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File Number: 13-341 <br />management of the environmental review process <br />·Funding of the Next Generation Workplace District Study to support the creation of <br />vibrant, innovative and attractive 21 st century workplaces in the City’s industrial area <br />·Focusing the Community Development Department strongly toward economic <br />development <br />·Aggressive grant solicitation and procurement <br />· <br />As with most concepts, the above projects are in varied phases of completion and have yet to <br />see their full economic impact. As the City faces sustainability challenges, the need to <br />accelerate our revenue efforts is apparent . <br />DISCUSSION <br />There is a great sense of momentum in the San Francisco Bay Area and San Leandro is <br />beginning to see heightened interest in our community from investors. Investment cycles are <br />short windows and specific to regions, and the Bay Area is fortunate because of its world <br />class universities, workforce, labs, corporate presence, natural resources and public <br />infrastructure. These factors, along with the innovation culture that drives venture capital and <br />investment, is creating new opportunities for cities. <br />San Leandro has a great location, infrastructure and affordability that positions it to do well in <br />this cycle of investment. Unfortunately, “well” does not do justice to the opportunities and <br />need that exist in this window. We exist in a very desirable area that creates real competition <br />for jobs, investment and sales tax. Many communities in the Bay Area have assets that they <br />are marketing, creating a need for innovative and aggressive steps that will drive quality <br />investment to San Leandro. <br />BENEFITS OF THE PROPOSAL <br />The Business License Tax Holiday for truly new business is a concept that considers : <br />·The Bay Area is seeing an upswing in business expansion and growth <br />·A competitive environment for investment <br />·The need for new tools in San Leandro to replace the loss of $5,000,000 in <br />redevelopment funds <br />·The vacancy rates in key areas - commercial, retail and industrial <br />·Providing an opportunity to increase our business base and grow the tax base <br />·Benefits for the entire community, including existing businesses, which will come from <br />an increase in new investment and the presence of new businesses. <br />San Leandro has adopted along with all other Alameda and Contra Costa cities an “Open for <br />Business” Pledge. This proposed program would take that pledge seriously and to another <br />level if approved by Council. <br />CHALLENGES OF THE PROPOSAL <br />Although the proposed Business License Tax Holiday will reduce financial costs for new <br />businesses and send a clear message that San Leandro is business friendly, it is not <br />Page 2 City of San Leandro Printed on 6/25/2013