The San Mateo City Council on Dec. 15 adopted the city's 2026–2029 economic development work plan, a three‑year, cross‑departmental blueprint staff said is built on a November 2024 framework and informed by outreach with business groups, developers and community partners.

Economic Development Manager Jennifer Chan presented a SWOT analysis and seven core goals: diversify and expand tax revenues; foster a business‑friendly environment; support workforce development and training; increase workforce and affordable housing access; enhance entertainment and cultural offerings; maintain safe and vibrant business districts; and align planning with the General Plan 2040 downtown area plan.

"Success really depends on collaboration," Chan said, naming partners including the Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown San Mateo Association, NOVAworks and College of San Mateo.

Public comment included a supportive statement from Erica Wood, head of the San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce, who called the plan "a coordinated approach that can help us be competitive and maintain our advantages." Vince Semenakis of the Age Friendly Coalition urged the city to highlight and promote a local business‑certification pilot that certified 22 businesses.

Council discussion focused on how the plan will be implemented and measured. Members asked for clear success metrics (staff cited sales tax, unemployment and vacancy rates) and urged stronger language and tactics to favor local and small businesses where financially prudent. Council members also discussed nightlife policy, public‑private partnerships, retail activation for mixed‑use ground floors, and the need to support businesses affected by future corridor projects.

City Manager and staff suggested an amendment to include language directing staff, "when appropriate and financially prudent, to utilize sourcing and procure from local and small businesses" in implementation guidance; council accepted that direction and voted to adopt the plan by roll call, 5–0.

The adoption establishes quarterly tracking to council and an annual review with a comprehensive evaluation in year three. Staff said it will coordinate closely with the Chamber and the Downtown San Mateo Association on downtown activation, retail recruitment, and a proposed retail consultant's work with new mixed‑use developments.

The work plan also lists specific near‑term actions such as broker meetings to track vacancies, permitting streamlining, workforce partnerships (NovaWorks, JobTrain, College of San Mateo), and exploration of new revenue streams. Council asked staff to return with measurable milestones and data on progress as the plan is implemented.