1 City of Santa Rosa
Economic Development
Subcommittee Meeting
October 2025
Agenda
1. Call to order and roll call
2.Remote Participation
3. Modifications to the Agenda
4. Announcements
5. Approval of Minutes
6. Public Comments
7. Matters held in Committee
8. Partner Reports
9. Department Reports
10. Future Agenda Items
11. Adjournment
City of Santa Rosa Economic Development Subcommittee
Meeting October 2025
8. Partner Reports
City of Santa Rosa Economic Development Subcommittee
Meeting October 2025
8.1 Presentation: Local Preference Policy and
Purchasing Overview
City of Santa Rosa Economic Development Subcommittee
Meeting October 2025
Local Preference
October 13, 2025
Jennifer Myles
Purchasing Agent, CPPB, NIGP-CPP
Scott Wagner
Interim CFO
Current Local Preference
Ordinance approved in 1993, 1% (current local preference only applies to the procurement of goods and general services)
Limited to a maximum of $5,000
T o qualify, bidders must submit proof their principal place of business is located within the City limits, and a copy of their City business tax certificate Public works and Professional Services contracts not included Adopted to promote local business activity
Based on 1% sales tax return
Advantages and Challenges
Advantages:
◦ Support Local Economy.
◦ Meet Potential Agency Policy Goals.
◦ Potential Increase in Tax Revenue.
◦ Local preference may encourage local businesses to be more competitive.
Challenges:
◦ Increase in Cost: Agency may experience increased costs, higher prices for goods and services.
◦ Reduced Competition: Limiting competition by discouraging non-local businesses from bidding and reducing competition.
◦ Potential Favoritism: May create a perception of favoritism, lack of equal opportunity, or reciprocity with other jurisdictions.
◦ Lower Quality: May compromise highest quality goods and services if non-local bidders offer better value.
◦ *Resources: National Institute for Government Procurement (NIGP) 2015 Position Paper: Local Preference in Public Procurement Current Registered Vendors
Local Vendor Bid History
Since December 2013, a total of 838 bid awards were made with a total value of $84,753,199.58. Of the 838 bids awarded, 162 bids were awarded to local vendors at a value of $22,719,146.20 (26.81%).
Classification Awards Award Amount Percent
Local 162 $22,719,146.20 26.81
DBE 18 $1,833,278.32 2.16
CADIR 145 $19,114,195.19 22.55
SRL 94 $5,850,230.12 6.90
None 311 $28,380,062.02 33.49
PQual 17 $784,799.51 0.93
FSD 37 $1,777,772.22 2.10
MBE 27 $3,223,942.26 3.80
WBE 27 $1,069,773.74 1.26
Overall 838 $84,753,199.58 100
Comparative Agency Policy
Name of Agency %Preference
City of Alameda 5%
City of Bakersfield 3%
City of Redding 5%
City of Mountain View 0%
City of Roseville 0%
City of Rohnert Park 0%
City of Sacramento 5%
City of San Leandro 10%
City of Santa Clarita 0%
City of La Mesa 0%
City of Berkeley 5%
City of Napa 3%
City of Camarillo 0
City of Hayward 0
City of Corona 0
City of Carlsbad 1%
City of Santa Rosa 1%
Questions
and Comments?
9. Department Reports
City of Santa Rosa Economic Development Subcommittee
Meeting October 2025
9.1 Staff Report (Discussion): Target
Industries List
City of Santa Rosa Economic Development Subcommittee
Meeting October 2025
City of Santa Rosa Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting October 2025
9.2 Staff Report (Discussion): Annual District
Survey Results
City of Santa Rosa Economic Development Subcommittee
Meeting October 2025
City of Santa Rosa Economic Development Subcommittee
Meeting October 2025
Annual District-Based Survey 2025 – Key Findings
Participation
• 251 total responses (mostly residents)
• Highest participation: Districts 4 & 5
• Lowest: District 6
Neighborhood Economic Conditions
• Majority say economy is stable
• 14% see growth, 15% see decline
Business & Services Needed
• Top requests:
▪ Restaurants & Cafes
▪ Entertainment & Recreation
▪ Retail Stores
• Secondary: Healthcare & Childcare
City’s Role in Supporting Businesses
• Streamline permitting processes
• Invest in infrastructure & public spaces
• Offer grants/incentives and entrepreneur support
City of Santa Rosa Economic Development Subcommittee
Meeting October 2025
Annual District-Based Survey 2025 – Key Findings
Community Investment Priorities
• Streets, sidewalks, and infrastructure
• Beautification (lighting, landscaping, public art)
• Outdoor gathering spaces & local events
Public Art Preferences
• Functional art (benches, playgrounds)
• Murals & live music
• Interest in interactive and digital art
Arts & Culture Feedback
• More murals, live performances, and art events
• More visibility and support for local artists
Overall Themes
• Desire for a vibrant downtown with food, art, and entertainment • Focus on making it easier to do business
