Agenda

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NORTHERN WATERFRONT ECONOMIC DEVEL INITIATIVE AD HOC CTE

Meeting Date:	12/05/2018
Subject: Northern Waterfront Economic Development Initiative Recent and Upcoming Activity
Submitted For:	John Kopchik, Director, Conservation & Development Department
Department:	Conservation & Development
Referral No.:	#4.A
Referral Name:
Presenter:	Amalia Cunningham	Contact:	Amalia Cunningham, 925-674-7869

Information

Referral History:

Since the Ad Hoc Committee meeting in October, staff has been working on various projects to advance the goals of the Northern Waterfront initiative.

Referral Update:

This staff work has seen progress on many fronts.

Trademark applications were submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office for “Northern Waterfront Economic Development Initiative” and “Capital of the Northern California Mega-Region”, to reserve the County’s exclusive right to use these terms to promote economic development in the region.
With significant content contributions from the consultant team, DCD staff began work on a magazine-style marketing handout, which will be available soon.
DCD continues to seek out funding resources for economic development work, with continued monitoring of the Opportunity Zone federal tax credit program and brownfields grant programs.
The Economic Development Manager promoted interest in the NWEDI through presentations to many community and civic groups, including the Concord Blue Ribbon Panel, Commercial Real Estate Women – East Bay, Western States Petroleum Association, and the Northern California Certified Commercial Investment Member association.
Ongoing outreach to businesses, brokers, and commmercial/industrial property owners in the NWEDI.

In addition to following up on these items and carrying out the SAP-related staff work described in Agenda Item #4.B, other NWEDI-related staff work plan items slated for coming months include:

Supporting transportation staff on the short-line rail feasibility study;
Participating in CCTA’s upcoming project prioritization effort, with a focus on a goods movement plan and investment in counter-commute job generation;
Identifying the key opportunity sites in the unincorporated areas and developing marketing materials in conjunction with partner cities and organizations;
Ongoing business outreach, focusing on largest employers in the target industries.
Planning for a NWEDI event in 2019. This could take the form of a summit/workshop in collaboration with our partner cities and other involved groups and organizations, such as EC2. Goals for the event encompass:
- Announce end of “planning” phase of the NWEDI, and launch the “implementation” phase;
- Build support for priority action items;
- Raise awareness of NWEDI goals and partnerships.

Staff requests feedback on these items, particularly the Committee's thoughts on an event.

The Ad Hoc Committee meeting will also feature presentations by additional County staff who work on programs related to NWEDI’s mission. Workforce Development Board Executive Director Donna Van Wert will give an update on the WDB’s work, and Sustainability Coordinator Jody London will provide information on the Electric Vehicle Readiness Blueprint (Attachment A).

Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):

Receive report regarding recent staff activities related to the Northern Waterfront Economic Development Initiative and provide feedback to staff.

Attachments
Attachment A: EV Readiness presentation