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Council hears progress on downtown master plan and regional economic development
Summary
Staff reported progress on a downtown design process led by RM Smith Group, multiple community outreach sessions, and private-sector activity including lab/biotech expansions and new retail openings; Stockdale Capital acquired Oaks Mall and staff said they'll coordinate on revitalization plans.
Deputy City Manager Akbar Alakhan and Economic Development Manager Hader Alawani told the council the downtown master-plan effort is advancing from concept to design and the city has retained RM Smith Group to prepare entitlement documents and funding strategy options.
"Council took two significant steps in advancing the plan," Alakhan said, describing council endorsements and the selection of a consultant. Staff reported five community conversations in January and February with more than three-quarters of attendees indicating interest in arts, accessibility, business mix and oak preservation; the consultant will return with funding options and updated designs in April and May.
On economic development, Hader Alawani highlighted biomanufacturing expansions — including FUJIFILM (Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies) capacity increases and other local biotech activity — and recent private investments such as a new Tesla showroom and other business relocations. Alawani said Stockdale Capital acquired the Oaks Mall and staff will engage with the new owner on redevelopment opportunities.
Council members said downtown planning, economic development and the general plan implementation are tightly connected and expressed support for efforts to develop a destination that will attract jobs and visitors while supporting housing and arts amenities.
