Congratulations to the
2024 CALED Award Winners

Below are the Award of Excellence and Award of Merit recipients in each of the three categories
(Project Finance, Collaborations & Partnerships,and Programs & Promotions).
Congratulations on your great work!

City of Moreno Valley: Courtyards at Cottonwood

In response to the nationwide housing crisis, The City of Moreno Valley’s Economic Development Department, the Moreno Valley Housing Authority, the County of Riverside, and the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) partnered with Rancho Belago Developers Inc. toward the development of the Courtyards at Cottonwood. The Courtyards at Cottonwood were developed as a multi-jurisdictional partnership to alleviate the housing crisis in our region. By providing much needed affordable housing individuals and families are given an opportunity to overcome barriers to
housing, accessibility to services, and self-sufficiency. The Courtyards at Cottonwood is an 80-unit affordable multiple family residential development.

For more information, contact Mike Lee, City Manager, City of Moreno Valley, (951) 413-3020.

City of Ontario: Measure Q Economic Development Projects

In 2023, Ontario embarked on a journey with Measure Q, a 1¢ sales tax increase ratified by voters that took effect in April 2023. The sales tax increased from 7.75% to 8.75%, potentially doubling sales tax income by $95 million yearly. This landmark decision reflects a partnership and trust between residents and the city. With funds earmarked for infrastructure and neighborhood improvements, Measure Q will also fund major economic development projects like the Regional Sports Complex, Downtown Revitalization, Continuum of Care Campus, and Convention Center Expansion. This investment, exceeding $1 billion in development costs, will significantly impact Ontario’s continued growth.

For more information, contact Sandra Rodriguez
Economic Development Coordinator, (909) 395-2768.

City of Moreno Valley: Moreno Valley Industrial Area Transformation

In a community faced with barriers to educational attainment, the City of Moreno Valley and Moreno Valley College (MVC) created a collaborative focused on helping youth ages 16 to 24 finish school and find successful high-paying local careers.

With a $150,000 annual budget, Elevate MoVal is comprised of five successful programs elevating household prosperity and educational attainment through championing the earn vs. learn dilemma while empowering students for successful, high-paying local careers, thereby contributing to the economic development of the region.

For more information, contact Mike Lee, City Manager, City of Moreno Valley, (951) 413-3460.

City of Burbank Economic Development: Burbank Economic Development Major Collaborations with Business Improvement Districts

The City of Burbank’s Economic Development section manages and operates the city’s business improvement districts: the Downtown Burbank District (Downtown Burbank) and the Tourism District (Visit Burbank). This partnership leverages $2 million in funding from the private sector to attract new business, enhance consumer spending and visitation, facilitate new jobs, and maintain a vibrant City. Economic Development (ED) also focuses on citywide attraction, retention, and entrepreneurship. The strategy is unique, uniting both the efforts of the districts and grass roots economic development under one umbrella creating coherency, transparency, and a global perspective that keeps ED priorities in focus.

For more information, contact Mary Hamzoian, Economic Development Manager, (818) 238-5180.

City of Glendale Economic Development Division: Let’s Grow Glendale Small Business Program

“Let’s Grow Glendale” is an initiative designed to foster the growth and development of small businesses within the Glendale community. Through strategic partnerships and unique programming, the City of Glendale created a mechanism to empower local small business owners and entrepreneurs to succeed in their ventures. The program offers workshops, networking events, and access to experts in various fields to help navigate daily challenges. By supporting our small businesses, the City of Glendale is committing to stimulate economic growth, create and retain job opportunities, enhance the vitality of our community, and foster a thriving ecosystem for entrepreneurship and innovation.

For more information, contact Juan Gonzalez, Neighborhood Services Supervisor, (818) 937-8322.

City of Hayward: Hayward Tuition Assistance – Learn and Earn

The Hayward Tuition Assistance Program, strategically addresses two post-pandemic challenges upskilling displaced and funneling a worker pipeline to advance industry employers. The program offers vital support to residents seeking to obtain knowledge needed to compete for skilled labor jobs by completing coursework at Chabot College, California State University East Bay, or Eden Regional Occupational Program. These grantees are connected to local job opportunities through targeted job fairs with Hayward employers. Fueled by ARPA, the program disburses microgrants totaling $400,000. This initiative emerges as a beacon for economic resilience, not only bolstering business growth but also enabling socioeconomic mobility for residents.

