City of Santa Rosa Economic Development Subcomittee 8-10-2026

The City of Santa Rosa Economic Development Subcommittee met on August 10, 2026, to discuss various economic development initiatives and progress reports. Key procurement-related topics included the update on the economic development strategic plan implementation, which is nearing completion of its second year in a three-year cycle, with discussions planned for the next iteration of support for entrepreneurs and small businesses. The committee also received a quarterly economic development report highlighting local economic indicators such as unemployment, commercial real estate activity, and business growth. Additionally, the subcommittee was briefed on the express permitting program aimed at expediting commercial permit processing to support new businesses, including tenant improvements, with a focus on reducing turnaround times and improving transparency. The meeting covered the federal Opportunity Zones program, detailing the nomination and recertification process for census tracts in Santa Rosa to attract investment through tax incentives. Staff provided updates on ongoing initiatives such as the one-stop business portal, special events permitting, and negotiations related to a USL sports opportunity. A request for proposals process for a tourism strategic plan consultant was also noted, with 11 submissions received and a committee forming to review them. No formal votes or contract awards were reported during this meeting, but several contracting and procurement activities were underway or planned, including the tourism plan RFP and agreements related to parking and event management.