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 to get involved and share your thoughts on this plan!
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