For more information, contact Paul Nyugen, Chief Economic Development Officer,  (510) 583-5546.

City of Ontario: Ontario/University of La Verne Real Property Exchange

Over the past 30 years, the City of Ontario has experienced rapid economic growth, prompting a focus on revitalizing the City’s aging Downtown core. Recognizing the potential for enhancing downtown’s quality of life, the City partnered with the University of La Verne (ULV) to modernize its Civic Center Campus while ULV aimed to expand its presence in the City and establish an innovation corridor. This collaboration, epitomized by a landmark Real Property Exchange agreement, will revitalize Downtown Ontario and enhance educational opportunities within the community.

For more information, contact Sandra Rodriguez, Economic Development Coordinator, (909) 395-2768.

City of Paso Robles: North San Luis Obispo County Broadband Strategic Plan

The Cities of Atascadero and Paso Robles (collectively “North County”) embarked on a regional effort to assess the broadband condition of their respective communities driven by a view that broadband is becoming the fourth utility. With State and Federal broadband funding at historic levels, the Cities took a regional approach (e.g., Atascadero and Paso Robles working together) to accelerate planning in the quest for enhanced broadband infrastructure solutions. Through community outreach, stakeholder engagement, data analysis, development and assessment of network, business, and operating models, a comprehensive Plan was developed.

For more information, contact Paul Sloan, Economic Development Manager, (805) 635-5299.

City of Santa Rosa: Southeast Greenway nonprofit Community Campaign

The Southeast Greenway is a 57 acre/1.9 linear mile stretch of open area, running the length of eastern Santa Rosa, was owned by the State.  A partnership was formed to purchase the property and create a public park, “Santa Rosa’s Central Park”, bicycle and pedestrian connectivity between the entire City and Spring Lake Regional Park and up to 244 sustainable, affordable housing units.  Partnership includes, City of Santa Rosa, Sonoma Water, Sonoma County Regional Parks, nonprofits: SE Greenway Campaign community group, Land Trust and Land Paths (“The Partnership”).

For more information, contact Jill Scott, Acting Economic Development Deputy Director, (707) 543-4246.

City of Vacaville: Biotechnology and Advanced Manufacturing

Based on Vacaville’s unique position as a mature market in both life science and advanced manufacturing. The City in partnership with the Office of Congressman John Garamendi, Economist Dr. Robert Eyler, Polaris Pharmaceuticals, Genetech, Bio-Rad, RxD Nova Pharmaceuticals, Solano College, U.C. Davis and the Solano County Economic Development Corporation developed an economic development investment strategy that would capitalize on Vacaville’s strengths. Implementation of this strategy had the potential to grow the City’s tax base, create career jobs, and strengthen the local and regional economy creating economic prosperity for the community.

For more information, contact Don Burris, Director of Economic Development Services, (707) 449-5611.

Kern Economic Development Foundation: Kern Intern Connections (KIC)

Kern Intern Connections (KIC) is a regional workforce/talent development initiative that pairs students with local manufacturers to create paid summer internships for recent graduates from the Kern High School District’s Regional Occupation Center and Career Technical Education Center (ROC & CTEC).

For more information, contact Richard Chapman, Executive Director, (661) 332-5550.

City of Pacifica: Vision 2025 & Beyond

The Vision 2025 & Beyond project, with its comprehensive and community-centered approach, integrated five key components to drive economic growth and sustainability:

• Financial forecasting
• Economic studies identifying short/long-term opportunities and support for local businesses through initiatives like Shop Pacifica and the Workcation campaign
• Revenue enhancements, including a successful passage of a ½ cent Transaction and Use Tax generating over $2.5 million
• Robust public engagement
• Telling Pacifica’s story, highlighting many major priority projects underway.

This holistic approach has positioned the Vision 2025 & Beyond project as a transformative force, serving as a unique catalyst for economic vitality and long-term financial sustainability.

For more information, contact Tara Schiff, Economic Development Manager, (650) 501-6007.

