Monday, October 2, 2023
5:00 PM
CITY OF HAYWARD
Hayward City Hall
777 B Street
Hayward, CA 94541
www.Hayward-CA.gov
Conference Room 2A and Virtual Platform (Zoom)
Council Economic Development Committee
Agenda
October 2, 2023Council Economic Development
Committee
Agenda
NOTICE: The Council Economic Development Committee will hold a hybrid meeting in Conference Room 2A and virtually via Zoom.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
How to submit written Public Comment:
Send an email to [email protected] by 2:00 p.m. the day of the meeting. Please identify the Agenda Item Number in the subject line of your email. Emails will be compiled into one file, distributed to the Council Economic Development Committee and staff, and published on the City's Meeting & Agenda Center under Documents Received After Published Agenda. Written comments received after 2:00 p.m. that address an item on the agenda will still be included as part of the record.
How to provide live Public Comment during the meeting.
Participate at Hayward City Hall, Conference room 2A or click the link below to join the meeting:
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://hayward.zoom.us/j/82621262855?pwd=UaTxWcRwLS1CLUHvrfJTNDuybQvP4Q.1 Webinar ID: 826 2126 2855
Password: CEDC-10/2!
Or join by phone:
US: +1 669 900 6833 or +1 646 931 3860
Webinar ID: 826 2126 2855
Password: 8119047129
A guide to attend a virtual meetings is provided at this link: https://bit.ly/3jmaUxa
CALL TO ORDER
AB 2449 TELECONFERENCE NOTIFICATIONS AND CONSIDERATION
ROLL CALL
October 2, 2023Council Economic Development
Committee
Agenda
PUBLIC COMMENTS
(The Public Comment section provides an opportunity to
address the City Council Committee on items not listed on the agenda as well as items on the agenda. The Committee
welcomes your comments and requests that speakers present their remarks in a respectful manner, within established time limits, and focus on issues which directly affect the City or are within the jurisdiction of the City. As the Committee is prohibited by State law from discussing items not listed on the agenda, any comments on items not on the agenda will be taken under consideration without Committee discussion and may be referred to staff.)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of the June 5, 2023 CEDC Regular Meeting MinutesMIN 23-0951.
Attachments: Attachment I Draft Minutes from the June 5, 2023 Regular Meeting
REPORTS/ ACTION ITEMS
Vacant Property Monitoring Program UpdateRPT 23-0952.
Attachments: Attachment I Staff Report
Downtown Retail Walking Tour and Vacant Property
Discussion (Oral Report Only)
RPT 23-0963.
ADJOURNMENT
CITY OF HAYWARD
Hayward City Hall
777 B Street
Hayward, CA 94541
www.Hayward-CA.gov
File #: MIN 23-095
DATE: October 2, 2023
TO: Council Economic Development Committee
FROM: Chief Economic Development Officer
SUBJECT
Approval of the June 5, 2023 CEDC Regular Meeting Minutes
RECOMMENDATION
That Committee members review and approve the attached draft Minutes from the June 5, 2023 Regular Meeting.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Draft Minutes from the June 5, 2023 CEDC Meeting CITY OF HAYWARD Printed on 9/28/2023Page 1 of 1
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COUNCIL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES – June 05, 2023
CALL TO ORDER: Council Member Andrews called the regular meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
ATTENDANCE: (September 2022-July 2023)
Meeting Attendees
Present
6/5/2023
All Meetings
Year to Date
Meetings Mandated
By Resolution
Present Absent Present Absent
Mayor Salinas 4 1 4 1
Council Member Andrews 5 0 5 0
Council Member Bonilla 2 0 2 0
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE:
Kelly McAdoo, City Manager; Paul Nguyen, Chief Economic Development Officer; Daniel Mao, Economic Development Specialist; Catherine Ralston , Economic Development Specialist; Javier Castro, Administrative Assistant; Christopher (no last name given); Rosa Rodriguez.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were none.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING May 1, 2023
A motion to approve the minutes from May 1, 2023, Regular Meeting was made by Council Member Bonilla and seconded by Council Member Andrews. The minutes were a pproved with Mayor Salinas absent.
