Thursday, September 5, 2024
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
September 5, 2024Council Economic Development
Committee
Agenda
NOTICE: The Council Economic Development Committee will hold a meeting in Conference Room 2A.
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 in person Hayward City Hall, Conference Room 2A, 777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://hayward.zoom.us/j/88243223898?pwd=KiE4ab8oh43RP2vpbcPnpkMAua0YbA.1 Webinar ID: 882 4322 3898
Password: CEDC-9/5!
Or join by phone:
US: +1 669 900 6833 or +1 646 931 3860
Webinar ID: 882 4322 3898
Password: 810481042
International numbers available: https://hayward.zoom.us/u/kdvlnw0suO
CALL TO ORDER
AB 2449 TELECONFERENCE NOTIFICATIONS AND CONSIDERATION
ROLL CALL
September 5, 2024Council Economic Development
Committee
Agenda
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
The Public Comments section provides an opportunity to
address the Council Economic Development
Committee on items not listed on the agenda. The Council Economic Development Committee welcomes 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 Council Economic Development Committee is prohibited by State law from discussing items not
listed on the agenda, items will be taken under consideration and may be referred to staff.
The Council Economic Development Committee welcomes
comments, including criticism, about the policies, procedures, programs, or services of the City, or of the acts or omissions of the Council Economic Development Committee. Speakers shall not use threatening, profane, or abusive language which disrupts, disturbs, or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of a meeting. The City is committed to maintaining a workplace free of unlawful harassment and is mindful that City staff regularly attend public meetings.
Discriminatory statements or conduct that is hostile,
intimidating, oppressive, or abusive – are per se disruptive to a meeting and will not be tolerated.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of the June 3, 2024 CEDC Regular Meeting MinutesMIN 24-0861.
Attachments: Attachment I Draft Minutes from the June 3, 2024 Regular CEDC Meeting
REPORTS/ACTION ITEMS
Downtown Action Plan Working Group Update (Oral Report
Only)
RPT 24-0612.
Attachments: Downtown Action Plan Working Group Memo
September 5, 2024Council Economic Development
Committee
Agenda
Hayward Upward Economic Recovery Plan Update: Tuition
Assistance Program
RPT 24-0623.
Attachments: Attachment I Staff Report
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Future Meeting Topics as of September 5, 2024RPT 24-0594.
Attachments: Future Meeting Topics as of September 5, 24
COMMITTEE MEMBER/STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REFERRALS
ADJOURNMENT
CITY OF HAYWARD
Hayward City Hall
777 B Street
Hayward, CA 94541
www.Hayward-CA.gov
File #: MIN 24-086
DATE: September 5, 2024
TO: Council Economic Development Committee
FROM: Chief Economic Development Officer
SUBJECT
Approval of the June 3, 2024 CEDC Regular Meeting Minutes
RECOMMENDATION
That the Committee members review and approve the attached draft Minutes from June 3, 2029 Regular Meeting
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Draft Minutes from the June 3, 2024 CEDC Meeting CITY OF HAYWARD Printed on 8/28/2024Page 1 of 1
powered by Legistar™
COUNCIL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES – June 3, 2024
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Salinas called the regular meeting to order at 5:02 p.m.
ATTENDANCE: (October 2023-July 2024)
Meeting Attendees
Present
6/3/24
All Meetings
Year to Date
Meetings Mandated
By Resolution
Present Absent Present Absent
Mayor Salinas 7 0 7 0
Council Member Andrews 6 1 6 1
Council Member Bonilla 7 0 7 0
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE:
Adam Kostrzak, Acting Assistant City Manager; Paul Nguyen, Chief Economic Development Officer; Daniel Mao, Economic Development Specialist; Amber Green, Economic Development Specialist; Jeremey Lochirco, Planning Manager; Elizabeth Blanton, Senior Planner; Javier Castro, Community Programs Specialist ; Vannessa Kennedy, Stack Infrastructure Development Vice President; Miles Kersten, Stack Infrastructure Development Director; DR. Nancy Mangold, Executive Director East Bay Small Business Development Center; Kathyrn Kafka; Pooja Rathaur; David Bowlby; Michael Van Dyke
AB 2449 TELECONFERENCE NOTIFICATIONS AND CONSIDERATION
Council Member Andrews participated via the Zoom platform under AB 2449 Brown Act teleconferencing “just cause” justification as defined in Government Code section 54953(f)(2)(A)(i) and 54953(j)(2)(A).
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were none.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING April 29, 2024
A motion to approve the minutes from April 29, 2024, Special Meeting was made by Council Member Bonilla and seconded by Council Member Andrews.
2. APPROVAL OF FISCAL YEAR 2025 CEDC REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULE
Hayward Council Economic Development Committee
Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
A motion to approve the fiscal year 2025 CEDC Regular Meeting schedule was made by Council Member Bonilla and seconded by Council Member Andrews.
