Ceres presents economic development strategy, cites business growth and downtown sites

Redevelopment and economic manager Julian told the Ceres City Council on Jan. 27 that the city's economic development strategy focuses on business retention, expansion, attraction and downtown revitalization and presented recent activity and engagement metrics.

Julian said the city has seen about 368 new business applications in 2024 and maintains approximately 2,000 active business licenses, including roughly 325 businesses that employ fewer than five people. He described outreach efforts (118 established businesses engaged for retention, 96 new applicants contacted) and marketing and recruitment activity including attendance at a national real-estate conference and follow-up with prospective developers. He also cited traffic data that show the city's four major intersections capture high vehicle volumes, which he said supports commercial interest.

Julian highlighted recent ribbon cuttings and grand openings, community events aimed at promoting downtown activity, and planned community courses on entrepreneurship and credit management for 2025. He said staff have identified 98 vacant parcels with potential for development and noted multiple projects currently under construction in the city.

Council members thanked staff for the review and asked about incentives, downtown improvements and how to prioritize enforcement and permitting work that affects business investment. Julian said economic development will continue business outreach and partnership with planning and other departments to support both commercial and housing goals.

The council did not vote on economic incentives at the meeting; Julian's presentation framed planned outreach and support activities for 2025.