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Fountain Valley lays groundwork for night market, business outreach and updated retail guide
Summary
City planners described an economic development push including a planned night market near the Fountain Bowl, business retention visits, collaboration with SBDC and an updated retail and hotel guide; council asked staff to resolve a June 19 date conflict and parking logistics.
City staff presented an update on implementation of Fountain Valleys Economic Development Action Plan on March 18, outlining small-business outreach, marketing efforts and a proposed night market to draw visitors to the Fountain Bowl and surrounding commercial areas.
Community Development staff said they have conducted 11 outreach visits so far (three in person, two more scheduled), mailed business resource folders to new licensees and coordinated with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Cal State Fullerton on business clinics. Staff said they will expand the citys retail guide to include hotels and produce a digital update for business outreach.
A tentatively scheduled night market at the Fountain Bowl plaza was presented for Thursday, June 19, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., targeting about 40 vendors. Council members raised multiple concerns: June 19 conflicts with Summerfest and Juneteenth observances, parking at the Fountain Bowl site is limited, and staging an event of that size will require coordination or shared parking on adjacent commercial properties. Staff said they selected third Thursdays as a potential recurring slot but agreed to test the event and return with alternatives and logistics, including coordination with Parks and Community Services.
Council also discussed the citys presence at trade shows. One council member urged staff to consider sharing booth space at the expensive ICSC Las Vegas show to reduce cost, while others said a city booth can generate valuable exposure.
Next steps: staff will revisit the night market date and parking plan, circulate the draft retail guide digitally for council review before printing, and continue business retention visits.
