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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />ECONOMIC VITALITY COMMITTEE REPORT <br /> <br />2 <br /> <br /> <br />April 17, 2025 <br />Economic Development <br /> <br /> <br />TITLE: RECEIVE UPDATE ON LIFE SCIENCES AND BIOTECHNOLOGY <br />INDUSTRY BUSINESS ROADMAP AND ZONING <br />RECOMMENDATIONS AND PROVIDE FEEDBACK <br /> <br /> <br />BACKGROUND <br />In August 2023, the City Council adopted the updated Economic Development Strategic <br />Plan (EDSP) which the Economic Vitality Committee uses as the foundation for its work. <br />The plan consists of five Implementation Plan Priorities: <br /> <br />1.0 Economic Development Capacity Building <br />2.0 Business Retention, Expansion & Attraction <br />3.0 Local Revenue Growth <br />4.0 Entrepreneurship & Innovation Outreach <br />5.0 Major Projects Accelerator Program <br /> <br />There are specific actions items under Priority 5.0 Major Projects Accelerator Program <br />that are related to the Life Sciences/Biotech Sector and the City’s Zoning and Permitting <br />Processes: <br /> <br />5.1 Create Business Roadmap to Provide Clear Pathway for Zoning and <br />Permitting <br /> Identify zoning code modifications that would help bring target sectors to <br />Pleasanton <br /> <br />DISCUSSION <br />In August 2024, staff presented an agenda item to the Economic Vitality Committee (EVC) <br />outlining the City’s efforts to support the life sciences and biotechnology sector in <br />alignment with EDSP Priority 5.0 – Major Projects Accelerator Program. This work was <br />undertaken to respond to increased interest in Pleasanton from high-value life science <br />and biotech companies and to proactively enhance the City’s competitiveness in <br />attracting and retaining firms in this sector. <br /> <br />To advance these efforts, the City engaged the Alex Greenwood Group to assist in <br />developing a Business Roadmap focused on the zoning and permitting processes that <br />impact the life sciences and biotechnology industry. As the life sciences and biotechnology <br />industry have unique elements associated with its business development and operations, <br />Community Development/Planning staff are working alongside Economic Development