3. Introduction to East Bay Small Business Development Center’s Small Business Finance Assistance Program (Oral Report Only)
Chief Economic Development Officer Paul Nguyen introduced Doctor Nancy Mangold who then gave the presentation.
Council Member Andrews sought clarification on the nature of Family Offices, which Dr. Nancy Mangold described as a type of venture capital company. Council Member Andrews also inquired about the process for small businesses to receive funding when City be comes aware of their needs. Dr.
Mangold explained that the East Bay Small Business Development Center (SBDC) website is accessible to everyone and that businesses can sign up online. She added that the Economic Development Department refers businesses to the SBDC.
Council Member Andrews questioned the obstacles preventing full utilization of SBDC services and traditional financing options . Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen highlighted that fear of rejection is a significant hurdle for small businesses. He noted that obtaining loans from banks can be daunting with long lists of required forms and other financial records , but East Bay SBDC offers one - on-one advisors to assist. Dr. Mangold emphasized that East Bay SBDC has the expertise to navigate the loan process with banks and lenders, mentioning that they can connect businesses needing $50,000 to lenders that have minimal requirements.
Council Member Bonilla asked if East Bay SBDC serves the entire community. Dr. Mangold confirmed they serve all businesses in Alameda County and Contra Costa County. She added that the center is funded by the United States Small Business Administration and the California Office of Small Business Advocate.
Mayor Salinas inquired about attracting businesses to Hayward. Dr. Mangold mentioned that she matches small businesses with bankers and business needs with cities. Mayor Salinas highlighted the importance of filling empty spaces in downtown Hayward. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen noted that the cos t and time required to bring vacant buildings up to city codes can be significant obstacles.
Council Member Andrews asked if East Bay SBDC could identify suitable business owners for downtown Hayward who might not require extensive tenant improvements. Dr . Mangold mentioned the Capital Summit and the entrepreneurship and small business resource fair as initiatives to match business owners with lenders. She added that East Bay SBDC connects entrepreneurs with commercial kitchens and other resources.
Council Member Andrews suggested providing pop-up classes for entrepreneurs in Hayward's vacant properties. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen mentioned that realistic expectations from property owners with long -vacant buildings are necessary. He added th at flexible lease agreements could benefit businesses funding major tenant improvements.
Hayward Council Economic Development Committee
Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
4. Preliminary Concept Review of a Major Site Plan Review Application to Construct a Three - Story Data Center, Generator Yards, Substation, Switching Yard, and Related Accessory Structures on an Approximately 11 -Acre Site Located at 26062 Eden Landing Road (Assessor Parcel Nos. 461 -0085-052-01 and 461 -0085-016-00). Application SPR -23-0036; Miles Kersten for STACK Infrastructure (Applicant) on behalf of SI SVYL3 LLC (Owner).
Chief Economic Development Officer Paul Nguyen introduced Senior Planner Elizabeth Blanton and The Stack Infrastructure Development Directors Miles Kersten and Vannessa Kennedy who then conducted presentations.
Council Member Andrews wanted to understand the security concerns Stack Infrastructure brought up. Stack Infrastructure Development Director Miles Kersten stated the data center is secured 24/7 and once a data hall is completed Stack employees are not allowed to enter the area except on a needed basis.
Council Member Andrews asked if it is possible to add a food truck court in the area. Stack Infrastructure Development Director Kersten stated Stack Infrastructure will take note of the idea and cannot commit now. Council Member Andrews clarified that they would want the food truck location to be ongoing to allow food trucks to corral and, in a location, where semi-trucks will not be hindered.
Mayor Salinas asked how the area could be a destination place. Council Member Bonilla stated typically for a data center you do not want the public to be near the data center. He added he agrees with Council Member Andrews about creating a hub for food in the area and not directly in the data center lot.
Council Member Andrews stated that she wanted amenities for the actual workers of the data center.
Council Member Bonilla asked does Stack Infrastructure provides amenities to employees like other companies. Stack Infrastructure Development Director Kersten stated the amenities they currently have are the open air in the open areas. He added that going to lunches would be at the discretion of the manager onsite.
Senior Planner Elizabeth Blanton stated Eden Landing Ecological Reserve parking lot is nearby and can potentially be more appropriate to have activities occur and where people will get drawn to.
Council Member Bonilla asked if Stack Infrastructure found a location to create a food truck amenity are they flexible with the proposed pu blic benefit package. Senior Planner Blanton stated that Stack Infrastructure is completely flexible on how to allocate the funds of the proposed public benefit package. Stack Infrastructure Development Director Kersten agreed that there may be some opportunities to reallocate funds.
