Priority area A - economic development and neighborhood vitality - San Rafael has vibrant neighborhoods and a strong economy

Goal A1: Strengthen the local economy by supporting existing businesses and attracting new enterprises.

CED
Table outlining work plan objectives and strategies for goal A1: strengthen the local economy.
# Objective (Short) Objective Strategy (Milestone or Activity) Strategy Description Primary Department Staff Lead Supporting Department Start Date Target End Date
Objective A.1.1 Reduce Commercial Vacancies Reduce commercial vacancies through business expansion, attraction, and retention efforts and enhanced customer support via the San Rafael GO Program. None None CED Stacey Laumann DS, FIN, CMO None None
None None None Expand San Rafael GO to serve as a "one-stop-shop" for business start-ups and expansion Conduct targeted outreach and offer personalized guidance through the permitting process and provide clear, user-friendly online. CED Stacey Laumann DS Q2 Q4
None None None Present Economic Development Strategic Plan Update to the City Council Subcommittee Present the Economic Development Strategic Plan progress report, including GO Program outcome metrics. CED Stacey Laumann DS Q4 Q4
None None None Evaluate Economic Incentive Programs Evaluate economic development incentive programs for business attraction and retention. CED Stacey Laumann FIN, CMO Q2 Q3
Objective A.1.3 Targeted Marketing Initiatives Drive local economic activity through promotion of destination tourism, enhancing special events, and optimizing City-owned assets by leveraging targeted marketing initiatives. None None CED Micah Hinkle CMO, FIN None None
None None None Market high-visibility vacancies Identify high-visibility vacancies and partner with brokers, property owners, and the Downtown and East San Rafael business districts, and the Chamber of Commerce to market these spaces for priority industries that align with community needs. CED Stacey Laumann CMO Q3 Q4
None None None Develop & Implement Economic Incentive Programs Implement incentive programs for Streeteries and Special Events identified by evaluation above. CED Sullina Smith CMO, FIN Complete Q4
None None None Present to Economic Development Council Subcommittee Present proposed Special Events Sponsorship Program & Streeteries Incentive Program. CED Sullina Smith CMO Complete Q4
None None None Present to City Council Present proposed Special Events Sponsorship Program & Streeteries Incentive Program to City Council for discussion and possible adoption. CED Sullina Smith CMO Q2 Q4
Objective A.1.5 Assess Tourism Funding Model Assess the existing tourism funding model to determine if alternative models would enhance tourism sector growth for San Rafael. None None CED Micah Hinkle CM, FIN None None
None None None Coordinate with County of Marin on Assessing Current Tourism Model Evaluate current program, consider alternatives, and analyze hotel district revenue and use of funds. CED Stacey Laumann CM, FIN Q3 Q4
None None None Explore Tourism Funding Models Research programs and data from the State and other local jurisdictions. CED Stacey Laumann CM, FIN Q2 Q3
None None None Consider Countywide Strategy Explore the formation of a Countywide Tourism Improvement District. CED Stacey Laumann CM, FIN Q3 Q4
None None None Conduct Stakeholder Engagement Engage hoteliers, the Chamber of Commerce, and other stakeholders in identifying their concerns and priorities. CED Stacey Laumann CM, FIN Q3 Q3
None None None Present to Council Economic Development Council Subcommittee Present findings and potential options to the Economic Development Council Subcommittee. CED Stacey Laumann CM, FIN Q4 Q4
None None None Present to City Council Present findings and recommendation to the City Council. CED Stacey Laumann CM, FIN Q4 Q4

Goal A2: Transform City gateways and public spaces to be more inviting and enhance civic pride.

DPW CED, DS CM
Table outlining work plan objectives and strategies for goal A2: transform city gateways and public spaces.
# Objective (Short) Objective Strategy (Milestone or Activity) Strategy Description Primary Department Staff Lead Supporting Department Start Date Target End Date
None None None None None None None None None None