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lines reportedly experience cost challenges to constructing the connections between those lines and their buildings. To remain competitive, these issues must be resolved given that nearly all types of businesses now require strong and reliable data connections. Industrial spaces in the city are facing market pressure to be converted to other uses, posing a potential challenge for retention and attraction of smaller firms. The low cost industrial space offered in places like Stanley and Valley business parks house some of the city's small manufacturers and suppliers. Industrial uses in Pleasanton are currently somewhat protected due to the low on-site parking supply, as well as zoning. However,the low-cost space has recently proved to be attractive to medical offices,childcare, schools,churches,and other types of users. Conversion of the scarce industrial space to these uses should be limited to ensure that the city maintains its ability to continue to provide space for activities as diverse as medical device manufacturers, contractors, and other users of industrial space. The city's permitting and approval process is perceived as slow and difficult. According to the recent business survey, the permitting and approval process is cited as lengthy and difficult, potentially adding to delays and the cost of doing business in the city. Although stakeholders rated interactions with staff as good and acknowledge that careful planning is important to maintain the city's high quality of life, it's important to consider and be aware of this issue as matters come before various advisory bodies and the City Council to ensure that they do not create unnecessary obstacles to economic development. Economic Health and Resilience Major findings about the city's overall business environment, including retail centers and visitor amenities, are described below. Pleasanton's retail centers perform well, with the city commanding more taxable retail sales than any other city in the Tri-Valley. The types of shopping offered in Pleasanton are diverse, ranging from small boutiques and restaurants in Downtown Pleasanton to food and services in neighborhood-serving centers, to large, national anchors at Stoneridge Shopping Center. This variety of retail options in proximity to employment centers is a valuable amenity to workers, and to the city, as they patronize Pleasanton establishments throughout the work day cycle. The city faces increased competition for retail sales, and many of its existing unanchored centers may require reinvestment or repositioning. Competing retail offerings at Dublin and Livermore are an ongoing threat to Pleasanton's retail dominance. These centers offer "big box" stores and lifestyle center formats not found in Pleasanton. In addition, many of the city's older, unanchored shopping centers generate relatively low taxable revenues per square foot — approximately half of that generated by anchored, larger centers. To stay competitive, smaller unanchored shopping centers and Downtown Pleasanton may require strategic reinvestment and possible expansion or redevelopment. Pleasanton's attractions and amenities may not be well known to leisure visitors. While Pleasanton and the Tri-Valley have successfully attracted business travelers, there is a need to raise awareness about the unique assets in the city, including the Alameda County Fairgrounds, Downtown Pleasanton, arts, and other amenities to increase leisure visitation to Pleasanton. Pleasanton is well known for providing an excellent quality of life. Schools in Pleasanton's school district consistently rank among the best in the Bay Area and are an attractor for workers to reside in Pleasanton, and to employers as an indication of the future workforce. Pleasanton Economic Strategic Plan DRAFT -8-