Those persons wishing to speak on any item included on the agenda, or on any matter within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Economic Development Committee, are invited fill out and submit to the City Clerk or Deputy City Clerk a “Request to Speak” form (name and address optional) which is available at the entrance to the City Council Chambers. Additionally, members of the public may submit electronic inquiries or comments by submitting emails to [email protected].
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in this meeting per your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act or for any other reason, please contact the City Clerk’s Office (909) 334-3306, at least 48 hours prior to the advertised starting time of the meeting.
Any documents produced by the City and distributed to a majority of the Economic Development Committee regarding any item on this agenda will be made available in the City Clerk’s Office during normal business hours at City Hall located at 13220 Central Avenue, Chino. In addition, such documents will be posted on the City’s website at www.cityofchino.org
CHINO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
13220 CENTRAL AVENUE
CHINO, CA 91710
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2026 AT 2:45 PM
REGULAR MEETING
AGENDA
_________________________________________________________________________________
ROLL CALL
Committee Members: Mayor Pro Tem Burton and Council Member Lucio.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
This is the time and place for the general public to address the Committee about subjects that do not appear elsewhere on the agenda. Due to Brown Act requirements, action will not be taken on any issues not on the Agenda.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Minutes - Approve Minutes for the Economic Development Committee Regular Meetings on January 6, June 23, and October 27, 2025.
DISCUSSION
2. Legislative Updates. Discuss legislative updates and economic priorities.
Staff Report By: Jackie Melendez, Assistant City Manager and Rhonesia Perry, Economic Development Manager
3. Economic Development Update. Discuss the progress of general division activities.
Staff Report By: Jackie Melendez, Assistant City Manager and Rhonesia Perry, Economic Development Manager
1 CHINO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
SEPTEMBER 21, 2026 2
4. Business Attraction (Retail) Updates. Review Brewing Up Business report, recent trade shows, general updates and industry trends.
Staff Report By: Rhonesia Perry, Economic Development Manager and Linda Hinojos, Economic Developement Analyst
5. Small Business Development Update. Discuss the LAB Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center project update.
Staff Report By: Rhonesia Perry, Economic Development Manager
6. Business Retention (Industrial) Update. Discuss Chino Industrial Connect Initiative, industry trends and employment data.
Staff Report By: Rhonesia Perry, Economic Development Manager and Keven Eldridge, Economic Development Analyst
ADJOURN
The next Regular Meeting of the Economic Development Committee will be held as needed in these Council Chambers and posted with at least 72 hours notice per the requirements of the Ralph M.
Brown Act.
I, Natalie Gonzaga, City Clerk of the City of Chino, hereby declare that on Friday, September 18, 2026 this agenda was posted on the south window of Chino City Hall and this agenda together with all of the agenda reports and related documents were posted on the City’s website at www.cityofchino.org by myself or under my direction.
_______________________________________
Natalie Gonzaga, City Clerk.
2 MEMORANDUM
CITY OF CHINO
ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE: SEPTEMBER 21, 2026 TO: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS
FROM: NATALIE GONZAGA, CITY CLERK
SUBJECT
..titl e
Minutes
..body
RECOMMENDATION
a. Minutes Regular Meeting of January 6, 2025 (All Members Present) b. Minutes Regular Meeting of June 23, 2025 (All Members Present) c. Minutes Regular Meeting of October 27, 2025 (All Members Present) 3 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING – CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
13220 CENTRAL AVENUE
CHINO, CA 91710
MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2025
4:00 PM
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
The January 6, 2025, Meeting of the Economic Development Committee was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Council Member Lucio in the Council Chambers.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Council Member Marc Lucio and Mayor Pro Tem Curtis Burton ABSENT: NONE.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no requests to speak.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Minutes. Approve Minutes for the Economic Development Committee Regular Meeting on July 24, 2024 (All Members Present).
