ANNUAL UPDATE
October 6, 2025
BUILDING MEMBER
MOMENTUM
$221,665
“Being part of BRN has
helped us get more business
and build strong relationships
-- not only work related but
friendships.”
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
WHAT IT ISWHAT IT IS WHAT PARTICIPANTS GAINWHAT PARTICIPANTS GAIN •• A powerful networkA powerful network
•• Enhanced leadership skills Enhanced leadership skills •• 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
LAUNCHINGLAUNCHING
LeadForward
LEADFORWARD RESUL TSLEADFORWARD 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
250-320
Workplan
Focus Areas
2025-26
Business Attraction and Retention
Targeted Business District Activation
Civic Engagement and Workforce
Convening, Informing and Policy Advocacy
Business
Attraction &
Retention
1. Launch enhanced licensing, welcome +
onboarding process
2. Offer high value business development
services
3. Support minority, women, and age-
friendly businesses
4. Coordinate with City on early outreach to
at-risk or relocating businesses
5. Celebrate business excellence through
Shop Local and Best of San Mateo Area
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 & events
2. Produce annual September Arts & Culture Fest
3. Grow 25th Ave Collective & support events like
Winter Wonder Walk
4. Explore public art and placemaking strategies
in 1-2 business districts
5. Pilot dedicated social media page for 1-2
business districts
TO INCREASE ECONOMIC ACTIVITY TO INCREASE ECONOMIC ACTIVITY
AND VIBRANCYAND VIBRANCY
Civic Engagement
& Workforce
1. Plan and execute LeadForward 2026
2. Host annual Leadership alumni service
project
3. Partner with City to complete inventory
of workforce development resources
4. Organize Youth Job Fair/Career Day with
City, CSM & local schools
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
2. Execute “Good Morning San Mateo” forum
on key economic insights and trends
3. Hold developer roundtables to improve
processes
4. Lead business input sessions to further
inform economic development plan
TO RAISE AWARENESS, INCREASE TO RAISE AWARENESS, INCREASE
COLLABORATION AND INFLUENCE COLLABORATION AND INFLUENCE
POLICY DECISIONSPOLICY DECISIONS
QUESTIONS?