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These types of businesses — often referred to as knowledge-based sectors because of their reliance on a highly educated, skilled labor pool — are constantly looking for ways to attract and retain top talent to remain competitive. MOVING FORWARD According to the Association of Bay Area Government's 2013 employment projections, Pleasanton is expected to continue growing, albeit at a slower pace, adding more than 10,000 jobs in the next 20 years. Pleasanton is well positioned to capture the economic growth forecasted, particularly due to the city's excellent location,which will continue to be a major asset in attracting businesses. However,just as it has done in the past, Pleasanton will again have to adapt to a changing context to fully capitalize on these opportunities for growth. Whereas in the past the city has grown in a typically suburban pattern, developing large tracts of vacant sites to accommodate residential and commercial development, today the city has a diminished supply of vacant sites, and land values have increased substantially. These constraints signal that in the coming decades, Pleasanton will need to pursue infill development or redevelop existing sites to accommodate growth. The city will also need to respond to the changing type of environment sought after by businesses and workers in recent years. Rather than the traditional business park model of the 1970s and 1980s, employers are now increasingly looking for dynamic workplace districts that offer lifestyle amenities for their talented knowledge-based workers — such as plentiful housing options,restaurants, retail,and transit—generally within walking or biking distance. Based on this foundation, this Economic Development Strategic Plan emphasizes and prioritizes actions that will allow the City to continue evolving its economic development activities to better integrate traditional activities focused on business development and business environment with new efforts to strengthen the built environment to respond to the needs of workers. Business Development and Communication Recruitment of new businesses Retention and expansion of existing firms Built Environment and Economic Health and lx Workforce Resilience High-value commercial space Enhance vibrancy of Quality infrastructure, Downtown amenities,and services Visitor attraction Walkable,mixed-use districts Diversification and growth of Nearby housing,retail,and retail offerings transit High quality of life for Expedited permitting residents and workers Pleasanton Economic Strategic Plan DRAFT -5-