City of Camarillo: Choose Camarillo

The City of Camarillo’s Economic Development team has spearheaded Choose Camarillo, an innovative economic development website, video, and marketing program. This comprehensive platform not only showcases local success stories but also facilitates site selection and business retention. With dedicated sections like Camarillo for Business and Camarillo for Life, the website offers timely news and resources across various sectors, promoting Camarillo as an ideal place to work and live. Through strategic marketing initiatives and engaging video content, Choose Camarillo positions the city as a vibrant community with abundant opportunities for businesses and residents, driving economic growth and prosperity.

For more information, contact Georg Winkler, Economic Development Manager, (805) 388-5369.

City of Chico: Get it in Chico

Whether you build it, sip it, design it, wear it or taste it…you can Get it in Chico! Chio is entrepreneurial, creative and has big city amenities with a small-town feel. Our community took a significant hit with the Camp Fire and the COVID-19 pandemic. We tucked ourselves in our homes, avoided crowds, and bought online. As a result, local businesses and civic life suffered. Get it in Chico is a movement to reconnect with each other and
rekindle what it means to shop locally. The message for this promotion campaign is simple: Shopping in the community builds community.

For more information, contact Jennifer Macarthy, Deputy City Manager, (530) 896-7204.

City of Chula Vista: Elev8 Chula Vista

Elev8 Chula Vista is the City of Chula Vista’s Economic Development Strategy for 2023-2024.  This document, also available as a bound book, includes an annual report to highlight the successes of the previous year and a work plan to set the department’s strategic direction with key performance indicators. It is a celebration of the projects and people working to “elev8” Chula Vista to new levels of economic vitality and success, a play on words and spotlight of the eight catalytic economic development projects taking place this year.

For more information, contact Miranda Evans, Economic Development Manager, (760) 912-3174.

City of Dublin: City of Dublin Small Business Navigator Program

The Small Business Navigator Program is a progressive program that provides a unique and invaluable opportunity to small, local businesses. The Program offers comprehensive technical support to small businesses in Dublin at no cost to the small business owner. The Program connects business owners with highly experienced consultants to assist with specific project-based needs, helping businesses address challenges and promote their growth. The Program’s scope includes a range of business support areas, including Business Planning & Development, Marketing & Advertising, Architecture & Space Design, Technology Consulting, Graphic Design, and more.

For more information, contact Hazel Wetherford, Deputy City Manager, (925) 833-6650.

Economic Development Coalition: Commuter Workforce Campaign

The Commuter Workforce Campaign was designed to market towards workers from our region who are commuting out. Currently nearly 70% of our workforce commutes out of the region every day, creating a strain on our local employers. The campaign was designed to educate our local workforce about the career opportunities within the region and encourage them to apply locally for jobs to fill the many vacancies we currently have.

For more information, contact Connie Stopher, Executive Director, (951) 557-8040.

City of Glendale: Choose Glendale Campaign

The “Choose Glendale” program originated as a business attraction and retention initiative, offering comprehensive support to companies seeking to establish or expand their presence in Glendale. Recently, it has evolved to encompass a robust tourism component, showcasing Glendale’s diverse attractions, and inviting travelers to explore its vibrant cultural, recreational, and culinary offerings. Through strategic marketing efforts and targeted outreach via a website, publications, infographics, videos, social media, and a mobile app, “Choose Glendale” promotes economic growth, and positions the community as a premier destination for both business and leisure travelers.

For more information, contact Juan Gonzalez, Neighborhood Services Supervisor, (818) 937-8322.

City of Hayward: Together for Hayward Gift Card and Shop Local Program

This gift card program is designed to encourage customers to shop and dine at Hayward brick and mortar businesses rather than spending money outside of the City or online. As part of the program, the City of Hayward infused American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds into the program for print, digital and electronic billboard marketing, offering bonus gift cards as incentives and providing technical support to shepherd business participation. The gift cards can only be used at Hayward businesses, ensuring that the money stays in the local economy.

For more information, contact Paul Nguyen, Chief Economic Development Officer, (510) 583-5540.

City of Menifee: Menifee Restaurant Week

The City of Menifee introduced Restaurant Week, as an annual event aimed at showcasing local eateries and encouraging residents (and visitors) to support the city’s emerging culinary landscape. Growing and evolving each year, Restaurant Week offers various advantages for both business owners and the city, including boosting sales, improving brand visibility, expanding their customer base, attracting new chefs and restauranteurs to the city, and promoting tourism. By encouraging participants to ‘put their money where their heart is,’ this initiative contributes to enhancing the overall quality of life for our local businesses and residents in Menifee.

