Economic development consultant Amalia Cunningham briefed the Vallejo Economic Development Commission on a summer shop‑local roundtable convened with six business organizations and the EDC shop‑local ad hoc committee. Cunningham said four organizations attended and the conversation aimed to surface existing efforts and identify where the EDC could add value.

Cunningham and commissioners reported that the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce currently operates the Shop Vallejo First website, stickers and related materials, and that the roundtable identified that many business groups are already doing related outreach. The notes — included in the EDC packet — suggested building on the Chamber’s existing platform rather than creating a duplicate program. Ideas raised at the roundtable and in the commission discussion included micro‑grants for beautification, hashtag promotions tied to small grants or prizes, coordinated event promotion, and leveraging the Solano Small Business Development Center for training and technical assistance.

Commissioners debated whether the city should first focus on increasing supply — recruiting or supporting more diverse retail beyond restaurants — or on demand by persuading residents to “shop Vallejo” more often. Commissioner Harrell argued city purchasing and procurement policy should be examined to lead by example, and City Attorney (Attorney Nepp) told the commission that the city’s purchasing ordinance includes a local preference provision (cited in discussion as section 3.20.233) that can favor local bidders within defined thresholds. Chair Lufus and others emphasized that the EDC’s immediate role is to promote existing businesses and capture local retail and restaurant leakage identified in an earlier leakage report.

Cunningham and staff noted the shop‑local ad hoc committee’s charter expires in October 2025 and suggested the EDC decide whether to renew the ad hoc committee and whether the EDC will provide funding or technical help. Commissioners also discussed tying a shop‑local push to Visit Vallejo’s promotions and training through Solano SBDC (Small Business Development Center), and proposed pilot programs such as a “taco trail” or beautification micro‑grants. No formal action was taken to adopt a specific campaign; commissioners signaled interest in working with the Chamber, Valejo Main Street, Visit Vallejo and other partners and asked staff to return with next steps and options for EDC support.