DATE: 04/15/2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Economic Development Department
2026-123
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBJECT:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This staff report provides an update on progress made implementing the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
That the City Council receive an update and provide feedback on the progress and implementation of the Economic Development Strategic Plan.
BACKGROUND & HISTORY:
From April 2021 to August 2022, the City of Corona underwent a planning process to develop a five-year Economic Development Strategic Plan (the Plan) to guide the City’s economic development efforts. Following extensive community outreach and a thorough market analysis, the Plan was presented to the Council for adoption in August 2022. The Plan is framed around six strategic goals:
1. Elevate Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses
2. Facilitate Business Expansion and Retention
3. Prepare and Support Our Residents for Jobs of the Future
4. Facilitate Planning and Development
5. Encourage Placemaking and Community
6. Enhance Communication and Connection
ANALYSIS:
This update will provide an overview of Economic Development Department activities for 2025 and an overview of the local economy. The update will also provide a preview of new initiatives that the Economic Development Department will be implementing over the next year.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with approval of the recommended action.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
This action is exempt pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the Guidelines for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which states that a project is exempt from CEQA if the activity is covered by the common-sense exemption that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. This action is to receive and file the staff’s presentation. Therefore, no environmental analysis is required.
PREPARED BY: JOEL BELDING, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR REVIEWED BY: JUSTIN TUCKER, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Exhibit 1 – Economic Development Update Presentation