San Mateo Area
Chamber of
Commerce:
2025-26 Work Plan-
Presentation
Christina Horrisberger
Assistant City Manager
ANNUAL UPDATE
September 2, 2025
BUILDING MEMBER
MOMENTUM
$317,299
356
“Being part of BRN has
helped us get more business
and build strong relationships
-- not only work related but
friendships.”
701
ENERGIZING OUR DOWNTOWNENERGIZING OUR DOWNTOWN
5,000
+
NICOLE FERNANDEZ
District 2
DR. CHARLES HANSEN
District 2
DANIELLE CWIRKO-
GODYCKI
District 4
POLICY IN ACTIONPOLICY IN ACTION
7,015
LEAD
FORWARD
WHAT IT ISWHAT IT IS WHAT PARTICIPANTS GAINWHAT PARTICIPANTS GAIN •• A powerful networkA powerful network
•• Stronger leadership Stronger leadership
•• Real-world impactReal-world impact
An immersive 3-day retreat with An immersive 3-day retreat with pre- and post-retreat gatherings and pre- and post-retreat gatherings and community service opportunitiescommunity service opportunities
LEAD FORWARD RESUL TSLEAD FORWARD RESUL TS
100%
“The location was serene and folded
into the experience beautifully”
“The personal stories were
exceptional”
“Loved meeting leaders in my
community and the opportunities
for partnership and growth”
“I loved the workshops and left with
really tangible skills”
“It ignited my passion for becoming
more involved in community”
BUSINESS AT ITS BEST
40,000
20,000
Workplan
Focus Areas
2025-26
Business Attraction and Retention
Targeted Business District Activation
Civic Engagement and Workforce
Convening, Informing and Policy Advocacy
Process
Council Study Session.
Participate to support launch of
Economic Development Framework
Nov. 2024
Chamber Board Meeting.
Introduce Economic Development
Framework to board members.
Dec. 2024
Council Blue Sky Workshop.
Attend to understand City workplan
and priorities.
Feb. 2025
Chamber Board Retreat.
Engage in assessment of City’s
economic landscape and Chamber’s
role.
Apr. 2025
Chamber Board Meeting.
Review key take-aways from board
retreat. Begin work plan.
May 2025
Business
Attraction &
Retention
1. Develop welcome kit and onboarding
process for new businesses
2. Provide high value business development
services; expand support for small and
minority-owned businesses
3. Develop shared early warning approach
for troubled businesses
4. Execute annual / bi-annual celebration
to honor business excellence
TO CREATE A THRIVING AND TO CREATE A THRIVING AND
RESILIENT LOCAL ECONOMYRESILIENT LOCAL ECONOMY
Targeted Business
District
Activation
1. Partner with City and DSMA on downtown
planning, programs and events
2. Execute signature downtown September
Arts & Culture Fest
3. Support 25th Avenue Collective and holiday
event
4. Explore development of public art, and
placemaking strategies in priority districts
TO INCREASE ECONOMIC ACTIVITY TO INCREASE ECONOMIC ACTIVITY
AND VIBRANCYAND VIBRANCY
Civic Engagement
& Workforce
1. Plan and execute LeadForward 2026 –
kickoff, 3-day retreat, post-retreat
dinner
2. Organize annual community service
project with Leadership alumni
3. Partner with City to complete workforce
development program inventory
4. Organize job fair / career day to connect
youth with local job opportunities
TO DEVELOP LOCAL TALENT THAT TO DEVELOP LOCAL TALENT THAT
STRENGTHENS OUR BUSINESSES & STRENGTHENS OUR BUSINESSES &
COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY
Convening,
Informing & Policy
Advocacy
1. Hold public policy committee meetings
aligned with City priorities and initiatives
2. Execute Good Morning San Mateo forum
on key economic insights and trends
3. Organize developer roundtable meetings to
identify opportunities for commercial
development process improvements
4. Lead 1-2 strategic input sessions with
selected businesses to further inform
economic development plan
TO RAISE AWARENESS, INCREASE TO RAISE AWARENESS, INCREASE
COLLABORATION AND INFLUENCE COLLABORATION AND INFLUENCE
POLICY DECISIONSPOLICY DECISIONS
QUESTIONS?