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-- DRAFT -- 2025-2029 ConPlan & FY 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan Page 41 of 90 local businesses to create customized training programs tailored to employer-specific needs. For example, partnerships in advanced manufacturing and healthcare have resulted in sector-specific training initiatives that align the local workforce with the demands of these key industries. The nonprofit Teen Advocacy Going Strong (TAGS) offers teens and young adults the opportunity to work at a thrift store as a volunteer or staff member. This program gives young people the experience in both forming and running a small, startup business. These initiatives directly address the workforce development goals outlined in the City’s 2025-2029 ConPlan by increasing educational attainment, improving economic opportunities for low-wage workers, and reducing employment barriers. By aligning local talent with employer needs, these efforts not only strengthen the local economy but also improve the quality of life for residents, ensuring sustainable economic growth for the City. Does your jurisdiction participate in a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)? If so, what economic development initiatives are you undertaking that may be coordinated with the Consolidated Plan? If not, describe other local/regional plans or initiatives that impact economic growth. San Leandro participates in the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the San Francisco Bay Area, led by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). This strategy provides a framework for regional economic growth, ensuring that planning efforts are aligned with the broader economic landscape of the Bay Area. More information about CEDS can be found at the ABAG website (https://abag.ca.gov/our- work/land-use/economic-development-district). The City’s economic development priorities focus on supporting and enhancing local businesses, particularly small businesses, to foster growth and create a more resilient economy. San Leandro offers various financial assistance programs, such as the Commercial Rehabilitation Program and the Awning, Sign, and Paint Program, which provide forgivable loans to help businesses improve their properties. Additionally, the City has loan programs designed to connect businesses to the Lit San Leandro fiber optic network and to facilitate energy efficiency upgrades. In addition to financial assistance, the City also provides design assistance and professional architectural services to support the renovation of older commercial spaces, further encouraging business expansion and revitalization. Transportation improvements play a key role in the City’s economic development efforts. Recognizing that many businesses are located further from BART stations, San Leandro helped create a Business Improvement District that funds the LINKS shuttle. This free service connects local workplaces to BART, improving employees' access to transit. The LINKS service was expanded significantly in 2015. San Leandro is also investing in streetscape improvements, bike lanes, and sidewalks to make walking and cycling easier while enhancing access to BART and other shopping areas. These initiatives are designed to stimulate local economic growth, improve mobility for workers, and support the success of businesses in San Leandro. San Leandro also offers transportation services for seniors over the age of 50 and people with disabilities who reside within San Leandro city limits through the FLEX RIDES program. The program consists of two flexible transportation options, FLEX Shuttle service and FLEX RIDES On-Demand concierge service. FLEX Shuttle is a fixed route service that consists of a series of shuttle stops at popular locations throughout the City of San