July 3, 2025
Alex Khojikian, City Manager
Christina Horrisberger, Assistant City Manager
City of San Mateo
330 W. 20th Avenue
San Mateo, California 94403
Re: FY 2025-26 Work Plan and Funding Proposal
Dear Alex and Christina,
It was a pleasure speaking with you both last week and sharing our proposed work plan for fiscal year 2025-26. As noted in our conversation, we've closely followed the City's progress on its economic development framework and have designed our plan to align with those priorities.
We believe our continued partnership will help to meaningfully advance your strategic goals-diversifying the economy, attracting and retaining businesses, and fostering sustainable economic growth.
We are truly grateful for the City's past support and are pleased to submit our request for continued investment at the $90,000 level.
Thank you again for your partnership and thoughtful consideration of this request.
Warm regar� f
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Erica Wood
President & CEO
Attachment - FY 2025-26 Work Plan
ATTACHMENT - FY 2025-26 PROPOSED WORK PLAN
FOR THE SAN MATEO AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SUBMITTED TO THE CITY OF SAN MATEO
The San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce (the Chamber) has outlined a proposed work plan for FY 2025–26 centered around four strategic focus areas: business attraction and retention; targeted activation of key business districts; civic engagement and workforce development; and convening, informing, and advocating on public policy. These priorities are designed to advance the City’s economic development goals while aligning with the Chamber’s mission to foster a vibrant local economy and community.
A summary of proposed activities under each focus area is provided below. These activities were initially presented at the June 24 meeting and have been refined based on feedback received during the meeting and further input from Chamber staff.
1. Business Attraction and Retention
1.1. Create an enhanced licensing and onboarding process for new businesses, including welcome kit with economic development resources accessible from the City and Chamber websites.
1.2. Provide high value business development services for members and non-members through quarterly webinars, 1:1 mentoring through the Chamber’s Business Assistance Center, monthly business-to-business referrals and networking opportunities and ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
1.3. Promote and connect minority- and women-owned businesses as well as age- friendly businesses with certification opportunities and resources.
1.4. Work with City on a shared early warning approach / communication process for troubled businesses, including those considering relocation.
1.5. Promote and celebrate business excellence through annual shop local campaign and Best of San Mateo Area awards celebration.
2. Targeted Business District Activation
2.1. Partner with City and DSMA on downtown planning, programs, and events (Farmer’s Market, September Nights on B Street, Lunar New Year and Boba Day) ; identify opportunities to include Latinx businesses and residents.
2.2. Help promote the Downtown Specific Plan process with Chamber members; ensure participation of local businesses to support City community outreach activities.
2.3. Develop and execute 3rd annual September Arts & Culture Fest event.
2.4. Expand businesses participating in the 25th Avenue Collective, guide and support planning of events, including Winter Wonder Walk.
2.5. Explore opportunities for public art in 1-2 business districts and ways to support / promote City’s Art in Public Places Program.
2.6. Pilot dedicated Facebook / Instagram page for 1-2 business districts (beyond downtown) to spotlight shops, cafes, restaurants, services, and experiences.
ATTACHMENT - FY 2025-26 PROPOSED WORK PLAN
FOR THE SAN MATEO AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SUBMITTED TO THE CITY OF SAN MATEO
3. Civic Engagement and Workforce Development
3.1. Plan and execute LeadForward 2026, including orientation kickoff meeting, 3-day retreat experience, and post-retreat dinner. Ensure participation of employees from larger companies (e.g., Roblox, Franklin Templeton, commercial developers).
3.2. Organize an annual community service project with Leadership alumni aligned with City opportunities and needs. Consult with City Manager’s Office and Community Relations Committee.
3.3. Partner with City to complete inventory of organizations and institutions providing workforce development programs within the City of San Mateo; make information available through City and Chamber websites.
3.4. Organize a job fair / career day to connect youth with local job opportunities in partnership with the City, College of San Mateo and local high schools.
4. Convening, Informing and Policy Advocacy
4.1. Hold monthly public policy committee meetings aligned with City priorities and initiatives, including potential sales tax measure.
4.2. Design and execute Good Morning San Mateo forum for business, government and community leaders focused on the economic outlook and major trends impacting San Mateo.
4.3. Organize 3-4 developer roundtable meetings to identify opportunities for commercial development process improvements.
4.4. Lead 1-2 strategic input sessions with larger firms to inform economic development plan (include gaming and fintech representatives).
4.5. Partner with SF Peninsula, San Mateo County Events Center and others to make San Mateo the place to host a major gaming and / or watch parties associated with next year’s NFL / FIFA sporting events.
Funding Justification
The Chamber is requesting $90,000 to help cover the direct program expenses associated with the activities listed above, including staff salaries and benefits, materials and supplies, event-related expenses (venue, food, vendors, and fees), marketing and communications (printing and social media), speaker honoraria and consultant support. The Chamber also raises funds from its business members, board members, sponsors, and grants to support these expenses.
The Chamber is pleased to name the City as a title sponsor for the September Arts & Culture Fest and provide associated benefits, including stage time and a complimentary booth, three Mayor-designated awards as part of the Best of San Mateo Area campaign a nd four complimentary spots for City staff in LeadForward 2026.