Council Member Bonilla asked how the Stack Infrastructure proposed public benefits package compares to other public benefits packages. Senior Planner Blanton stated there is another data center across the highway, that is a bit bigger and a bit farther away from the highway. That previous data center public benefits package was the basis of the Stack Infrastructure proposed package. Senior Planner Blanton stated they adjusted their package as it fit Stack Infrastructure as there are not many onsite amenities, but they have proposed to contribute more funds than the other data center project.
Hayward Council Economic Development Committee
Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
Council Member Bonilla asked what the City's perspective for the dollar amount proposed for the public benefit package due to the height request and the location of the building as it is a gateway to the city. Senior Planner Blanton answered it was difficult to compare as that is why they came to seek guidance. She added that the developers are seeking the community’s perspective as to if the additional 25 feet of increased height is commensurate with the proposed $1.1 million dollars worth of public benefit contributions.
Council Member Bonilla stated on the proposed benefits package to change back the wording “city park contribution” to the “La Vista Park contribution”. Senior Planner Blanton stated the funds will go to La Vista Park.
Stack Infrastructure Development Vice President Vanessa Kennedy stated the design of the building is the most elaborate design Stack Infrastructure has produced for a data center as they had placed a heightened sensitivity on the image of the building. Sen ior Planner Blanton stated the artistic nature of the building has a visual impact to ensure it does not look like an industrial building is a benefit from the city staff's perspective.
Council Member Bonilla asked if we could add to the artistic aspect o f the building. Senior Planner Blanton stated that Stack infrastructure will be flexible on the artistic aspect of the building. Stack Infrastructure Development Director Kersten stated that the artist element intends to shield valuable equipment and if they can still provide the protection, they are flexible on the design of said shield.
Council Member Bonilla asked since many projects are facing delays due to PG&E does Stack Infrastructure have commitments from PG&E. Stack Infrastructure Development Dir ector Kersten stated that they do have commitments.
Council Member Bonilla asked what the plan was for the existing business in that location. Stack Infrastructure Development Director Kersten stated that the business has been moving out for the past two years and Stack Infrastructure assisted with the relocation process of some businesses.
Council Member Andrews asked if The Stack Center was in the communication for the public benefits package. Senior Planner Blanton stated that it could be a possible outcome for the public benefits project.
Council Member Bonilla asked for a clarification question for Council Member Andrews if she wanted to remove a proposed benefit or add it. Council Member Andrews stated that adding to the proposed benefit would be preferred.
Mayor Salinas stated that he is in support of the height and the marker but added it must be beautiful since it will be a gateway to Hayward.
Mayor Salinas stated he liked the city park contribution match and if needed we could mov e some proposed benefits to create a bigger park contribution. He added if the proposed public benefits package can be increased, he would be interested in how much money is available. He also added that adding funds for a Hayward sign would be beneficial.
Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen asked what type of wording or design the committee members would like to see on the building and sign . Council Member Bonilla stated “Hayward” or Hayward Council Economic Development Committee
Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
something more creative. Senior Planner Blanton asked if they would be interested in images and not words. The committee agreed that it does not have to be words. Stack Infrastructure Development Vice President Kennedy asked if it is words could be a standalone place, so the building is not branded.
Senior Planner Blanton added that the artistic aspect may play a better role in the screen than words for that reason.
Council Member Bonilla asked what Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen's thoughts on the proposed public benefits package are. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen stated that this is a fair package, and that the developer worked to understand and address the community’s vision.
Council Member Andrews stated she is ok with the proposal with the added items for The Stack Center and food trucks.
5. FUTURE MEETING TOPICS
Council Member Andrews wanted to know what things are impacting development in Hayward. She wants some recommendations where the Council can review what type of regulations are hindering businesses from moving to Hayward.
Council Member Bonilla stated he would like the update from the Downtown Action Plan Working Group but also to get recommendations for the longer-term improvements that can assist downtown Hayward.
COMMITTEE MEMBER/ STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REFERRALS
Mayor Salinas stated he went to the Latin Jazz Festival on June 1st and the event was great.
Council Member Andrews stated June 22nd is the Juneteenth event at Heritage Plaza in Hayward.
Council Member Bonilla stated on June 4th the Pride flag-raising will occur at noon.
Council Member Andrews stated June 18th will be the Pan Africa and Juneteenth flag raising will occur.
Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen stated the Economic Development team won a Business Facilities Magazine 2024 Economic Development Organization Award for the Together for Hayward Point of Sale Grant program.
Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen stated Economic Development did a Grand Reopening Ribbon Cutting for El Taquito as part of the Restaurant Relaunch Program. He added that after the remodel El Taquito owners indicate they are seeing many new customers as the restaurant is more noticeable.
Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen stated El Pollo Loco in the downtown celebrated their 20th anniversary with a ribbon cutting event. Economic Development Specialist Daniel Mao stated the owners of the El Pollo Loco indicated that is the number 1 El Pollo Loco franchise location in the Hayward Council Economic Development Committee
Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
country. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen stated they are opening a new location on Whipple.
