# City of Santa Rosa Economic Development Subcomittee 10-12-2026


**Body:** City of Santa Rosa, California
**Date:** October 11, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Construction & Infrastructure, Professional Services, Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding


The City of Santa Rosa Economic Development Subcommittee met on October 12, 2026, to review economic development programs and downtown initiatives. Staff reported that the three-year Economic Development Strategic Plan, adopted in April 2024, is nearing maturity; the committee supported returning in January or February with a deeper discussion of its next iteration rather than starting over. Staff identified a business-retention plan, an economic development fund, and more sustainable revenue sources as potential priorities. The downtown report covered the completed enhanced infrastructure financing district (EIFD), which is beginning to collect revenue, and possible future uses of EIFD funds and incentive programs; staff said these matters would require further analysis and future council discussion. No spending or procurement motion or award was made. The committee also received a comparison of special-event permitting fees across seven municipalities: Santa Rosa’s fees recover an estimated 15–30% of costs, and the city provides about $125,000 in community promotions and event support. No fee changes were approved. Staff reported receiving 11 proposals for a tourism strategic plan, but no selection or contract award was announced.

Other discussions included downtown parking, events, and business engagement; staff plans to bring a downtown vibrancy discussion to the full council in the first quarter of 2027. For the Asawa panels, staff said most panels had been poured, the last three were moving into fabrication, and a building permit was prepared for the planned fountain. The committee requested broad community outreach, clear visuals and explanation of effects on square events, and attention to the Asawa family’s role; exploring alternatives could affect schedule and funding. Updates also covered business-concierge services, wine-industry survey results, downtown visitation, and the Ros Street pilot. No contract awards or formal procurement approvals were identified.

**Source:** City of Santa Rosa, California