2. Approval of FY24 CEDC Regular Meeting Schedule
A motion to approve the Schedul e for FY24 CEDC Regular Meeting was made by Council Member Bonilla and seconded by Council Member Andrews. The Schedule were approved with Mayor Sa lians absent.
3. Hayward Upward Economic Recovery Plan Update: Restaurant Relaunch and Restore and Reopen Programs
Council Member Bonilla thanked the team for the presentation and asked what some of the requirements are to be eligible and selected for Restaurant Relaunch Program and the Façade Hayward Council Economic Development Committee
Regular Meeting Minutes
May 1, 2023
program. Economic Development Specialist Ralston stated that for Restaurant Relaunch, the city required the business to be open for at least 5 years and also be open during the pandemic.
Matching funds or other contributions were optional but were used in application scoring.
Economic Development Specialist Ralston added that they looked at the business to see if the business had gotten a previous façade grant within the last five years. The business also had to state what they were using the grant money for so the Economic Development team could determine which program they would qualify under.
Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen added that the grantees in the Restaurant Relaunch program would have a very visible impact. ED Specialist Daniel Mao added the Economic Development team created a bench of qualified architects and made those professionals available to the business at no extra cost to them.
Council Member Bonilla asked what the maximum grant was given to the business. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen answered $20,000 plus any architect services that were used.
Council Member Bonilla asked if there were any remaining funds to award to other businesses Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen said no. The remaining funds are held in reserve for contingencies of ongoing projects. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen added that as the other businesses wrap up and come under budget, the ED Team will use the remaining funding to assist other businesses who have applied.
Council Member Bonilla instructed staff to add a column to the staff report to say if the business projects were complete or not, if they were a minority, how much was given, and what was done with the grant.
Council Member Bonilla asked how we can continue this program with low barriers for future emergencies. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen answered that this program was built and improved upon by the ED team over the past five years. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen answered that the current program is funded by ARPA funds and that it’s a question for Council on how we can continue funding for future years.
Council Member Bonilla asked how the business can learn how to be resilient. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen stated that there are government agencies including the East Bay Small Business Development Center and the U.S. Small Business Administration that offers free classes and training.
Council Member Andrews applauded the team and commended the use of an architect bench.
Council Member Andrews then stated that she would like to see more marquee signs for a more permanent look.
Council Member Andrews asked why one of the grantees used the money for a banner instead of a marquee sign. Ralston answered and stated since that business is in the industrial district, they Hayward Council Economic Development Committee
Regular Meeting Minutes
May 1, 2023
are not allowed to have free standing signs for retail uses due to zoning. Ralston also added that the business also uses a branded tent and banner to create an outdoor dining area. Council Member Andrews stated that Planning needs to look at the zoning to have a more attractive signage in the industrial area.
Council Member Andrews asked if the Chamber of Commerce looked at how ED worked with small businesses so they could use those same tactics. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen answered that staff provided ED program information to Hayward Chamber of Commerce to promote to their memberships.
Council Member Andrews asked if the Hayward Chamber of Commerce will have the capacity to do a similar program. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen answered that’s a question about staff and resources. He stated that the programs described were labor intensive.
He stated that small businesses often require multiple contacts and follow-up assistance to build trust and ensure the businesses follow through.
Council Member Andrews asked if we could do a mentorship program with big businesses to small businesses in Hayward. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen answered that the State Department of Commerce and other Federal agencies have such programs for international or local mentorships. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen added that it will be efficient to use these programs instead of city resources to start a program in Hayward.
Council Member Andrews asked if Restaurant Relaunch had an adaptability aspect to encourage restaurants to offer grab-and-go products and other promotions. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen answered that Hayward Live! is a program that focuses on adaptability and the official launch is in July. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen stated that the ED team is working with the business to get involved in the program so the supports brick-and-mortar business.
Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen added that the city will provide to businesses Hayward Live! branded material including pint glasses to giveaway . Business would need to do offer a special promotion so that customers can receive Hayward Live! promotional items.