Chief Economic Development Nguyen stated Tea Villa will be celebrating its grand opening on June 8th and June 9th at SoHay. Economic Development Specialist Mao stated Tea Villa is a recipient of the new Hashtag Hayward Grant.
Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen stated the Kmart site has full permanent power from PG&E and the parking lot is lit up. Council Member Bonilla asked if all the slots were filled on the site. Chief Economic Development Officer Nguyen answered that not all the tenant spaces are filled.
Economic Development Specialist Mao announced Economic Development with assistance from Chabot College and Cal State East Bay will be hosting a Learn to Earn Job Fair on September 19, 2024.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 7:02 p.m.
CITY OF HAYWARD
Hayward City Hall
777 B Street
Hayward, CA 94541
www.Hayward-CA.gov
File #: RPT 24-061
DATE: September 5, 2024
TO: Council Economic Development Committee
FROM: Chief Economic Development Officer
SUBJECT
Downtown Action Plan Working Group Update (Oral Report Only)
RECOMMENDATION
That the Council Economic Development Committee (CEDC) receives updates on the progress of the Downtown Action Plan and provides feedback to staff.
SUMMARY
On January 20, 2024, Council requested that staff create a multi-department task force to evaluate and address support for small businesses and to stimulate growth and activity Downtown, especially since Foothill Boulevard is a major gateway and thoroughfare through Downtown. The boundary for the Downtown Action Plan is primarily focused on the core of downtown which is Foothill Blvd to Watkins Street between A and C Street. In addition, the area around Maple and Main Street and Foothill Blvd and City Center Drive was also included.
The Downtown Action Plan Working Group consists of representatives from: City Manager’s Office, Hayward Police Department, Public Works, Maintenance Services Department, Development Services Department, Library Services, and the Downtown Hayward Improvement Association (DHIA). The main goal of the working group is to focus on physical improvements to enhance the downtown experience and be implementable with a quick turnaround time of 100-200 days. Ideally each department would use existing budget and staffing resources, and not require a new budget to complete these improvements.
Monday June 3, 2024, marked the start date for all projects submitted by the Downtown Action Plan Working Group to begin. The composition of the working group and the projects are described in detail in Attachment I. Selected projects include enhancing crosswalks by making them more visible, installing painted bulb outs for additional pedestrian barriers, enhancing Code Enforcement efforts through the Community Preservation ordinance, implementing pressure washing more often, installing decorative lighting throughout Downtown, and providing a business resource guide to guide business owners and their employees on who to contact for common issues.
th
CITY OF HAYWARD Printed on 8/28/2024Page 1 of 2
powered by Legistar™
File #:RPT 24-061
At the September 5th Special CEDC Meeting, staff from each participating department will provide an oral update on the progress their respective projects, highlight the support for small businesses and the visual impacts to stimulate growth and activity Downtown.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Downtown Action Plan Working Group Memo
CITY OF HAYWARD Printed on 8/28/2024Page 2 of 2
powered by Legistar™
Date: May 30, 2024
To: Dustin Claussen, Interim City Manager
From: Paul Nguyen, Chief Economic Development Officer
Re: Downtown Action Plan Working Group
On January 20, 2024, a referral was made by Council Member Andrews and Council Member Roche for staff to create a task force to evaluate and address downtown and Foothill Blvd. The referral directed staff to enhance physical improvements, provide support to businesses, and resources to those experiencing homelessness. The main goal of the task force is to deliver physical improvements that are easily implementable within 100 to 200 days.
The task force is comprised of representatives from the following departments: City Manager’s Office, Hayward Police Department, Public Works, Maintenance Services Department, Development Services Department, Library Services, and the Downtown Hayward Improvement Association (DHIA).
Based on the referral from Council, staff conducted a walking tour of downtown and held group discussions on how to improve its physical appearance. The table below includes each department, the projects each department will deliver, and the estimated timeline of each project.