• Community-driven public art and beautification
9.3 Staff Update (Informational): Downtown
Infill Housing Economic and Fiscal Impact
Study – Close Out Report
City of Santa Rosa Economic Development Subcommittee
Meeting October 2025
City of Santa Rosa Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting October 2025
9.4 Staff Update (Informational): Second
Sundays
City of Santa Rosa Economic Development Subcommittee
Meeting October 2025
Second Sundays – Summer 2025 Overview
City of Santa Rosa Economic Development Subcommittee
Meeting October 2025
Program Summary
• New family-friendly series at Courthouse Square
• Partnered with local organizations alongside the Weekly Certified Farmers Market
• Held June–September, Second Sundays, 10:00am – 2:00pm • Strong community and family participation
Goals & Objectives
• Activate and enliven Courthouse Square
• Expand downtown family programming
• Strengthen connectivity with Railroad Square
• Support downtown business community
Highlights
• 29 partner organizations
• Live music each month (soul, jazz, Latin, acoustic)
• Free Rosie the Trolley loop service
• New offerings/vendors each month
Second Sundays – Summer 2025 Overview
City of Santa Rosa Economic Development Subcommittee
Meeting October 2025
Attendance
• June: 795 | July: 1,200 |
Aug: 300 | Sept: 468
Challenges & Next Steps
• Competing summer
events impacted turnout
• Plan for earlier marketing,
broader outreach
• Continue partnerships &
coordination with
Downtown Action
Organization
9.5 Staff Update (Informational): Business
Concierge Program
City of Santa Rosa Economic Development Subcommittee
Meeting October 2025
City of Santa Rosa Economic Development Subcommittee
Meeting October 2025
City of Santa Rosa Economic Development Subcommittee
Meeting October 2025
TESTIMONIALS
“Offering the business concierge support program helped us get through the complexities of the permit process and we were able to begin our project without many delays.”- President, Slavik Nenaydokh, Bella Phytologic. “The Dave & Buster’s team worked closely with the City’s Business Concierge team, particularly Rafael Rivero, throughout the permitting process. Rafael’s guidance was critical in helping us navigate approvals efficiently and move the project forward.”- Angel Robinson, Property Development Manager, Dave & Buster’s.
9.6 Staff Update (Informational): Art &
Culture Initiatives
City of Santa Rosa Economic Development Subcommittee
Meeting October 2025
Arts and Culture Program Update
Economic Development Sub Committee
Meredith Knudsen Arts and Culture Coordinator
October 13, 2025
Video and photo by Tom Rivas and Jak Wonderly at www.SRCity.org/Arts Live at Juilliard 30th Anniversary July 27- Aug 31
Live at Juilliard Overview
2025 Facebook and Instagram advertisements
7 sponsored ads | 99, 231 total views
Target audience keywords (different per band) : French pop, cello, soul music, afro beat, jazz, rock, music festivals, local food, performing arts, public art, live events, local music
PROGRAM GOALS:
➢ Foster Civic Excitement
➢ Encourage Creativity
➢ Support Artistic Growth
➢ Transform Public Spaces
➢ Offer Learning Experiences
Online and printed map coming soon!
Theme: Urban Renewal
November 2025 – September 2027
Featuring 9 US Based Artists
Artists explore and reinterpret the transformative
power of art in revitalizing urban spaces. This theme
encouraged creative outdoor installations that
breathe new life into our cityscape, reflecting a
vision of renewal and innovation.
What’s New and Next
FILM Santa Rosa
• Santa Rosa Film Mixer, in partnership with Bay Area Film Mixer (BAFM) Friday, February 27, 6 – 9pm
• Improving permit process – welcoming to film makers
• Resource list for film productions to support local
• Next steps – location sizzle reel, connecting with
business/hotel partners, draft marketing campaign
Arts Roundtable: Designed for Dialogue
• Friday, October 24, 5- 7pm, Santa Rosa Arts
Center
• Arts and Culture feedback, collaboration,
program development
BAFM San Franciso, September Mixer Alfred Hitchcock, Shadow of a Doubt
9.7 Other Updates and Announcements
City of Santa Rosa Economic Development Subcommittee
Meeting October 2025
Other Updates and Announcements
City of Santa Rosa Economic Development Subcommittee
Meeting October 2025
• United Soccer League (USL)
• Asawa panels
• Findings on fountain placement in
courthouse square
• Permit process improvements (Director
Level Permit)
• Entertainment Zone due diligence
• Conversations with childcare partners
• Quarterly Report online
10. Future Agenda Items
City of Santa Rosa Economic Development Subcommittee
Meeting October 2025
11. Adjourn
City of Santa Rosa Economic Development Subcommittee
Meeting October 2025