Economic Development

Overview

Economic Development

A key path to growing local revenue and sustaining local economies is investing in economic development to ensure that businesses are successful.
Article Features By Gurbax Sahota

The pandemic crushed local economies; recovery depends on how cities navigate emerging economic development opportunities

While communities across California and the country excitedly await the disbursement of badly needed relief funds from the American Rescue Plan Act and potential assistance from the president’s American Jobs Plan, one question is being asked over and over again — how do we make the most of these precious one-time investments?

Soon, California cities will be faced with redistricting requirements to align voting districts with 2020 Census data.
Article Solutions for Cities By Scott C. Smith

Making 2021 holiday travel plans? Check COVID-19 restrictions and the California Elections Code 

California city officials may want to take a close look at their 2021 travel and holiday plans. In addition to personal check lists — COVID-19 vaccinations and tests, pet sitters, and passport renewals — you’ll need to reserve plenty of time this fall and winter for the monumental redistricting effort which will be required to align voting districts with 2020 Census data.  

The city of Glendale has a reputation as a regional tech center, with a diverse local tech economy, a highly-educated workforce, and many attributes needed to attract tech startups and employees.
Article California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence

City of Glendale kick starts local technology and innovation ecosystem

The city of Glendale’s efforts to grow the tech industry including the creation of “knowledge sharing” or places where local talent could go to innovate, inspire, and meet one another, inspired the creation of its Glendale Ecosystem for Tech Startups initiative. This helped focus on attracting new businesses including high-end co-working space operators; developing a strategy to offer more mentorship, business development, and investment opportunities to local startups; and helping tech companies expand. 

Big Bear Lake Director of Planning and Inspections Sue O'Strander, Vista Director of Economic Development Kevin Ham, Corona Economic Development Director Jessica M. Gonzales, Long Beach Director of Economic Development, John Keisler
Article Features By Jill Oviatt

Local economies were decimated by the pandemic. Now California cities are rolling out their blueprints for recovery

Western City magazine invited California cities of different sizes and different economies to share their top priorities for economic development as they recover from the impacts of the pandemic. As California reopens for business, municipal economic development offices are busy analyzing strategies to best position their communities to not only survive – but thrive – as resilient, inclusive, and vibrant places to live. Regardless of size and geography, these cities had a number of priorities in common.

San Diego Central Library Hosts Portrait of Pomeroy Art Exhibit showcasing paintings and drawings by San Diego artists of the 1950s and 1960s.
Article Local Works By Jonathan Glus

An economic engine: San Diego works to support its local creative industry during the pandemic and beyond

Six months into the pandemic, it was clear that San Diego’s creative industry was suffering. By September 2020, 14,500 local artists, photographers, dancers, filmmakers, graphic designers, architects, and computer programmers had lost their jobs. The city of San Diego knew it had to act quickly and purchased visual art by area artists to get badly-needed funds to working artists. 

City of Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg delivers speech about #ALLINSAC effort.
Article Local Works by Lisa Yarbrough

Sacramento’s Measure U helps maintain critical services and advance equity during pandemic

The City of Sacramento is one of many California cities to put a general sales tax measure on the  ballot to bring in much-needed revenue for local projects. Voter approval to renew or raise local sales tax has given some cities a sustained source of revenue to maintain critical services, invest in local infrastructure, and create additional amenities for the community.

Article Local Works

Affordable Housing: More Than a Mandate in San Marcos
How San Marcos Leveraged Affordable Housing for Smart Growth

In an area that lacked basic infrastructure, two mixed-use affordable housing developments brought improvements including new streets, drainage, and lighting. A complex mix of federal, state, and city funding, matched with private-sector loans, covered the costs.

Article California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence

Napa Lighted Art Festival Draws January Crowds

The Napa Lighted Art Festival takes a bold, contemporary approach to the visual arts by bringing emerging light technologies into the city’s streets, where buildings function as large outdoor canvases and attract crowds.

Article Features by Gurbax Sahota

Build Economic Development Momentum With Tools, Teams, and Tactics

In most cities, economic development competes for resources and attention as local officials deal with urgent issues that include affordable housing, emergency response, and more. Despite these challenges, many cities are building momentum in realizing their economic development goals. This article explores some of the tools, potential team members, and tactics that can help your city boost its economic vitality.

Article City Forum by Caroline Beteta

Tourism Powers Economic Growth in Local Communities

With the state’s tourism industry on the cusp of unprecedented growth in 2020, there’s no better time to harness your region’s tourism economy.

Article President’s Message by John F. Dunbar

New Approaches Build Local Economies

Attracting new businesses, retaining employers, and providing opportunities for a skilled workforce are essential to fostering a healthy economy in our cities. California cities are using diverse approaches, programs, and tools to help support economic development and thriving communities.

Article Features by Dan Carrigg

2019 Legislative Year in Review

When the 2019 legislative session began, Democrats had gained historic supermajorities in the Legislature. Yet progress for the progressive Democratic agenda was muted. And in the face of multiple attacks on local zoning authority and other challenges, the League and cities emerged surprisingly well.

Article Features by Dion Jackson

Manufacturing: The Revenue Source You Forgot You Needed

Advanced manufacturing firms provide the highest quality jobs.

Article Features by Michael Coleman

Hot Topics in California Municipal Finance
Death, Taxes and Other Unavoidable Things: A Municipal Finance Update

An overview of current financial issues of interest to cities.

Article California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence

Santa Clarita Takes a Sustainable Approach to Economic Development

To build prosperity, the city develops and supports local talent.

Article California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence

Long Beach Public Art Festival Spurs Economic Activity

Artists create murals and other forms of art in a week-long event.

Article California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence

Milpitas Initiative Targets Workforce Development

The city helps local manufacturers attract qualified young workers.

Article Features by Barrie Hathaway and Larry Moody

Peninsula Division Explores Ways to Build Workforce Readiness

Businesses are struggling to find the talent they need.

Article Features by Larry J. Kosmont

Opportunity Zones: Is Your City Ready?

Over 100 opportunity funds with more than $23 billion are searching for investment-worthy projects of all types.

Article Features by Dan Carrigg

City Economic Development in 2019: Resources, Options and Prospects

Resources are available  for those with  the determination to understand and use the new tools and funding options.