Table 1: Downtown Action Plan Projects At-A-Glance
Department Project Estimated Timeline
City Manager's
Office 1. Business Resource Guide 60 days
2. Hashtag Hayward Grant Program ongoing
3. Library Café Marketing Materials ongoing
4. Postcard for Delivery Drivers 60 days
Hayward
Police
Department
1. Beat Officer Introductions to Business Owners/Managers (maps w/ contact information distributed to staff) In progress/ongoing
2. Communication Center to Create Calls for Service for Security Checks In progress/ongoing
3. Combined District Command/Downtown Business Meetings: (rotating location – date/time TBD) In progress/May 2024
4. Traffic Unit Regular Checks/Enforcement Downtown In progress/ongoing
5. Pedestrian/Grant Enforcement Operations In progress/ongoing
6. Speed Trailer Placed Downtown 1 to 3 months
7. BACS Referrals for Those Seeking Services In progress/ongoing
8. Downtown Checks with District Operation Officers and LINK In progress/ongoing
9. Shareable Database for Contacts with Unhoused in Downtown In progress/May 2024 Public Works 1. Redesign Decorative and High-Visibility Crosswalks 60 days
2. Reduce Speed Limits in Eligible Business Activity Districts 60 days
3. Painted Bulb-outs and On-Street Parking on Mission Blvd 100 days
4. Short-term Loading and Valet Parking Coordination 60 days Maintenance
Services
Department 1. Pressure Washing 60 days/ongoing
2. Muni Lot Clean-Up 60 days/ongoing
3. Piano Crosswalk Installation & Short-term Loading @ Foothill & B St. 100 days
4. Curb-Side Planter Box (assisting DHIA w/installation & maintenance) (DHIA timeline)
5. Decorative Lighting to Heritage Plaza 60 days
6. Library Café Repairs/Cleaning 60 days
Development
Services
Department 1. Business Signage Restoration Project 100 days
2. Expedited Commercial Graffiti Abatement and Partnership Program:
(zero penalties and reduced abatement cost -99% paint match) 100 days
3. Enhanced Code Enforcement Efforts 100 days
Library 1. Activate Heritage Plaza ongoing
2. Library Café Tenant ongoing
Downtown
Hayward
Improvement
Association 1. Hanging Flower Baskets
May 2024
2. Artist All-call for Big Belly Garbage Cans 30 days
3. Concrete Cast Planters with Flowers/Plants Placed at Strategic Corners 100 days
4. Updates to street banners 100 days
Each department provided a short description of each project below:
CITY MANAGERS OFFICE - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
1. Business Resource Guide: The business resource guide is an at-a-glance tool for our business owners that will provide contact information for local resources and support services. Examples include Access Hayward, Hayward Police Department, various City Departments, resources for those experiencing homelessness, and the Small Business Development Center.
2. Hashtag Hayward Grant Program: To assist our business community with harnessing the power of customers and social media. The city created a new grant program in which businesses can use dollars to create those “moments” customers will post about. The grant dollars can be used for the installation of items that will encourage customers to snap, tag, and post their pictures. Some examples of improvements could be interactive murals, interactive sculptures, new window lighting, front façade murals or graphic paint, corner buildings District identity, A-Frame or blade signs, new seating, and way finding.
3. Library Café Marketing Materials: In partnership with the Library, Economic Development will produce the marketing materials and help promote the vacant space.
4. Postcard for Delivery Drivers: Double parking on B St and illegal parking in the alleyway between Rockit Char Grill and former Charlotte’s disrupts traffic flow. In partnership with Public Works, Economic Development will produce a postcard for businesses near the movie theater. Businesses can attach the postcard to delivery orders to inform drivers of parking enforcement from HPD and upcoming PW improvements to designate short-term loading areas for passengers and delivery services.
HAYWARD POLICE DEPARTMENT
1. Beat Officer Introductions to Business Owners/Managers: The officers assigned to the (Boy beat) downtown and surrounding neighborhoods will go into businesses and introduce themselves so the business owners and/or managers will be more comfortable reaching out to the police. The businesses will also be provided with informational sheets on who to contact depending on the issue/concern.
2. Communication Center to Create Calls for Service for Security Check: The police communications center will create a call for service every 2 hours with a specific address downtown for a security check. Officers will respond to the created call for service in order of priority and get out of his/her vehicle and check on the security of the business. If the business is open the officer will be expected to go inside and contact staff. If the business is closed, they will check the perimeter of the business and ensure it is secure.
3. Combined District Command/Downtown Business Meetings: Once a month District Operations will coordinate with a different business or multiple businesses to have a meeting to discuss concerns and build relationships. The meetings will be held at different downtown businesses, or the North Resource Center located on the corner of Main St and C St.
4. Traffic Unit Regular Checks/Enforcement Downtown: Traffic officers will pass through downtown on a regular basis to deter speeding and other traffic related violations. Traffic officers will enforce violations as appropriate.
5. Pedestrian/Grant Enforcement Operations: Once a month the traffic unit will conduct grant funded enforcement downtown. The grant enforcement usually consists of a minimum of two officers focusing on a specific traffic concern, such as pedestrian violations.
6. Speed Trailer Placed Downtown: Place a speed trailer in rotating locations downtown to deter speeding.
7. Bay Area Community Services (BACS) Referrals for Those Seeking Services: The Case Management & Mental Health Linkages Team (LINK) will continue to conduct outreach to the unhoused population and make referrals to BACS for those seeking services.
8. Downtown Checks with District Operations Officers and LINK: District Operation Officers will work with LINK to check areas throughout downtown for unhoused community members and offer services. When services are refused District Operations will work with LINK on alternative options.
