Economic Development Strategic Plan

East Palo Alto’s Economic Development Strategic Plan

Building a Thriving, Inclusive Economy for Our Community

On January 6, 2026, the City Council unanimously approved the City's Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP), a long-term roadmap that guides how the City will strengthen the local economy, support small businesses, create job opportunities, and prepare key areas for future investment over the next 10 years.

The EDSP was developed with the support of economic development consultants HR&A Advisors and Kearns & West and shaped by extensive research, data analysis, and community input.

Why the EDSP Matters

East Palo Alto has a strong foundation of local businesses, a diverse community, and a strategic location within the Bay Area. At the same time, the City faces challenges such as aging infrastructure, complex development processes, and the need for more local job opportunities.

The EDSP provides a clear and coordinated strategy to:

Support small and local businesses
Attract new businesses and private investment
Expand workforce and job training opportunities for residents
Improve City processes and infrastructure
Strengthen the City’s long-term fiscal sustainability

Community Engagement

The EDSP was informed by community input gathered through interviews, focus groups, pop-up events, and a community workshop. Key themes from this engagement included:

Interest in a vibrant downtown and waterfront
A desire for stronger support for small and micro-businesses
The need for expanded workforce and youth job training opportunities
The importance of clearer and faster permitting and development processes

The Three Core Goals of the Plan

The EDSP is organized around three main goals:

1. Boost Home-Grown Businesses & Entrepreneurs: Make it easier for small and local businesses to start, grow, and succeed by improving City services, streamlining permits, providing hands-on support, and encouraging residents to shop local.

2. Attract Businesses and Private Investments: Proactively promote East Palo Alto as a place to do business, connect residents to job and training opportunities, and align workforce programs with growing industries.

3. Make East Palo Alto Investment Ready: Improve infrastructure, activate key corridors and public spaces, strengthen the City’s brand, and unlock opportunity sites for future development that align with community priorities.

What Happens Next?

Five-Year Implementation Plan
City staff will develop a detailed Five-Year Implementation Plan that prioritizes actions, identifies early “quick wins,” and outlines timelines, staffing needs, and potential funding sources.

Future Council Review
The City Council looks forward to reviewing the proposed implementation plan as part of future budget and policy discussions to move the EDSP strategies forward.

LEARN MORE

The full Economic Development Strategic Plan is available now for those interested in a deeper look at the data, strategies, and recommendations shaping East Palo Alto’s economic future.