Economic Development Department Program and Staffing Update May 12, 2026 Brad Paul, Interim Economic Development Director
Subject: Economic Development Update and Staffing RecommendationsRECOMMENDATIONProvide direction on work being done by staff to implement our Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP) and take action on recommendation to unfreeze two authorized Economic Development staff positions REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONUnfreezingauthorized Secretary and Program Manager positions would allow staff to focus more on business outreach/retention, marketing Vallejo, attracting businesses and filling storefronts Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP)Cycle 1 (2025-2027)ØImplement five Pilot Projects described in EDSPØRevitalize downtown, waterfront and other corridors with the private sector ØWork with city departments to streamline permitting and increase revenueØDevelop a communication & marketing plan that tells positive, compelling stories about Vallejo and our businessesØCreate a long-term management plan for all city-owned properties Cycle 2 (2028-2030)ØPrioritize business attraction in downtown and citywideØProvide ongoing funding to the city’s Revolving Loan FundØSupport workforce development and outreach to residents Status of Strategic Plan ‘Pilot Projects’ (Cycle 1)Revolving Loan Fund ØCouncil allocated $355,000 for Solano EDC to create a Vallejo-only business loan programVallejo Biz-Grow LoansØPino’s Construction$125,000ØChef Chew’s Kitchen$ 94,500ØAVDA Properties$ 50,000ØKids Club Day Care$ 50,000$319,000Solano Biz-Grow LoanJersey Mike’s (Vallejo)$100,000
Status of Strategic Plan ‘Pilot Projects’Pop-Up Events (Ferry & Downtown)ØSelected Miles, McNeil & Powell (707 Week)ØMeeting with Visit Vallejo, Vallejo Chamber, Vallejo Main Street, the EDC and others to help plan and coordinate eventsØFirst project: Activating 100-200 block of Georgia to better connect Downtown to the waterfrontØFuture projects: Pop-Up Events tied to Farmers Market, Art Walk, Vallejo 175, etc. that connect downtown with waterfront and ferry terminal
Downtown/Waterfront Area
Saturday Farmers Market [ ]
Monthly Friday Art Walks [ ]
The 100-200 Block of Georgia [ ]
Expanded Farmers Market [ ]
Focus of Initial Pop-Up Events
Existing Pole Banners
New EDC Pole Banners
Summer ‘26 Activation Area
Activating 100-200 Block of Georgia Street to connect Downtown and the WaterfrontØFriday nights: encourage people getting off the ferry, leaving work or living nearby to linger and explore the Art Walk, downtown and the waterfrontØSaturdays: connect Farmers Market to activities and businesses along Marin, Virginia, Sonoma, lower Georgia streets, the waterfront and the ferryØFollow up projects could include additional Pop-Up events Downtown tied in with the Farmers Market,Art Walk, Vallejo 175, Vallejo Fleet Week, etc.