9. Shareable Database for Contacts with Unhoused in Downtown: District Operations and LINK will create a shareable document with the names, dates, and locations unhoused community members were contacted. The document will also include what services were offered and if they were accepted or refused. This will give staff the ability to see the progress of services that were accepted as well as allow staff to work together on finding alternative options for those refusing services.
PUBLIC WORKS
1. Redesign Decorative and High-Visibility Crosswalks: There are crosswalks decorated with a piano themed in downtown. Over time these decorations have faded. This project would enhance the design and contrast of the crosswalks by painting the “black keys” and refreshing other paint.
Identify other crosswalks that could be upgraded either to decorative or high-visibility patterns.
2. Reduce Speed Limits in Eligible Business Activity Districts: Under AB 43, cities may reduce speed limits beyond typical guidelines where streets meet certain characteristics, including the number of lanes, presence of crosswalks, retail, and dining zoning. This project would reduce speed limits on eligible streets within the downtown area.
3. Painted Bulb-outs and On-street Parking on Mission Blvd: The inclusion of parallel parking on a street and a reduction in travel lanes can enhance safety by discouraging high travel speeds. In addition, bulb-outs at the corners of intersections can enhance visibility and reduce crossing distances, while providing opportunities for beautification and placemaking. This project would remove a travel lane to install painted bulb-outs and provide on-street parking along Mission Blvd.
4. Short-term Loading and Valet Parking Coordination: The Transportation Department will designate additional spaces on Foothill and near B Street to enable improved short-term loading for passengers and delivery services. This will include marking and signing additional areas for short- term loading. The Transportation team will also work with downtown merchants interested in establishing a valet parking system. The City’s role would be to identify locations in municipal lots for cars to be parked and to designate an on-street valet parking drop-off area with signage and curb paint as needed.
MAINTENANCE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
1. Pressure Washing: Maintenance Services Department will perform maintenance by pressure washing both sides of B St. sidewalks between Foothill & Watkins. This work will be performed solely on overtime to minimize any pedestrian slip and falls and maximize productivity.
2. Muni Lot Clean-Up: Maintenance Services Department will be performing general maintenance in Municipal lots #1A, 1B, 2, 3, 4. The scope will entail sign replacement, graffiti abatement, removing illegal dumping and street sweeping of the lots.
3. Piano Crosswalk Installation & Short-term loading @ Foothill & B-St.: Maintenance Services Department will repaint (2) piano crosswalks on Foothill @ B St. This work will include repainting of the existing white key portion white, (new) painting the interior of the keys black and (new) out lining
the perimeter in white or black. MSD will repaint (2) existing continental crosswalks on B St. @ Foothill. Short-term loading will be painted and clearly identified.
4. Curb-Side Planter Box: Assist Downtown Hayward Improvement Association in the placement of multiple planter boxes fronting business, install planting and mulch material.
5. Decorative Lighting to Heritage Plaza: To highlight Heritage Plaza, arboretum, heritage elements, and the children’s garden, decorative lighting will be added to activate the space. In addition, it will adhere to NetZero Policy. LED rope lights will be added to the pergola and wrapped around some of the trees.
6. Library Café Repairs/Cleaning: A deep cleaning and necessary repairs will be performed.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
1. Business Signage Restoration Project: The sign restoration initiative is dedicated to removing eyesores and hazards caused by dilapidated, abandoned, or non-compliant signs. Our goal is to enhance the vibrancy and safety of commercial areas by revitalizing existing signage.
2. Expedited Commercial Graffiti Abatement and Partnership Program: The100-Day Graffiti Removal Initiative, a code enforcement program designed to swiftly cleanse private properties of unsightly graffiti. Offering expedited services to partnering property owners at reduced cost.
3. Enhanced Code Enforcement Efforts: Code Enforcement is intensifying efforts to tackle debris, uplift exterior building aesthetics, and ensure meticulous maintenance conditions. Our comprehensive approach also includes the improvement of parking areas, landscaping, and the revitalization of vacant buildings.
LIBRARY
1. Activate Heritage Plaza: Engage Heritage Plaza by adding Library programming. Possibly summer activities or pop-up resource fairs.
2. Library Café Tenant: In partnership with Economic Development staff, Library staff will find a suitable tenant to reactivate this vacant space. Economic Development will market the site and connect prospective users to Library staff to complete leasing functions.
DOWNTOWN HAYWARD IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (DHIA)
*Note that DHIA is a public benefit, non-profit corporation focused on supporting and improving the Downtown Hayward community. These projects will require full vendor approval and may fall out of the 100-day timeline. DHIA informed the City this is what they want to accomplish however budget approval, vendor procurement, and contracts will need to occur***
1. Hanging Flower Baskets: There are a number of street light poles along B St. for which the DHIA previously had installed hanging flower baskets, which overtime looked bad and were removed. The DHIA plans to replant and hang new flower baskets to add color and vibrancy to B St.