Council Member Andrews questioned if there can be seating outdoors at restaurants and if we could rent chairs for restaurants to use for Hayward Live! dates. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen answered that Hayward Live! is not a special event and it is not an idea to create a crowd or close streets. The purpose of the program is to create small-scale street activations that will push people to brick-and-mortar stores. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen added that staff would look in offering chairs and tables to businesses.
Council Member Bonilla asked how Economic Development is working with Hayward Chamber of Commerce. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen stated that Economic Development works in collaboration with the Hayward Chamber of Commerce. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen added that information about Economic Development programs, including Hayward Council Economic Development Committee
Regular Meeting Minutes
May 1, 2023
“Hayward Live!”, is available to the public via the City website. Information is also posted across all the City of Hayward social media and newsletters.
Council Member Bonilla asked if we have ever asked the Hayward Chamber of Commerce for input and if we relay the message of safety and the Hayward Chamber of Commerce can help echo that message.
Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen answered that every program concept comes to Council Economic Development Committee and historically Hayward Chamber of Commerce join the meetings where they can be involved.
Council Member Andrews stated that she can contact the Hayward Chamber of Commerce about attending Council Economic Development Committee meetings.
Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen added that all the programs created by Economic Development are predicated on data and the team conducted a city-wide business needs survey The survey was also pushed out by the Hayward Chamber of Commerce. The response of the survey and feedback were used for the ARPA programs we see today.
Council Member Andrews added that the problems in downtown Hayward are associated with vacant properties and nefarious activity that takes place near those properties. She asked if Economic Development talked to Hayward Police Department presence in downtown Hayward.
City Manager McAdoo stated that she is in conversations with Interim Police Chief Bryan Matthews regarding restarting the downtown officer and walking patrols on B Street.
Unfortunately, due to staffing levels that is currently not feasible. City Manager McAdoo added that there is promising news about officers in the academy. She hopes that we can get those officers into those specialty units.
Council Member Andrews stated we can have Downtown Streets Team have a bigger presence where people would see these personnel and understand that they will call Hayward Police Department if needed.
Council Member Andrews also added that Downtown Hayward Improvement Association and the City of Hayward had a security contractor, but it did not work out and we were left without security. She added that Downtown Hayward Improvement Association could help with the safety concerns.
Council Member Andrews asked if the Downtown Hayward Improvement Association could afford extra security and if they could pay for Hayward Police Department patrol. City Manager McAdoo stated we must investigate that and added one of the challenges with Downtown Hayward Improvement Association they are supposed to pay for services above and beyond what the City of Hayward can provide. City Manager McAdoo added that it would also be overtime for Hayward Police Department and it would be volunteer based.
Hayward Council Economic Development Committee
Regular Meeting Minutes
May 1, 2023
Council Member Andrews thanked staff for the presentations and answers.
4. FUTURE MEETING TOPICS AS OF June 5, 2023
Council Member Andrews asked after the downtown tour if the information can be retained in notes. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen answered that staff will take notes during the walking tour. Council Member Andrews is very excited to take the tour.
Council Member Andrews asked if we could get an update on the food hall on A Street. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen stated that he could provide an update now and stated that that the East Bay Eats food hall developer completed construction. The facility features up to 25 individual kitchen stalls and they received a Certificate of Occupancy. He added that staff has been in contact with other staff and community members to get a wish list of different uses for the space that developers could use to target tenants. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen added that there is currently no ETA on opening and that the developers are working two opening other food halls.
Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen added that there will be limited seating onsite and that the primary use will be the third-party delivery customers.
Council Member Andrews asked if it would be possible to have tables and chairs facing A street.
Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen answered that is not a part of the approved project. Council Member Andrews asked about signage facing A street. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen added that there are signs that will need to be approved by Planning.
Council Member Andrews questions if we could put out a notification when a celebrity is in town. City Manager McAdoo answered we can investigate each case and if they are here to promote a product, we will not be able to announce their arrival. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen added that the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Hayward Improvement Association can promote these celebrities coming to town.
COMMITTEE MEMBER/ STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REFERRALS
Council Member Andrews States that Juneteenth celebration in Hayward will be hosted on June 15 as a street party in collaboration with the Hayward Chamber of Commerce. She also added on June 17th the Russell City Blues Festival will be occurring as well.
Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen stated that on May 11 they participated in the grand opening of Avirmax, a biotechnology company. Mayor Salinas and Council Member Goldstein cut the red ribbon along with the business owners. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen added that the business owner chose Hayward for its real estate affordability and central location for their clients and suppliers. The business also wanted to connect with CSU East Bay for job pipelines.
Hayward Council Economic Development Committee
Regular Meeting Minutes
May 1, 2023
Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen announced the grand opening of Veev, a manufacturer of modular homes. He stated that Veev had multiple arms of the company around the Bay Area but decided consolidate to Hayward. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen stated that ED staff played a major in attracting this company, including providing site selection assistance, pre-application meetings and streamlining permitting. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen added that 450 to 500 homes will be produced from this facility each year and that they are being connected to Chabot College and Cal State East Bay for workforce development opportunities.
Council Member Bonilla questioned how this company will benefit Hayward. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen answered that Veev is backed by major venture capital groups.
Other investors or businesses will look at Veev’s success in Hayward and consider investing or locating here. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen also added that the job creation could benefit Hayward residents. Lastly, Nguyen stated city revenue is generated from associated sales tax, use tax, and property tax.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
CITY OF HAYWARD
Hayward City Hall
777 B Street
Hayward, CA 94541
www.Hayward-CA.gov
File #: RPT 23-095
DATE: October 2, 2023
TO: Council Economic Development Committee
FROM: Development Services Department
SUBJECT
Vacant Property Monitoring Program Update
RECOMMENDATION
That the Council Economic Development Committee (CEDC) reviews this update on the Vacant Property Monitoring Program and Ordinance and provides feedback to staff.
SUMMARY
The Code Enforcement Division's Vacant Property Monitoring and Inspection Program (VPM), initiated under Article 29 - Vacant Property Ordinance, has made substantial progress in addressing the challenges associated with abandoned residential properties. It was designed to address the key concerns that hindered staff's ability to enforce regulations on such properties. This report provides an update on the program's background, milestones, updates and ongoing challenges, taking into account the unique circumstances faced in its early stages due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and other major events.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Staff Report
CITY OF HAYWARD Printed on 9/28/2023Page 1 of 1
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DATE: October 2, 2023
TO: Council Economic Development Committee
FROM: Development Services Director
SUBJECT: Vacant Property Monitoring Program Update
RECOMMENDATION
That the Council Economic Development Committee (CEDC) reviews this update on the Vacant Property Monitoring Program and Ordinance and provides feedback to staff.
SUMMARY
The Code Enforcement Division's Vacant Property Monitoring and Inspection Program (VPM), initiated under Article 29 - Vacant Property Ordinance, has made substantial progress in addressing the challenges associated with abandoned residential properties. It was designed to address the key concerns that hindered staff's ability to enforce regulations on such properties. This report provides an update on the program's background, milestones, updates and ongoing challenges, taking into account the unique circumstances faced in its early stages due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and other major events.
BACKGROUND
The Vacant Property Ordinance and Monitoring Program (VPM) were created with the goal to address regulatory gaps in the response to neglected vacant properties and to address conditions of neglect and deterioration of buildings and properties in the City of Hayward.
Adopted by City Council October 29, 2019, under Article 29- Vacant Property Ordinance, the ordinance, and associated monitoring program established general standards and compliance policy to assure accountability for neglected vacant properties, combat community health, and safety concerns, ensure public safety, and encourage economic development through owner engagement.
At the March 24, 2022, Council Economic Development Committee (CEDC) meeting, staff requested feedback on the Vacant Property Monitoring Program and ways the program could be more effective given the setbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic and limited dedicated staffing.
Staff took the CEDC recommendations and developed a team-based approach to monitoring and inspections, led by designated Senior Inspection staff with support from two additional general inspectors to facilitate program changes and ensure continuous monitoring and compliance with established standards.