Option: Vallejo Fleet Week Celebration (Oct)
••Guided tour of NPS historic ships and Golden Bear on Mare Island•Family friendly seating, activities, food on Vallejo waterfront (water taxis)•Air show featuring military planes and private vintage aircraft
Next Steps for Other ‘Cycle 1’ Pilot Projects•Shop Local CampaignØRFP drafted, requested $70,000 from Measure P•Long Range Property Management PlanØWill develop asset management plan for city-owned property, including cost estimates forrepairs and maintenance, value of each propertyØWill recommend options (lease, sell or landbank) for each on and next stepsØRequested $200,000 in Measure P funds
Next Steps for Other ‘Cycle 1’ Pilot Projects•Commercial BrokerØ2-year ($200,000) contact for commercialbroker services to market city propertiesØSeeking broker that can attract buyers with compelling stories about each property,its potential uses, and city’s unique assetsØRequested Measure P funds to implement LRPMP recommendations that will generaterevenue, fill vacant property/storefronts, reduce blight, keep public spaces safe, clean and healthy, and support crime prevention
EDD Current StaffingProgram Manager: FilledProgram Manager: FilledSenior Com Devel Analyst: FilledAdministrative Analyst II: FilledDepartment Director:VacantProgram Manager: VacantDepartment Secretary: Vacant Current EDD Priorities•Implementing EDSP‘s five Pilot Programs•Providing ongoing outreach/assistance to businesses •Serving as liaison to city’s business groups •Managing grants (PG&E site, Quarters A, Mare Island)•Supporting city’s Mare Island agreements and negotiations with Navy, State Lands, Mare Island Company, Island Energy, etc.•Economic Development, Culture & Arts and McCune Commissions•Assisting on major housing, mixed-use projects •Supporting efforts to advance Shipbuilding Ongoing EDD Work •Engaging in business outreach and retention work•Focusing on promoting positive, compelling stories about Vallejo and its businesses (EDD staff, PIO, CM office)•Meeting with people interested in opening new businesses in Vallejo and including Planning staff in those meetings•Talking with Planning and other departments about expediting permits and code enforcement against blighted properties•Attending major conferences to learn about bestpractices, network with colleagues, and meet withbusiness owners, brokers and major employers Regional Approach to Business AttractionRegional Shipbuilding StrategyØTRG “Strategic Plan for Maritime Revitalization”ØSHIPS Act and a federal “Maritime Prosperity Zone”ØTaking shipbuilders on a tour of Mare IslandAdvanced Air Mobility (AAM)ØIndustry based in Monterey and Santa CruzØAttended recent conference for manufacturers,suppliers and workforce providersØCompanies looking to scale production in placeswith access to power, water and skilled workforceØSome conference attendees now interested in touring VallejoØSupply chain, infrastructure and workforce needs similar to shipbuilding Regional shipbuilding strategy focused on Mare Island
Impacts of Success as Economy ImprovesOpportunitiesØIncrease in tax revenue for the cityØGreater access to good paying jobs for Vallejo residentsØMore disposable income to support local businesses ChallengesØHigher rentsØHigher home pricesØHigher cost of living Addressing DisplacementCan help protect vulnerable residents with:ØRight to counsel and just cause eviction legislationØLimits on short-term rentals that remove housing stockØConvening employers, developers and workforce partners to provide residents with more accessible pipeline to good jobs Can help protect small businesses by:ØDevelop a program such as SF’s Legacy Business Program that helps businesses negotiate leases and provides smallgrants for renovation/leasing costs and, if unsuccessful,helps them find less expensive storefronts nearby Impact of Unfreezing Two Staff PositionsØSecretary: would improve staff efficiency. Each person now acts as their own secretary taking time away from their primary job responsibilitiesØProgram Manager: would help with implementing EDSP includingbusiness retention, marketing Downtown/other corridors, helpingDirector with projects (Blue Rock Springs, Costco, surplus lands) and leveraging relationships with economic development partners What we could accomplish with 1 or 2 additional Program Manager positionsGreater focus on retention and expansion of existing businessesØRegular check in visits to top 15 employers to proactively problem solveØWork with Planning/others to shorten time it takes to obtain city permitsØFocus on filling vacant storefronts downtown/elsewhere (Retail Strategies)ØPursue grants/funding for banners, lighting, street furniture, etc. for other business corridors (e.g. Tennessee Street, Sonoma Blvd, Springs Road)Expand efforts to attract targeted industries (shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing, green tech, etc.):ØAttend national and state conferences for targeted industriesØIncrease direct communications/marketing with these industriesØSchedule more tours of Vallejo for prospective employers/companies Staffing Recommendation
1)Unfreeze authorized Secretary and Program Manager positions to support a greater focus on business outreach, retention, marketing and attracting new businesses2)As funding allows, support 1-2 new ProgramManagers to focus on business retention andexpansion, and ramp up our work to attract employers that generate more city revenueand jobs, and will fill vacant storefronts
Questions, Comments and Direction
Brad Paul, Interim ED [email protected]
6thStreet Access Road
Public Works
May 12, 2026
SUBJECT SITE
Area Map
[Replace with Large Image or Chart]
Site Location and Background
•Subject site consists of a portion of public right-of-way located at the intersection of Solano Avenue and Curtola Parkway
•Following the reconfiguration of the Solano
Avenue/CurtolaParkway intersection, a segment of the
original 6th Street right-of-way remained undeveloped
•A small access road, also designated as 6th Street, was later established to provide ingress and egress between CurtolaParkway and adjacent parcels
Site Location and Background (cont.)