2. Artist All-call for Big Belly Garbage Cans: There are a number of big belly garbage cans throughout downtown. The big belly cans are designed to allow for art to be incorporated. The DHIA would consider issuing an artist all-call to place some art along the sides of these big belly cans to liven up their appearance and incorporate additional public art in downtown.
3. Concrete Cast Planters with Flowers/Plants Placed at Strategic Corners: The DHIA had installed some wine barrel planters in a few key locations throughout downtown to help liven up the street. However, overtime plants died off and the planter itself became a haven for trash. In an effort to enhance street furniture and the downtown pedestrian experience, the DHIA is exploring a new
concrete cast planter with a narrower opening to plant flowers/plants and place these in numerous locations within the downtown.
4. Updates to Street Banners: The DHIA currently has banners that are hung along B St and have varied seasonally. The DHIA is working on ensuring consistent bracketing for all banners and then creating a rotating banner program to create visual interest.
The impact of the Downtown Action Plan Working Group is to deliver physical improvements with existing budget, staff, and resources. These are short-term improvements with the hope they will help in the long term.
The Working Group agreed to begin all projects on Monday June 3rd, 2024. The Working Group will meet every 30 days after the start date to continue cross-departmental coordination. After 100 days are completed, a progress report memo will be provided to the Mayor and City Council.
Sincerely,
Paul Nguyen
Chief Economic Development Officer
CITY OF HAYWARD
Hayward City Hall
777 B Street
Hayward, CA 94541
www.Hayward-CA.gov
File #: RPT 24-062
DATE: September 5, 2024
TO: Council Economic Development Committee
FROM: Chief Economic Development Officer
SUBJECT
Hayward Upward Economic Recovery Plan Update: Tuition Assistance Program
RECOMMENDATION
That the Council Economic Development Committee receives updates on the progress of the Hayward Upward Economic Recovery Plan: Tuition Assistance Program.
SUMMARY
The Tuition Assistance program, an ARPA-funded initiative within the Together for Hayward COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan, aims to provide financial assistance to residents. It enables them to attend courses at Chabot College, California State University East Bay (CSUEB), and the Eden Area Regional Occupational Program (ROP), enhancing their employment competitiveness. This report provides an update on the program's current status and outlines next steps.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Staff Report
CITY OF HAYWARD Printed on 8/28/2024Page 1 of 1
powered by Legistar™
DATE: September 5, 2024
TO: Council Economic Development Committee
FROM: Chief Economic Development Officer
SUBJECT: Hayward Upward Economic Recovery Plan Update: Tuition Assistance Program
RECOMMENDATION
That the Council Economic Development Committee receives updates on the progress of the Hayward Upward Economic Recovery Plan: Tuition Assistance Program.
SUMMARY
The Tuition Assistance program, an ARPA-funded initiative within the Together for Hayward COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan, aims to provide financial assistance to residents. It enables them to attend courses at Chabot College, California State University East Bay (CSUEB), and the Eden Area Regional Occupational Program (ROP), enhancing their employment competitiveness. This report provides an update on the program's status and outlines next steps.
BACKGROUND
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, San Francisco Bay Area businesses faced challenges in finding qualified workers due to a tight job market. The situation was exacerbated by high housing costs, impacting employee retention and recruitment, particularly for Hayward employers. The pandemic further complicated matters, leading to business closures, furloughs, and a shift in employment preferences. As the economy recovers, businesses encounter difficulties filling both previous and new positions, intensifying competition for skilled workers. Despite ongoing layoffs in the tech industry, Hayward businesses indicate that a labor shortage persists for skilled technical and advanced manufacturing positions.
Additionally, the rising cost of living in the Bay Area, particularly in Hayward, has put significant pressure on residents to seek higher-paying jobs to meet their financial obligations. This economic reality led to an increased demand for upskilling and educational opportunities, as residents pursue higher education and specialized training to secure more lucrative positions in a competitive job market.
DISCUSSION
Tuition Assistance Program
The Tuition Assistance Program is tailored to aid Hayward residents affected by COVID-19 or those seeking skill improvement for enhanced employability. Grantees must attend courses at designated institutions, including Chabot Community College, CSUEB, or Eden ROP . The program designated these institutions to manage recruitment, application review, and fund disbursement.
The microgrants range from $500 to $2,000, considering factors such as the program of study, cost, duration, and other aid received. To date, $206,519 of the $400,000 program budget has been dispersed to 312 grantees. The grants prioritize high-, medium-, and low- priority programs, addressing industries with labor shortages and providing flexibility based on individual needs. The distribution of the grants across these categories is summarized in Exhibit 1 below.
Programs prioritized as high include fields directly related to biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and industrial sectors, which are critical for the economic health of the City.
