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Deputy city manager reviews Chico’s 2024–25 economic development programs and marketing campaigns
Summary
Deputy City Manager Jennifer McCarthy outlined three contracted agreements (Team Chico, Bridal Chico, Visitor Services), the ARPA-funded 'Get It in Chico' campaign results and the city’s business-assistance work for 2024–25.
Deputy City Manager Jennifer McCarthy presented a concise overview of Chico’s 2024–25 economic development program, describing three external agreements and the city’s internal business-assistance services.
McCarthy said Team Chico (contracted to the Chico Chamber of Commerce) will receive $49,000 for a scope focused on resource development, business engagement, labor-pool development, industry-sector engagement and community branding. She noted Team Chico, formed in 2012, continues to emphasize business needs and provides an updated business resource guide available through the city’s economic development webpage.
The Bridal Chico initiative, contracted with Explore Butte County, will receive $40,000 for locally targeted marketing to increase overnight stays and economic activity. McCarthy said Explore Butte County allocates about 10% of its marketing budget to individual jurisdictions and partners with the city to expand reach. She highlighted promotional materials launched this year — including a Bridal Chico visitor guide, downtown rack cards and an updated bike map developed with Chico Velo.
A $20,000 visitor services agreement with the Chico Chamber of Commerce will fund the chamber’s visitor-center operations and support for city events and visitor inquiries. McCarthy said the chamber will evaluate visitor materials and expand digital content.
McCarthy summarized the city’s 2023–24 ARPA-funded Get It in Chico campaign, a $250,000 effort run by Porter Co.; she reported the campaign produced approximately 9,500,000 TV and radio impressions, 18,800,000 billboard impressions and 5,600,000 digital media impressions. She closed by noting the city’s internal roles — business ombudsman services, development assistance (planning, building, engineering) and continued collaboration with workforce and educational partners.
McCarthy invited questions; no substantive follow-ups were raised at the meeting.
Next steps: the council will receive an 18-month report from the Downtown Chico Business Association at the next meeting.
