Pacifica presents economic development work plan focused on fiscal resilience

Pacifica city staff and consultants presented an economic development work plan at a study session on Feb. 25, 2026, saying the initiative is intended to strengthen the city’s long‑term finances while protecting the coastline and neighborhood character. Assistant City Manager Yole Carter told the council the plan is “one of the core building blocks of Pacifica's long‑term financial sustainability strategy.”

Alex Greenwood, an economic development consultant, told council members that local governments cannot “wave a magic wand” to make large retailers appear, and instead must use tools such as strategic planning, infrastructure investments and zoning updates to create conditions attractive to private investment. Gretchen Heckman, Pacifica’s economic and housing development manager, and Alyssa Corsetti, the city’s economic development management analyst, described four work‑plan goals: identifying catalyst projects and opportunity sites, business attraction and retention, policy and zoning updates, and district‑level technical improvements.

Corsetti highlighted near‑term, visible actions already underway, including a Sharp Park wayfinding pilot and coordination with Caltrans on Highway 1 corridor signage, SEO improvements for Visit Pacifica and no‑cost business advising partnerships. City staff said the categories in the plan together touch roughly 58% of general‑fund revenue sources, indicating potential long‑term fiscal impact.

The presentation emphasized that economic development is phased and long term, and that staff will focus on reducing risk and improving permitting clarity to encourage private investment. Council members asked for follow‑up materials and requested that neighborhood renderings and status updates be provided when projects advance.

No formal council action was required at the study session; staff recommended semiannual updates to show progress on the plan’s goals.