Santa Rosa Economic Development Team Advances Business Recruitment and Community Engagement Initiatives

The City of Santa Rosa's Economic Development Subcommittee meeting on August 11, 2025, highlighted significant strides in business recruitment and community engagement initiatives. The economic development team is nearing completion of a draft business recruitment plan, which will target specific industries for attraction and is set to be reviewed by department heads and the city manager before being presented to the subcommittee for feedback.

A key component of this plan is the "Why Invest in Santa Rosa" guide, designed to provide potential developers and businesses with essential data on the advantages of relocating to the city. This guide will be publicly available once the virtual one-stop shop is finalized.

The team is also actively engaging with the United Soccer League (USL) to fulfill obligations under an exclusive negotiation agreement, with ongoing meetings to discuss future collaboration. Additionally, the city is working with a women-owned niche manufacturer looking to relocate to Santa Rosa, which is expected to create around 20 new jobs.

In terms of business retention, the city has launched a concierge service to assist local businesses in navigating planning and permitting processes. This includes targeted support for small businesses facing compliance issues and working closely with commercial real estate agents to facilitate new business opportunities.

The meeting also showcased efforts to enhance economic vibrancy through community events. The "Second Sundays" initiative, which coincides with the downtown Farmers Market, has been a hit, featuring activities for children and families. The economic development team is also advancing projects like the Asawa panel and Art Walk, aimed at enriching the cultural landscape of Santa Rosa.

As the city continues to manage various events in the downtown area, discussions are underway regarding the potential need for a permanent stage to reduce costs associated with temporary setups for events. With over 40 activations requiring temporary stages, this could streamline operations and enhance the overall event experience.

These initiatives reflect Santa Rosa's commitment to fostering a robust economic environment while actively engaging the community in vibrant cultural and recreational activities. The next steps will involve finalizing the business recruitment plan and continuing to support local businesses through targeted programs and partnerships.