These industries create high-skilled, well-paid positions, are significant generators of tax revenue, and are rapidly expanding within Hayward. Medium priority are fields that are impacted but not as critical to the local economy’s immediate needs, such as healthcare support roles, professional services, and business administration. These areas still require skilled workers and offer good career prospects but do not face the same level of urgency in workforce shortages. Low-priority programs include those in fields with less direct demand in Hayward’s current labor market, such as general arts or hospitality. However, the program remains flexible, recognizing that individual career paths and evolving industry trends may shift these priorities over time.
Exhibit 1: Tuition Assistance Grant Recipient Award Priority Level
Priority Level Number of Grantees
High 89
Medium 124
Low 41
Other 12
The program has had a diverse impact, reaching various ethnicities and demographic groups, including Hispanic/Latinx/Chicanx, multiracial, Black/African American, and more.
Additional demographic data highlights characteristics such as single-parent status, low- income status, disability, and foster youth representation among grantees. The Exhibit 2 below summarizes the demographics of grant recipients. It is important to note that this data is not exhaustive and is limited by self-reporting. As a result, the figures presented may not fully capture the breadth of the program's impact across all demographic groups.
Exhibit 2: Tuition Assistance Grant Recipient Demographics
Race or Ethnicity Number of
Students
Percentage
of Grantees
Hispanic/Latinx/Chicanx 68 21.8%
Not Hispanic/Latinx/Chicanx 166 53.2%
N/A 32 10.3%
Multiracial 103 33.0%
Other 67 21.5%
Asian/White 28 9.0%
Native American/Am. Indian/Alaskan Native &
Black African American 5 1.6%
Native American/American Indian/Alaskan
Native/White 2 0.6%
Black/African American/White 1 0.3%
Black/African American 67 21.5%
Native American/American Indian/Alaskan Native 2 0.6%
White 33 10.6%
Asian 27 9%
Korean 1 0%
Asian Indian 7 2%
Filipino 8 3%
Vietnamese 6 2%
Chinese 5 2%
Middle Eastern/Arab 7 2%
Additional Demographic Data
*Only available from Chabot Spring 2023
Single-Parent 51
Low-Income 109
Student with Disability 13
Foster Youth 12
NEXT STEPS
The Tuition Assistance Program is ongoing, with Chabot College and CSUEB accepting applications for the grant until all funds are exhausted. The grant funding is projected to be fully awarded to Hayward residents by the end of the 2024 calendar year.
To date, $350,000 has been successfully disbursed to Chabot College, CSUEB, and Eden ROP for the grant program. The remaining $50,000 is slated for disbursement, contingent upon the fulfillment of contract deliverables. These deliverables include the provision of data related to grant recipients, which will facilitate long-term tracking and enable an impact
analysis of the grant funds. Additionally, the program involves diligent tracking of grantees' progress in completing their educational programs and securing meaningful employment.
There is also a requirement to host a job fair, which will serve as a critical bridge between graduates of the program and local employers. This job fair is designed not only to showcase the talent pool developed through the Tuition Assistance Program but also to directly address labor shortages in key industries by connecting skilled workers with immediate job opportunities. Planning is underway to ensure the event is well-publicized and attended by both employers and program participants, maximizing the program's impact on the local economy.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funded through the City’s ARPA funds, the Tuition Assistance Program is allocated $400,000. This report reflects the commitment of the City of Hayward to address the economic challenges brought about by the pandemic and contribute to the long-term prosperity of its residents and business community.
Prepared by: Daniel Mao, Economic Development Specialist
Recommended by: Paul Nguyen, Chief Economic Development Officer
Approved by:
____________________________________________
Dustin Claussen, Interim City Manager
CITY OF HAYWARD
Hayward City Hall
777 B Street
Hayward, CA 94541
www.Hayward-CA.gov
File #: RPT 24-059
DATE: September 5, 2024
TO: Council Economic Development Committee
FROM: Chief Economic Development Officer
SUBJECT
Future Meeting Topics as of September 5, 2024
RECOMMENDATION
That Committee members review and comment on the attached Future Meeting Topics
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Future Meeting Topics as of September 5, 2024 CITY OF HAYWARD Printed on 8/28/2024Page 1 of 1
powered by Legistar™
Council Economic Development Committee
Future Meeting Topics as of
September 5, 2024
RESPONSIBLE
STAFF
FUTURE MEETING AGENDA ITEMS
PRESENTATION
DATE*
Economic
Development
Hayward Upward Economic Recovery
Program Updates Standing Item
Economic
Development
Update on Foothill Action Plan Working
Group September 2024
Economic
Development
Update on Amazon Web Service’s 2024
Hayward Community Fund Grantees October 2024
Development
Services
Development Services Department Activities
Update November 2024
Economic
Development
Economic Development Division Activities
Update December 2024
Economic
Development/
DSD
Analysis of Impediments to Downtown
Business Development 2025
*Subject to change and data availability