Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP)
East Palo Alto’s Economic Development Strategic Plan
Building a Thriving, Inclusive Economy for Our Community
The City of East Palo Alto has launched a bold new initiative to shape our city’s economic future: the Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP). This multi-year plan will guide how we strengthen our economy, support local businesses, create new jobs, and ensure that economic growth benefits all residents.
This project is a top priority of the City Council and is being led in partnership with nationally recognized consultants HR&A Advisors and Kearns & West, selected for their proven track record in equitable and community-driven economic development planning.
Why We’re Doing This
East Palo Alto is a vibrant, diverse city with deep community roots and untapped economic potential. As we face rising regional development and evolving job markets, this plan will help us:
- Grow a resilient, inclusive local economy
- Create family-sustaining jobs and reduce unemployment
- Support and attract small and micro-businesses
- Leverage strategic sites like the Ravenswood Business District and 4 Corners/Bay Road
- Promote equitable entrepreneurship
- Identify opportunities to strengthen our tax base to fund vital community services
What the Plan Includes
- Current economic conditions
- Real estate market trends across the city’s 8 business districts
- Small business challenges and opportunities
- Job growth strategies for East Palo Alto residents
- Strategic site development opportunities
- Community benefit and infrastructure funding tools
- A phased roadmap for implementation over the next 10 years
Focus Areas: Our 8 Business Districts
- Gateway Retail Center
- Ravenswood Business District
- University/Bay Corridor
- University Circle
- 4 Corners/Bay Road
- Pulgas/East Bayshore Corridor
- Laurel/Glenn Way East Bayshore
- Neighborhood Retail
Each area has unique assets and will be analyzed for its potential to support jobs, business activity, and quality-of-life improvements.
Community Involvement: We Want to Hear From You!
This plan will be shaped with the community, not just for it. Through interviews, focus groups, pop-up events, and community briefings, we’re reaching out to:
- Residents
- Local businesses and entrepreneurs
- Property owners and developers
- Community-based organizations
Engagement will be multilingual and inclusive, with a focus on empowering historically underrepresented voices.
If you're part of a local business, nonprofit, or simply want to share your vision for East Palo Alto’s economy, we invite you to participate!
Sign up for our e-news to learn about updates and opportunities to get involved.
Project Timeline
The project launched in February 2025 and will conclude in October 2025, with milestones including:
- Initial research and local business interviews (March 2025 to May 2025)
- Existing Conditions Report (May 2025)
- Community engagement (May 2025 – September 2025)
- Local Employment Opportunities, Real Estate Strategieis, and Business Opportunities Study (May 2025 - July 2025)
- City Council Update (July 2025)
- Final plan presented to City Council (October 2025)
Meet the Consultant Team
HR&A Advisors is a national economic development consulting firm known for inclusive, data-driven strategies.
Kearns & West, based in the Bay Area, brings deep experience in community engagement and equitable planning.
Questions?
For more information or to connect with the project lead, contact:
Denise J. Garcia, Assistant to the City Manager