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Burton, Second by Council Member Lucio, to approve Consent Calendar Item 1 as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: LUCIO, BURTON
NOES: NONE
DISCUSSION
2. Economic Development Updates. Discuss the progress of the City’s General Plan Update: Economic Development Element Plan.
Jackie Melendez, Assistant City Manager, provided an introduction on the item.
Andrew Hill, Dyett & Bhatia, who participated remotely, provided an update on the City’s General Plan and Economic Development Element Plan.
The Committee requested staff to report back regarding the marketing plan and budget.
3. Business Attraction Updates. Review Economic Development Quarterly Report and project updates.
Jackie Melendez, Assistant City Manager, provided a report on the item.
Rhonesia Perry, Economic Development Manager, and Linda Hinojos, Economic Development Analyst, provided an introduction and business attraction update.
4. Business Retention Update. Discuss the City’s EPIC Entrepreneurship Center.
Assistant City Manager Melendez provided an introduction on the item. 4 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
JANUARY 6, 2025 MINUTES 2
Heather Parsons, Chaffey College, spoke regarding the Chaffey College expansion in the City of Chino.
Pam Deans, Micro Enterprise Collaborative, spoke regarding the EPIC Entrepreneurship Center partnership.
Renay Mehta, Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce, spoke regarding the workforce development partnership for the EPIC Entrepreneurship Center.
5. Legislative Updates. Discuss legislative updates.
Jackie Melendez, Assistant City Manager, provided a report on the item.
The Committee requested staff to explore revisions to the City’s ordinances that would encourage new business opportunities to benefit the community.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 4:59 p.m. The next Regular Meeting of the Economic Development Committee will take place as needed, in these Council Chambers with at least 72 hours notice per the requirements of the Ralph M. Brown Act.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 21ST DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2026.
MARC LUCIO, COUNCIL MEMBER
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEMBER
ATTEST:
NATALIE GONZAGA, CITY CLERK
**************************************************
(These minutes are not official until signed.)
5 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING – CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
13220 CENTRAL AVENUE
CHINO, CA 91710
MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2025
2:00 PM
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
The June 23, 2025, Meeting of the Economic Development Committee was called to order at 2:02 p.m. by Council Member Lucio in the Council Chambers.
ROLL CALL
Present: Council Member Marc Lucio and Council Member Curtis Burton
Absent: NONE.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no requests to speak.
DISCUSSION
1. Economic Development Update. Discuss the progress of general division activities.
Jackie Melendez, Assistant City Manager, provided an introduction on the item. She announced a minor correction to Agenda Discussion Item 1, noting Economic Development should be listed as division rather than a department.
Rhonesia Perry, Economic Development Manager, provided a report on the item.
2. Business Attraction Updates. Review Economic Development Quarterly Report and project updates.
Jackie Melendez, Assistant City Manager, and Rhonesia Perry, Economic Development Manager, provided a report on the item.
The Committee requested staff to continue fostering relationships with property owners to guide desirable business development and attract leading businesses to Chino.
3. Business Retention Update. Discuss the City’s EPIC Entrepreneurship Center.
Jackie Melendez, Assistant City Manager, and Rhonesia Perry, Economic Development Manager, provided a report on the item.
The Committee requested staff to notify the Economic Development Committee in advance of the federal grant applications, to enable the Committee to assist and engage with local legislators.
4. Legislative Updates. Discuss legislative updates.
Jackie Melendez, Assistant City Manager, provided a report on the item. 6 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
JUNE 23, 2025 MINUTES 2
The Committee requested staff to attract and support new businesses, and Business of the Month award recipients by promoting them on social media, and broadening outreach efforts to include residents of the City of Chino Hills.
Council Member Lucio requested Warren Morelion, Director of Development Services, be present at the next Economic Development Committee meeting to provide a report on the inspector punch list process due to concerns with consistency.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 3:05 p.m. The next Regular Meeting of the Economic Development Committee will take place as scheduled or as needed, in these Council Chambers with at least 72 hours notice per the requirements of the Ralph M. Brown Act.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 21ST DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2026.
