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City adopts economic development strategic plan to boost small businesses, attract investment and make the city more 'investment ready'
Summary
The council adopted an economic development strategic plan that lays out three goals, 20 initiatives and eight 'must-do' moves — including a bilingual small-business guide, streamlined permitting, a business landing page, workforce training and public-realm activation — and directed staff to return with a 5-year implementation and staffing plan.
The East Palo Alto City Council voted to adopt the Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP), a consultant-led roadmap that identifies three primary goals — support homegrown small and micro businesses, attract investment and jobs, and make the city investment-ready — and sets out 20 initiatives and eight near-term 'must-do' actions.
Denise Garcia and HR&A consultants presented the plan’s priorities: create a bilingual small/micro-business guide, streamline business licensing and permitting with lower barriers for small operators, and launch a dedicated business-development landing page. The plan also recommends staffing a business ambassador and an economic development manager over time, promoting the city to visitors and investors through activation and branding, and investing in public infrastructure and strategic site readiness.
Consultants said implementation will be phased (quick wins 1–2 years, midterm 2–5 years, long-term 5–10 years) and noted estimated staffing needs and potential partners. Councilmembers supported the plan’s emphasis on community-based outcomes but urged clarity on community benefits, workforce pathways, and ensuring that new development does not displace longtime residents. Several public commenters urged stronger incentives and an honest assessment of development feasibility in the city’s policy context.
Councilmember [motion-maker recorded in meeting] moved to adopt the final EDSP; after discussion and public comment the motion passed. Staff will prepare a detailed five-year implementation plan with staffing, timelines, budgets and metrics and return to the council in coordination with the FY26–27 budget cycle.
