Hayward highlights Measure K1 revenue and business programs in State of the City

Mayor Mark Salinas outlined economic development progress in Haywards State of the City address, saying the city will use recently approved Measure K1 revenue and earlier American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) investments to support businesses and workforce pathways.

Salinas said Measure K1 "will generate an estimated $35,000,000 annually through 02/1954," and that council members and community volunteers helped pass the measure. He credited Mayor Pro Tem Julie Roche with leading the campaign work that brought labor and public safety groups together in support.

The mayor described how the city used about $2 million in ARPA funds for business support programs. He highlighted an initiative called "Together for Hayward," which provided digital marketing, grants for upgrades and hiring, and other supports to restaurants and retailers to increase foot traffic and revenues.

Salinas also described a workforce pipeline the city helped create, calling it the "learn to earn" or "hire Hayward" effort. He said the program connected Hayward College, Chabot College, Cal State East Bay and local employers; he said 20 Hayward residents obtained technical positions averaging about $30 per hour plus benefits and that participants were Hayward residents and students of color.

The mayor listed 13 recent business openings and expansions in the city, including In-N-Out, Sprouts, Ross, Paris Baguette and a 40,000-square-foot Urban Air Adventures family facility. He also pointed to a Hayward-based company, California Pet Pharmacy (and its new human-pharmaceutical venture, Arlo Rx), as an example of local entrepreneurship expanding into new markets.

Salinas framed these initiatives as part of a broader effort to streamline permitting and entitlement processes for commercial and mixed-use developments. He said the economic development and development services departments "launched a program to make it easier to build and to open in Hayward," focusing on code analysis, proactive outreach and property assessments.

Supporters named during the remarks included economic development staff Paul Nguyen and Sarah Bowser and private employers that participated in workforce programs. Salinas said the combined efforts expand local opportunities and keep new salaries circulating in the Hayward economy.

The address did not include specific ordinance text, a vote, or standing budget line items linked to those programs beyond the mayors references to Measure K1 and previously allocated ARPA funds.