MARC LUCIO, COUNCIL MEMBER
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEMBER
ATTEST:
NATALIE GONZAGA, CITY CLERK
**************************************************
(These minutes are not official until signed.)
7 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING – CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
13220 CENTRAL AVENUE
CHINO, CA 91710
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2025
10:00 A.M.
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
The October 27, 2025, Economic Development Committee meeting was called to order at 10:02 a.m. by Council Member Lucio in the Council Chambers.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Council Member Marc Lucio and Mayor Pro Tem Curtis Burton ABSENT: NONE.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no requests to speak.
DISCUSSION
1. Economic Development Update. Discuss the progress of general division activities.
Jackie Melendez, Assistant City Manager, provided a report on the item.
The Committee recommended staff identify the tools and resources needed for success, including any necessary code amendments and adequate staffing.
Rhonesia Perry, Economic Development Manager, presented to the Committee.
Mayor Pro Tem Burton recommended the City street banners be expanded to the west side of Euclid Avenue and that local businesses be included on the next phase of the Economic Development mailer.
2. Business Attraction Updates: Review Economic Development Quarterly Report and project updates.
Rhonesia Perry, Economic Development Manager, and Linda Hinojos, Economic Development Analyst provided a report on the item.
The Committee requested staff to report back regarding the restrictions for businesses that sell alcohol, and provide the guidelines used by the Chino Police Department for Alcohol and Beverage Control (ABC) License holding businesses.
3. Business Retention Update. Discuss the City’s EPIC Entrepreneurship Center.
Rhonesia Perry, Economic Development Manager, reported staff will report back on the status of the City’s EPIC Entrepreneurship Center funding when the federal shutdown has ended.
Zeb Welborn, President, Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce, spoke in support of the EPIC Entrepreneurship Center.
8 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 27, 2025 MINUTES 2
4. Legislative Updates. Discuss legislative updates.
Rhonesia Perry, Economic Development Manager, provided a report on the item.
Council Member Lucio inquired about the availability of the meeting record. Staff confirmed the meeting is recorded and minutes will be prepared.
The Committee requested staff report back with a proposed economic development budget for discussion.
The Committee followed up with Development Services Director Warren Morelion regarding punch list inspections for new developments. Assistant City Manager Melendez provided an update on the piloted fast-track program for new developments.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 11:29 a.m. The next Regular Meeting of the Economic Development Committee will take place as needed, in these Council Chambers with at least 72 hours notice per the requirements of the Ralph M. Brown Act.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 21ST DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2026.
MARC LUCIO, COUNCIL MEMBER
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEMBER
ATTEST:
NATALIE GONZAGA, CITY CLERK
**************************************************
(These minutes are not official until signed.)
9 MEMORANDUM
CITY OF CHINO
ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE: SEPTEMBER 21, 2026 TO: COMMITTEE MEMBERS
FROM: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
SUBJECT
..titl e
Legislative Updates.
..end
..body
10 MEMORANDUM
CITY OF CHINO
ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE: SEPTEMBER 21, 2026 TO: COMMITTEE MEMBERS
FROM: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
SUBJECT
..titl e
Economic Development Update.
..end
..body
11 MEMORANDUM
CITY OF CHINO
ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE: SEPTEMBER 21, 2026 TO: COMMITTEE MEMBERS
FROM: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
SUBJECT
..titl e
Business Attraction (Retail) Updates.
..end
..body
12 MEMORANDUM
CITY OF CHINO
ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE: SEPTEMBER 21, 2026 TO: COMMITTEE MEMBERS
FROM: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
SUBJECT
..titl e
Small Business Development Update.
..end
..body
13 MEMORANDUM
CITY OF CHINO
ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE: SEPTEMBER 21, 2026 TO: COMMITTEE MEMBERS
FROM: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
SUBJECT
..titl e
Business Retention (Industrial) Update.
..end
..body
14