Business First

City of Campbell Economic Development Newsletter

April 2026 | View as Webpage | E-mail us | Past Issues

News & Announcements

Get a Closer Look at Campbell's Economy

A new economic development report looks at how Campbell’s economy is performing, with a closer look at where the City’s revenue comes from, where jobs are located, and what’s changing in the commercial real estate market.

The report was prepared for the Campbell Planning Commission to support the next phase of a permit streamlining initiative aimed at improving the experience for businesses looking to locate or expand in Campbell. The City made an initial round of changes in 2024, but there is broad recognition that additional updates are worth exploring.

Campbell’s economy depends in large part on business activity, and the permitting process is one of many factors that can influence whether businesses choose to locate, expand or invest. The report recommends exploring changes in use permit requirements for certain business types and making sure new and emerging categories are appropriately addressed.

The Planning Commission has formed a subcommittee to dig into this work further. That effort is still getting underway, and any potential code updates would come back through the full Planning Commission.

(Inset photos, clockwise from left: Andrew Nosé of Mayfly Manufacturing; ChargePoint R&D; Mariana Faerron of Tico Coffee Roasters; and Thuy Ha of Florra Boutique + Perfume Bar. Florra photo by Sheldon Chang.)

📊 Read the report here, or watch the presentation.

Two Major Mixed-Use Projects Move Forward

Campbell’s residential development pipeline is looking a little fuller these days.

A long-planned mixed-use project at 600 E. Campbell Avenue took an important step forward on Feb. 10, with the Planning Commission approving a revised proposal from Cresleigh Homes.

The project would bring a six-story mixed-use building with up to 120 homes and approximately 5,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space to the site, located between Gilman and Dillon Avenues along East Campbell Avenue (the longtime former home of Paul Del Grande Auto Parts).

The site has been vacant for years and has long been viewed as one of Campbell’s more prominent redevelopment opportunities along the East Campbell Avenue corridor. An earlier version of the project was approved in 2019 but ultimately proved infeasible to construct, prompting Cresleigh to return with a revised proposal that reflects changes in state housing law and the City’s updated General Plan.

Separately, there’s movement on another prominent Campbell site. Property owners recently submitted a formal development application for a 2.4-acre site at 980 E. Campbell Avenue, which includes the former Hick’ry Pit restaurant. The proposal includes 324 homes and roughly 6,000 square feet of retail space.

Taken together, the projects move two long-watched sites closer to delivering new housing, which will bring more residents and more customers to support foot traffic in Downtown Campbell and the Pruneyard.

📌 Did you know? You can view the status of any open planning application or building permit on the City's online permit center map.

Momentum for Campbell's Innovation Sector

Campbell’s hardware and medtech cluster continues to show momentum, with a mix of new financing and expansions across the Dell Avenue corridor and Downtown.

Imperative Care, based in Campbell’s Dell Avenue innovation district, has secured $100 million in new financing to support continued growth of its stroke and vascular treatment platforms. The funding will help expand commercialization of its products, invest in next-generation technologies, and support ongoing clinical research. Imperative Care’s devices, made right here in Campbell, are used to treat blood clots and stroke, with its technologies already used in tens of thousands of procedures worldwide.

Also on Dell Avenue, Summer Robotics has expanded into a new, larger space on the corridor. Fresh off its Series A financing led by Applied Ventures, the company has moved into a 4,800 SF space at 1400 Dell Ave, more than doubling its footprint from its previous location nearby. Summer Robotics develops machine vision technology that helps robots operate in dynamic, real-world environments, with applications in manufacturing and logistics.

Just off the corridor, Elumn8 Medical (formerly Simpson Interventions) has completed an initial close of a Series C financing alongside a company rebrand. The funding amount was not released, but it will support continued development of its technology aimed at improving treatment of complex blocked coronary arteries, as it advances through clinical trials. Elumn8 is located at 747 Camden Ave., at the entrance to the Dell Avenue corridor.

Further north in Downtown, Algorized, part of Campbell’s growing startup ecosystem, has raised a $13 million Series A round led by Run Ventures, with participation from the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund. The company is developing technology that helps robots better understand and operate around people in real-world environments.

Taken together, it’s another sign that Campbell’s hardware and R&D cluster is on the rise.

🗺️ Find your next location: Check out Loopnet's commercial real estate listings for available properties in the city.

Hamilton Avenue Resurfacing Getting Underway

Hamilton Avenue is getting a makeover. Resurfacing of the 2.8-mile corridor within Campbell will begin in early April and will progress in phases. Expect lane closures and some temporary disruption, but it will be worth it: The goal is a safer, smoother street over the long run. The project also includes safety and access upgrades like new bike lanes, ADA ramps, and other improvements.

🚧 Stay up to date.