Newly established monitoring practices focused on two components, as noted below, to continually inspect, and monitor identified neglected vacant properties on a more frequent basis with consideration of existing staff workloads and lack of dedicated staffing:
1. Planned quarterly team-based inspections
2. Quarterly Reporting to Division Management
Since establishing revised practices, Code Enforcement staff have worked diligently to ensure effective monitoring and compliance routines provide an element of continual review and conditions assessment on neglected vacant properties throughout Hayward. These measures ensure the continuous observance and monitoring of vacant properties throughout the City, promote compliance and community safety and help facilitate effective change through proactive education and engagement with property owners.
DISCUSSION
Quarterly Inspections,
Since the program's launch in October 2020, the Vacant Property Monitoring Program has been responsive to community concerns, effectively addressing neglected vacant properties.
In total, the program has handled 179 complaints, resulting in the establishment of 125 confirmed cases since its inception. Notably, from January 2023 onwards, 31 new cases have been opened, with May 2023 marking the highest monthly count of new cases, with 10 confirmations. Currently, the Division manages 50 active vacant property cases, six (6) of which are identified as commercial properties within what would be considered downtown Hayward.
The program includes a vital registration component. The registration component requires neglected vacant property must be registered with the Code Enforcement Division's monitoring program. In 2022, 28 properties were invoiced for registration, while in the 2023 calendar year, 40 properties were invoiced for annual registration, totaling $102,000 in fees.
An additional 10 properties have been identified for 2024 billing. As of August 1, 2023, $31,875 in fees remained unpaid, but these are scheduled for collection through annual tax assessment anticipated to take place between November and December 2023.
Before implementing our planned quarterly team-based inspection strategy, all responsibilities for response, monitoring, and registration were placed on a single senior staff member. This approach limited our monitoring and inspection frequency due to workload constraints. However, with the introduction of the team-based inspection approach, we have significantly enhanced our capabilities. Senior staff can now concentrate on direct case management, compliance strategies, (which include conducting research on vacant storefronts for historical permit compliance), and registration oversight, while general
inspection staff conduct pre-scheduled quarterly inspections, increasing the frequency of monitoring and compliance engagement.
This increased monitoring frequency has had a substantial positive impact on property conditions and compliance with ordinance standards. In 2023 alone, despite emerging cases, we successfully closed 10 previously existing neglected vacant property cases with successful outcomes related to active reuse or new development. Examples include properties like 24011 Hesperian Blvd (formerly Toys R-Us building) and 1200 A St. (formerly Bank of America building).
To further incentivize compliance and address persistently neglected properties, the City has imposed penalties when necessary. Since January 2023, the City issued a total of $62,898.85 in penalties, with $33,892.25 scheduled for collection through tax assessments, demonstrating our commitment to enforcing compliance with property standards.
Looking ahead, considering the Division’s limited staffing and workload constraints, staff plans to continue monitoring neglected vacant properties on a quarterly basis, leveraging the team-based inspection strategy. Staff will also remain vigilant in ensuring that all eligible neglected vacant properties are properly registered and invoiced, thereby enhancing our ability to track and address these properties.
Quarterly Reporting
The Vacant Property Monitoring Program (VPM) underscores the importance of ensuring effective management and oversight of vacant properties within the City. As part of our commitment to program evaluation, proficiency, accountability, and access to crucial information, senior staff members are required to provide quarterly reports to Division Management. This report serves as a comprehensive quarterly overview of program activities, outcomes, and areas requiring heightened response.
Program Evaluation and Proficiency
The quarterly reporting process plays a pivotal role in program evaluation and proficiency, and it is an integral responsibility of senior staff members. It allows management to assess the effectiveness of our strategies, identify areas for improvement, and measure progress toward program objectives. Key components of program evaluation include:
Monitoring and Inspection Effectiveness: Senior staff evaluate the outcomes of monitoring and inspection efforts, tracking the number of cases opened, closed, and their compliance status. This assessment helps us gauge the program's impact on property conditions and regulatory compliance.
Registration and Fee Collection: Staff assesses the registration process to ensure that all eligible neglected vacant properties are properly registered and invoiced. This enhances our ability to track and address these properties, contributing to program proficiency.
Accountability: Accountability is a core component of the VPM, and senior staff members play a central role in upholding it through:
o Compliance Monitoring
o Fee Collection
o Transparency
Trend Analysis: The state analyzes data to identify recurring issues, emerging challenges, and shifts in vacant property conditions. This proactive approach allows the Division to adapt strategies to address evolving trends.
