200 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Suite #733
Anaheim, CA 92805
Tel: (714) 765-4544
Fax: (714) 765-5164
www.anaheim.net
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
DATE: OCTOBER 14, 2025
FROM: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: CALIFORNIA JOBS FIRST REGIONAL INVESTMENT
INITIATIVE ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT FUNDS FOR PERMIT
FEE WAIVER PILOT PROGRAM FEASIBILITY STUDY
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): YES ITEM # 09
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: NO
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council, by Motion, approve the Catalyst Subcontractor Agreement (Agreement) with Charitable Ventures, in the award amount of $50,000, for the Orange County Business Council California Jobs First Regional Investment Initiative – Catalyst grant (Grant) for a Permit Fee Waiver Pilot Program Feasibility Study, for a term expiring September 30, 2026, authorize the Economic Development Director, or his designee, to execute the agreement and related documents for the Grant, and to take any actions necessary to implement the agreement and other required documents; and increase the Economic Development Department’s Fiscal Year 2025/26 revenue and expenditure appropriations accordingly.
DISCUSSION:
The California Jobs First Regional Investment Initiative – Catalyst (Catalyst) grant, administered by the Orange County Business Council (OCBC), provides essential funding to advance economic development projects across Orange County. Designed to bridge the gap between project planning and full implementation, the program helps local agencies bring vital projects closer to completion. Through this competitive process, two City of Anaheim departments received awards for their respective projects:
the Housing and Community Development Department received $749,500, and the Economic Development Department received $50,000 for the Permit Fee Waiver Pilot Program Feasibility Study totaling $799,500 awarded to the City under the Catalyst Program.
The Economic Development Department (Department) received a $50,000 Catalyst grant to study the feasibility of a Permit Fee Waiver Pilot Program. The program is aimed at accelerating economic growth by attracting, supporting, and expanding businesses in priority industries. These industries include advanced manufacturing, med- tech, semiconductors and microelectronics, precision manufacturing, aerospace, alternative energy, and healthcare. The program would reduce City permit fees for California Jobs First Regional Investment Initiative Acceptance of Grant Funds October 14, 2025
eligible businesses within these sectors. An objective of the Department is to grow jobs in these industries, as identified by City Council.
The Department will engage the Planning and Building Department and Anaheim Workforce Connection to help guide the services of a consultant in developing a program feasibility study and implementation plan. The Department plans to present the implementation plan and proposed pilot program to City Council within 6-12 months of receipt of grant funds.
This initiative aligns with the City of Anaheim’s Strategic Plan Goal A: Maintain Financial Responsibility, Strategy 2 – Continue proactive pursuit of regional, state and federal grant funds, and Goal F: Promote Economic Development and Tourism, which emphasizes attracting and retaining businesses, promoting job creation, and building a diverse local economy. The proposed Permit Fee Waiver Pilot Program supports these objectives by reducing barriers for high-priority industries, encouraging new investment, and strengthening workforce development in Anaheim.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
Fiscal Year 2025/26 revenue and expenditure appropriations will be increased by $50,000 in the Economic Development Department’s Economic Reinvestment Fund.
There is no local match requirement.
Respectfully submitted,
Sergio M. Ramirez
Director of Economic Development
Attachment:
1. Agreement