Laserfiche WebLink
Economic Development Strategic Plan <br />Goal 1: Maintain and Expand Pleasanton's Economy <br />Background <br />The Pleasanton economy benefits from a strategic location between the growing <br />workforce of the Central Valley and the innovation centers of Silicon Valley and San <br />Francisco. Pleasanton, at the literal and figurative "crossroads" of these trends and the <br />region's transportation network, has attracted swell-diversified economy across many <br />sectors. The City is also well positioned to benefit from future regional economic growth. <br />The top five sectors in terms of employment -retail trade, professionaUtechnical services, <br />administrative support, information, and finance insurance -account for only about half of <br />Pleasanton's jobs, with the rest spread across many diverse industry groups. Moreover, <br />this diversification allows for a broad range of occupations and wage categories, and <br />provides Pleasanton with relative economic stability even when state or national <br />economies experience downturns. In addition, Pleasanton's strong entrepreneurial <br />climate has contributed to the development of a thriving local business community. From <br />small retail businesses to large automobile dealerships to professional services and <br />technology firms, locally owned businesses are central to Pleasanton's community <br />character and economic health. <br />Because firms in Pleasanton are at all stages of the business life cycle and have a variety <br />of personnel, real estate and other expansion and retention needs, the diverse economy <br />needs attention to foster its growth. Specifically, many smaller firms need affordable, <br />suitable space for their current size, and the ability to expand within Pleasanton. Larger <br />firms need flexible space, access to a trained and skilled workforce, infrastructure that <br />works (including transportation) and support services from local government. <br />Policies: <br />Policy 1.1: Retain, expand, and attract firms in established sectors with strong future <br />growth potential, including software/information technology, retail, tourism, biotech, and <br />health care. <br />Policy 1.2: Encourage job growth in high wage sectors by supporting new entrepreneurs <br />as well as small and medium-sized firm expansion, with a focus on innovative <br />professional, technical, and scientific products and services. <br />14 <br />