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Brisbane rebrands economic development as 'Economic Vitality,' outlines business outreach and Baylands permit status
Summary
City Economic Vitality Director Mitch Bull presented a rebrand of economic development to 'Economic Vitality' and described outreach plans, business‑support measures, and local occupancy figures; staff confirmed the Baylands/quarry developer resubmitted a revised design permit for just under 900,000 sq ft of advanced manufacturing.
Mitch Bull, director of economic vitality for the City of Brisbane, told the Planning Commission on Jan. 22 that the city has rebranded its economic work as the Economic Vitality Office (EVO) and is pursuing a cross‑departmental strategy to support businesses, boost visitation and promote sustainability.
Bull said EVO aims to go beyond leasing and land use to coordinate city staff, community members and business partners. "It's a collaboration between all city staff, community members, and business partners to enhance the economic stability of the city and improve the quality of life," he said, describing outreach, sponsorships and a planned business summit as near‑term tactics.
The presentation emphasized practical outreach. Bull said he and City Manager Jeremy Dennis have been meeting local businesses to identify barriers such as parking, exposure and permitting. He described potential supports including a "business of the year" recognition program for large, small and home‑based businesses and exploratory microgrants to help home‑based enterprises grow into commercial spaces, pending council approval.
Bull cited local occupancy figures during the discussion: Sierra Point is roughly 30–35% occupied while Crocker Park is about 93% full. He said tenants come and go in biotech and high tech but noted long‑term stability among food‑service and certain family‑owned industrial firms. "Crocker Park did you know Crocker Park's 93% full?" he said, and later noted new tenants such as Freenome in the newest building with about 300 employees.
Bull discussed efforts to attract light industrial and advanced manufacturing, citing local companies and technology pilots including MITRE and Heirloom Carbon as examples of businesses the city is engaging. He also said the city is in talks with ProLogistix, which Bull described as a major property owner in Crocker Park and a potential partner on initiatives such as rooftop solar for warehouses.
On the Baylands/quarry site, Bull said the developer has shifted proposals several times and is still working through permits. Planning staff added that the quarry developer resubmitted a revised design permit late last year that seeks just under 900,000 square feet for advanced manufacturing; staff said that application is under review and that basic information is posted on the city's website.
Commissioners asked about displacement risks for existing tenants and about strategies to increase visitation to retail corridors. Bull said staff has begun outreach to potentially affected tenants (including distributors and local industrial businesses) but stressed there is not yet an approved specific plan or firm timeline. On visitation, he proposed events such as art fairs, improved lighting and storefront improvements, and offered a business summit to diagnose issues and identify interventions.
Bull closed by inviting commissioners and residents to contact EVO with ideas and contact information. There was no formal commission action on the presentation.
The commission did not take a vote on EVO matters; staff will continue to process permit applications and provide updates as projects such as the Baylands proposal advance.
