCEED WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION ACTION STEPS TO ADVANCE PROGRAMS AND POLICIES THAT PROMOTE JOB CREATION, REDEVELOPMENT, AND ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION
CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA.
Label
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt Resolution
Body
Compliance statements
Focus on Economic Development Fiscal Diversification is a major policy goal and Create a City-wide Economic Development Strategy and Implementation Plan in consultation with the SPEDC is a city council priority in the FY 2023-25 Adopted City Council Priority Workplan, updated May 1, 2023.
BACKGROUND
The FY 2023-25 Adopted City Council Priority Workplan included the priority of creating a City-wide Economic Development Strategy (EDS). Through a competitive proposal process, the Natelson Dale Group, Inc. was selected in January 2024 to develop a comprehensive EDS. The consultant conducted a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats), market studies, two (2) economic development summits for stakeholders, and two (2) community meetings. The findings from these efforts are detailed in the EDS, which highlight the opportunities to expand economic development in San Pablo.
The EDS includes a detailed implementation plan, which divides the action items by short-term, mid-term, and long-term actions. The implementation plan is organized around eight focus areas, which represent San Pablo’s overall EDS goals and objectives:
• Marketing / Image Enhancement
• Expanded Development Capacity
• Community Safety, Improvement and Amenities
• Talent: Workforce and Entrepreneurial Development
• Ongoing Community Engagement in Economic Development
• Health and Wellness Focus
• Regional Collaboration / Partnerships
• Fiscal / Financing Tools and Funding Opportunities
Each focus area includes various strategies to help the City reach these goals. The actions in the implementation plan are organized with information on the lead agency responsible for implementation, and partners to support with implementation.
Economic Development, Housing & Project Management Standing Committee Review
On May 7, 2024, the Economic Development, Housing & Project Management Standing Committee (Ponce, Cruz) received a presentation on the draft Economic Development Strategy, and unanimously directed City staff to bring the report to the City Council for formal consideration and adoption when finalized.
Following the Standing Committee meeting, the draft EDS was published on the City website for 30 days to allow for public comment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact in adopting the Economic Development Strategy. Future implementation actions that require funding approval will be brought forward for City Council consideration, as necessary.
ATTACHMENTS
Att A - Resolution
Att B - San Pablo Economic Development Strategy