•The site has been used for unauthorized residential and commercial parking
•Unregulated activity has contributed to issues including abandoned vehicles, overgrown vegetation, and
inadequate drainage, resulting in muddy conditions and an overall neglected appearance
•The 6th Street access road has significantly deteriorated and is currently characterized by extensive potholing and a failing pavement surface
PROPOSED ACTION
Proposed Action
•Public Works developed conceptual planfor site
improvements
•Estimated cost of $85,000 for grindingexisting asphalt, re- grading and applying 4" asphalt finish
Proposed Plan
Additional Comments
•The conceptual planpresented ispreliminary in nature
and intended to support Council’s discussion and
direction.
•Following Council’s direction, staff will proceed with developing a detailed project schedule, design plans,
and a comprehensive cost estimate.
•Staff will then return to Council to request budget
approval for final design and construction consistent
with the direction provided.
THANK YOULeonard Job –Public Works Director
Public Works Department
[email protected]
City of Vallejo
555 Santa Clara StreetVallejo, CA 94590
www.cityofvallejo.net
Greater Vallejo
Recreation District
Public Safety GrantMeasure P-Youth Priorities
May 12, 2026
Background on Public Safety Grant -300K
•Council provided recommendations to help mitigate community violence and address public safety
Council Direction: Funding for up to $300,000 to subsidizing program costs (from zero up to 80% on a needs basis) for children to participate in GVRD year-round programs
•Staff presented the proposal to the Measure P Oversight Committee and received approval to recommend to Council that funding can be provided through Measure P funds. Council then approved an amendment to the FY 2025-2026 budget using Measure P fund
•Staff worked with GVRD and presented the grant scope to City Council and the GVRD board for feedback and direction
•City of Vallejo and GVRD Staff worked collaboratively to incorporate feedback and design the grant scope and reporting requirements
Goal and Objectives
• Objective #1: Reduce financial barriers to participation through scholarships for Vallejo youth and families
• Objective #2: Increase access to subsidized youth activities and programs, with an emphasis on teen opportunities
• Objective #3:Provide increased subsidized programming in districts identified by the City Council. Programming opportunities shall be thoughtfully designed and equitably distributed to ensure access for all participants residing within the City of Vallejo
• Objective #4: Increase community access to safe spaces and events
Goal:Improve public safety and reduce violence by subsidizing costs to increase participation in recreational activities and access to safe spaces for Vallejo youth
Council and GVRD Feedback Take-aways
•GVRD’s public safety grant focuses on
preventative measures and access to safe
spaces
•Data driven decision-making should drive
targeted programming through Mobile Recess
Program
•Focus on removing as many barriers as
possible, moving money from scholarships to
Free Day activities
•GVRD Board noted a need for funding for
marketing, however, Council requested funding
be used directly towards youth only
•Ongoing data collection is key to ensure we are
targeting the right places and people;
increasing equitable access
Age and Household Income Data
District
1 2 3 4 5 6
Population est. 20,31120,28120,34019,65121,25320,377
Age 0-19 20% 27% 19% 23% 25%24%
Total 4,0625,4763,8654,5205,3134,890
Income 0-25K 10% 9% 10% 28% 21%17%
Income 25K-50K 14% 22% 16% 23% 23%22%
Income 50k-75K 12% 20% 17% 18% 29%24%
Totals 36% 51% 43% 69% 73%63%
Income 75K-200K 50% 46% 47% 28% 33%33%
Income 200K-plus 15% 5% 9% 3% 5% 5%
Totals 65% 51% 56% 31% 38%38%
Budget Allocations
Activity: Allocations:
Youth Scholarships $50,000
Youth Programs/Events $55,000
Teen Programs/ Events $85,000
Targeted Programming $35,000
Free Days $75,000
TOTAL $300,000
Free Day Programming Highlights
•Free Park Entry Days(Dan Foley and Blue Rock Springs) and Summer Free Days( Franklin Sports Gym, Cunningham