Elevated Conditions: Senior staff monitor properties presenting elevated health and safety concerns due to unwarranted occupancy or neglect. When identified, staff prioritizes these properties for immediate attention, ensuring swift and effective response through the City’s Nuisance Response Team, which includes various city departments such as Code, Police, Fire, Building and Community Services.
Challenges and Improvements:
While the Program has overcome some of the initial setbacks at its initial launch, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, additional delays in 2022 associated with the establishment and launch of new enterprise software (EnerGov) has created some challenges to due to training needs and case management software availability. The Code Enforcement Division acknowledges these recent hurdles. Staff is acclimating to this change, and while there have been initial pain points, we anticipate improvements in the reporting process and case management as we move forward. The transition to EnerGov improved the Division's data collection and reporting capabilities, enhancing overall program efficiency and effectiveness.
Moving forward as the program nears the end of its 2023 calendar year operations a third and final strategy will be implemented at the start on calendar year 2024, which incorporates a proactive strategy to identify, evaluate, and map all vacant properties in the City of Hayward.
This will be a crucial initiative to enhance our Vacant Property Monitoring Program. It empowers staff to bridge program monitoring gaps associated with “reactive-only” protocols allowing staff to identify potential problem properties prior to complaints. This strategic approach reaffirms the City’s dedication to a vibrant and well-maintained community.
NEXT STEPS
Following this meeting, staff will take into consideration any comments and feedback from the CEDC pertaining to activity and updates related to the VPM and compliance and engagement strategies. Staff will move forward with reviewing and incorporating any recommended alterations to program efforts.
Prepared by: Phillip Nichols, Code Enforcement Manager
Recommended by: Sara Buizer, Development Services Director
Approved by:
_________________________________
Kelly McAdoo, City Manager
CITY OF HAYWARD
Hayward City Hall
777 B Street
Hayward, CA 94541
www.Hayward-CA.gov
File #: RPT 23-096
DATE: October 2, 2023
TO: Council Economic Development Committee
FROM: Chief Economic Development Officer
SUBJECT
Downtown Retail Walking Tour and Vacant Property Discussion (Oral Report Only)
RECOMMENDATION
That the committee participates in a walking tour of downtown facilitated by MJB Consulting and Economic Development staff. This tour will provide an opportunity to learn and discuss current retail trends in the context of vacant properties in downtown Hayward.
SUMMARY
CEDC members requested staff engage a retail consultant to organize a walking tour of downtown that focuses on providing insight into post-pandemic retail trends, and challenges associated with chronically vacant properties, and discuss potential options to revitalize the downtown area.
Staff engaged Michael Berne of MJB Consulting to organize and facilitate this tour. MJB Consulting is a retail planning and real estate consulting firm with offices in the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City. MJB Consulting specializes in crafting a comprehensive retail vision, understanding the vital role municipalities should play in retail revitalization, mapping out citywide shopping precincts, and addressing the pressing issues in the retail industry amid ongoing disruptions. Michael Berne, President of MJB Consulting, is a nationally recognized expert in retail market analysis. He has over 20 years of experience spearheading retail and market analysis efforts across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Mr. Berne participated in the retail analysis used to inform the City of Hayward’s Downtown Specific Plan.
Mr. Berne will conduct a brief presentation at City Hall outlining the current trends in the retail market.
The meeting will then adjourn and meeting attendees will be invited to participate in a guided walking tour of Downtown. Working in collaboration with the Economic Development team, MJB Consulting has mapped out a walking route through the downtown area, complete with stops at key vacant sites as well various other locations. At each stop, Mr. Berne will delve into the underlying factors contributing to the vacancies and explore potential obstacles to their occupancy.
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File #:RPT 23-096
To enrich the tour experience, property owners and commercial real estate brokers representing downtown properties were actively engaged and invited to participate. The aim is to gather their perspectives and engage in discussions about potential solutions. The Economic Development staff and MJB Consulting made diligent efforts to reach out to as many brokers and property owners as possible via phone calls and emails, resulting in the confirmation of attendance by several representatives.
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