Economic Development Strategic Plan

Building a Thriving, Inclusive Economy for Our Community

This multi-year plan will guide how we strengthen our economy, support local businesses, create new jobs, and ensure that economic growth benefits all residents.

Past Engagement Opportunities:
YMCA Event
Date: Thursday, 9/4/2025
Time: 5:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Formal presentation from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.)
Location: YMCA – City Room (Back Room) 2180 Euclid Ave, East Palo Alto 94303

Juneteenth Event
Date: Saturday, 6/21/2025
Time: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Bell Street Park

Why We’re Doing This
East Palo Alto is a vibrant, diverse city with deep community roots and untapped economic potential. As we face rising regional development and evolving job markets, this plan will help us:

• Grow a resilient, inclusive local economy
• Create family-sustaining jobs and reduce unemployment
• Support and attract small and micro-businesses
• Leverage strategic sites like the Ravenswood Business District and 4 Corners/Bay Road
• Promote equitable entrepreneurship
• Identify opportunities to strengthen our tax base to fund vital community services

This plan will include:

• Current economic conditions
• Real estate market trends across the city’s 8 business districts
• Small business challenges and opportunities
• Job growth strategies for East Palo Alto residents
• Strategic site development opportunities
• Community benefit and infrastructure funding tools
• A phased roadmap for implementation over the next 10 years

Focus Areas: Our 8 Business Districts

1. Gateway Retail Center
2. Ravenswood Business District
3. University/Bay Corridor
4. University Circle
5. 4 Corners/Bay Road
6. Pulgas/East Bayshore Corridor
7. Laurel/Glenn Way East Bayshore
8. Neighborhood Retail

Each area has unique assets and will be analyzed for its potential to support jobs, business activity, and quality-of-life improvements.