Aquatic Center, and Children’s Wonderland) schedules are available in Summer Activity Guide
• Addressing major holidays and focusing on when kids are out of school
•Free Summer Days Punch Passes areavailable upon sign up at Franklin Sports Gym, Cunningham Aquatic Center, and
Children’s Wonderland
• Allows 10 Free Day uses during the summer, removing more barriers to access
•PeriodicFree Trips will be offered throughout the summer and selected through lottery
• targeted to 12-20 year-olds
•Structured programming helps to track data and get more people entered into GVRD’s system to stay connected and informed
Mobile Recess Program
•Organized play, sports, and crafts
•June-Aug schedule available in
Summer Activity Guide
•Ongoing promotion online and
traveling banners located at the
park sites to help publicize
•Will help provide equitable
programming based on district
census data and GVRD Data
•Utilizes spaces where programming
may not be as prevalent
Equitable Programming Highlights
Grant Term and Reporting Requirements
Quarterly Grant Reports
•Due 30 days after the end of each
fiscal year quarter
•Provides data on # of
events/programs funded by grant, #
of scholarships, free day activity
information, approximate number of
individuals served, general locations
and descriptions of activities
Final Impact Summary
•Due 30 days after grant funding is
fully expended
•Provides a breakdown of activities
and programs, ages and genders
of participants, successes and
challenges across the entire term
of the grant
Grant Term:June 1, 2026-September 1, 2028
THANK YOU
Victoria Grace-Barksdale –Youth Coordinator
City Manager’s Office
[email protected]
City of Vallejo
555 Santa Clara StreetVallejo, CA 94590
www.cityofvallejo.net
GVRD’s Summer Activity Guide is available now at:
https://www.gvrd.org/activity-guide
4Leaf 2ndContract Amendment & Budget Amendment (Step 1 of 2)Planning and Development Services Department, Building DivisionMay 12, 2026
BACKGROUND4Leaf Contract•6/4/2025 –Original Contract ($800k) executed to provide inspection / plan check services and support staffing in the Building Division•11/18/2025 –1st Amendment executed to increase contract by $150k, bringing total ‘not-to-exceed’ amount to $950k•In March & April 2026, the division lost two key senior staff members: Building Inspection Supervisor & Chief Building Official•Current vacancy is 41% (5 out of 12 positions vacant), with no senior level staff •Additional contract support is necessary to maintain baseline operations
BACKGROUND Budget Correction Request•During the 25/26 Budget adoption process, the City Council considered freezing all vacant positions to help close budget shortfall•PDS presented potential salary savings of $631k associated with vacant PDS positions being considered for freeze.•At the dais, City Council voted notto freeze vacant PDS positions; however, the salary savings for those positions ($631k) was not returned to the PDS budget upon adoption –it was sent to the General Fund instead.
BACKGROUND CONT.•2/24/26 –PDS Mid-year budget request was made to transfer $631k from the General Fund, as a “technical adjustment” to correct the error from the 25/26 FY Budget adoption process.•Correction is needed to address anticipated PDS budget shortfall, which has been exacerbated by the Building Division staffing issues.•Note -Existing 4Leaf contract will be fully expended before the end of May 2026.
•Approve budget technical adjustment of $631k from the General Fund to cover previously authorized (but unfunded) positions•Those funds (now actual salary savings) will be utilized to increase 4Leaf contract (by $631k) to support baseline operational staffing needs for the Building Division•Extend contract term to June 30, 2028•New contract not-to-exceed amount ($1,581,000) is expected to provide sufficient funding through new contract term, assuming City can complete key staff hiring in a timely manner
CURRENT REQUEST
THANK YOUKristin Pollot, AICPPlanning & Development Services [email protected] of Vallejo555 Santa Clara StreetVallejo, CA 94590www.cityofvallejo.net