For more information, contact Kayla Charters, Economic Development Senior Management Analyst, (957) 723-3712.

City of Moreno Valley: Moreno Valley Business Spotlight

In response to the devastation caused by the Great Recession, Moreno Valley’s Business Spotlight program emerged to foster business retention and job creation. The program does this by providing business owners with free access to digital media resources and professionally produced commercials to promote business awareness. Since its inception, 190 Business Spotlight videos have been produced for Moreno Valley businesses, encourage residents to shop locally, and support businesses with 30-second commercials that have garnered over 183,000 views. The commercials are seen on the city’s website, YouTube, and social media channels as well as the business’s marketing channels.

For more information, contact Mike Lee, City Manager,  (951) 413-3025.

Innovate 78: Innovate78 – A united brand for economic development in North San Diego County.

The Innovate78 brand was initially created from and inspired by a spirit of cooperation between its five partner cities – Carlsbad, Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos and Vista. The goal was simple: collaborate, instead of compete, on regional economic development for the betterment of the entire area. With untapped potential to unify the region and promote North San Diego County as a collection of invested cities with resources, support and significant economic development upside, JPW Communications launched a new content engagement strategy to amplify the Innovate78 brand in 2023.

For more information, contact Leslie Spring, Senior Director of Marketing, JPW Communications, (760) 683-8395.

City of Ontario: Made In Ontario

Ontario spans 50 square miles and houses 183,000 residents and 11,000 businesses. The Ontario Economic Development Agency actively engages the community through diverse channels like State of the City events and business visits. The Made in Ontario series, with over one million views, showcases local businesses through short videos on various platforms. The Agency has fostered collaborations and encouraging partnerships, resulting in seven seasons, over 70 videos, increased social media engagement, and meaningful city-business relationships. This series significantly elevates the City’s brand exposure, contributing to economic growth and serving as a vital tool in local economic development and ongoing business support within the community.

For more information, contact Sandra Rodriguez, Economic Development Coordinator, (909) 395-2768.

County of Placer: #ShopPlacer 2023

#ShopPlacer 2023 is a shop local campaign that promotes over 12,000 businesses within Placer County, with 80-90% being small businesses. Wildfires and smoke in 2021 and 2022 deterred shoppers, making this promotional campaign essential. This innovative campaign was a collaboration of 20+ organizations, encompassing Chambers of Commerce, Cities, and Business Associations. Five #ShopPlacer 2023 videos were filmed during the holiday season, across the county – from the charming cities of the valley to the scenic communities surrounding North Lake Tahoe. Since its inception, the entire campaign grew and continues to champion the importance and wealth of benefits of shopping locally.

For more information, contact Gloria Stearns, Economic Development Director, (530) 889-4096.

City of Pleasant Hill: Website & Social Media Technical Assistance Grant Program

The Website & Social Media Technical Assistance Grant Program is aimed at boosting economic activity by helping storefront merchants enhance their technical and marketing capabilities. Focused on retail, restaurant and personal service businesses, the program reimburses up to $7,500 for website design with on-line ordering functionality, social media setup, brand strategy, and images including photography, graphic design and business profile videos. Many grants offered during and after the COVID-19 pandemic helped businesses operate for a few months; this unique program helps businesses develop the tools to grow, thereby having a greater impact on the community at large.

For more information, contact Zach Seal, Economic Development Manager, (925) 671-5283.

City of Upland: Historic Downtown Upland Economic Development Program

The City’s Historic Downtown Upland Economic Development Program goal is to revitalize the downtown into a vibrant destination by providing financial assistance to businesses to create opportunities and to establish an inviting place to shop and dine. The tools used to achieve the program goals consist of the Business Assistance & Attraction Program (BAAP) and the Commercial Rehabilitation Program (CRP). These programs offer financial incentives as forgivable loans up to $75,000 or as grants up to $25,000, respectively, to eligible restaurants or entertainment businesses that create jobs in exchange for tenant improvements, equipment, working capital, or rehabilitate unmaintained building façades.

For more information, contact Melecio Picazo, Economic Development Coordinator, (909) 931-4317.

Congratulations to all the 2024 Award Winners!