🚨New Report Highlights Campbell PD's Performance

If you’ve ever called Campbell PD, you probably didn’t wait too long.

A new year-in-review report backs that up: in 2025, 98% of 9-1-1 calls were answered within 10 seconds, with most calls dispatched in under two minutes. Officers handled more than 28,000 calls for service overall.

The report also highlights the department’s growing use of technology, including drones deployed as first responders and tools aimed at addressing organized retail theft. Campbell officers also led the county, once again, in arrests per officer.

Campbell is proud of its reputation for public safety and service, which is often cited by companies relocating into the city's business districts.

🚓Curious about that arrest rate? Click here to get all the data, plus the skinny on the department's new patch design (now graced by the Pruneyard office tower).

Business Resources and Training

Reminder: Sales Taxes Rise April 1 Countywide

Sales tax rates will increase by 0.625% on April 1 across all of Santa Clara County following voter approval of Measure A in November 2025. The total rate varies by municipality. The City of Campbell’s combined sales tax rate will be 10.5%. Retailers should ensure point-of-sale systems are updated accordingly to reflect the change.

Pro Tips for World Cup Watch Parties

If you’re thinking about hosting a World Cup watch party, a new playbook from the Bay Area Host Committee outlines how public screenings work for businesses. It covers both smaller setups and larger events, as the region gears up for increased foot traffic tied to the tournament.

The playbook focuses on what’s allowed, what to avoid, and how to stay within FIFA’s rules when showing matches. For most small business watch parties (under 1,000 people), there’s no separate license required, as long as you’re using a proper broadcast feed and not charging admission. It also includes ready-to-use social media and flyer templates (shown) that make it easier to promote your event without running into trademark issues.

⚽Download it here.

All About Leases, Property & Business Sales

At some point, most business owners are dealing with a lease, thinking about property, or planning an exit -- usually without a playbook. These upcoming online sessions from trusted technical assistance providers cover the basics.

Commercial Leases 101 (SCORE) — April 8, 9:30 a.m.: A walkthrough of how commercial leases work, including NNN terms, subleasing, and what to look for before (or even after) you sign for your space. Register.

Owning & Investing in Real Estate (SBDC) — May 5, 10:30 a.m.: Owning your business location means you control your own destiny. Class covers the fundamentals of buying commercial property and what ownership can mean for your business long term. Register.

Buy/Sell Your Business (SBDC) — May 19, 10:30 a.m.: An overview of planning an exit or acquiring a business, including how to think about timing and value. Register.

All sessions are free and held online. Don't forget to check out SCORE and SBDC Silicon Valley for other useful classes for your business.

New Bay Area Safety Campaign Invites Business Participation

With large regional events like the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, a new Bay Area-wide campaign is raising awareness about associated safety issues – and it’s asking businesses to help get the message out.

The website, safety4thebay.org, provides information and local resources related to a range of issues, including personal safety, domestic violence, mental health, and human trafficking. These issues tend to rise during major sporting events that drive a lot of travel.

The campaign is asking businesses to get familiar with these issues and share available resources with customers and employees. For example, businesses can place restroom soap stickers, mirror clings (pictured), or posters that discreetly point people to information and support services. Free materials can be requested through the program’s online form.

Upcoming Events

Spring event season is here — and there's no shortage of great things to do in Campbell.

Bunnies & Bonnets Parade — 12 p.m. Saturday, April 4: This longtime Downtown Campbell tradition brings marching bands, dancers, animals, community groups, and families down Campbell Avenue. (Plus: Free cotton candy!) Stay afterward for lunch and shopping. Info.

Bunny Hop — 1-5 p.m. Saturday, April 4 (at The Pruneyard): Pick up a map and Easter basket (while supplies last), then hop around participating shops to collect treats and enter to win prizes. Includes face painting, balloon art, and photos with the Easter Bunny. Info.

Spring Wine Walk — 6 p.m. Thursday, April 23: Downtown shops and restaurants host tastings from 25 winemakers, turning the district into an evening wine stroll. Tix are $55 through April 18. Quite possibly the best wine walk in NorCal (but we're biased). Did you know? Travieso is the only winemaker based in Campbell -- and they'll be there! Register.

Stroll Down Penny Lane — April 25, 7:30 p.m.: A live tribute to Paul McCartney at the Campbell Heritage Theatre, featuring songs from the Beatles, Wings, and beyond. Tickets.

Campbell Library Reopening Ceremony – 10 am Saturday, May 9: The newly renovated 24,000-square-foot library reopens with updated study spaces, meeting rooms, and a new gathering area overlooking Orchard City Green. We can't wait! Read the press release.

Boogie Music Festival — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 16 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 17: The two-day festival returns to Downtown Campbell with live music, food vendors, beer and wine, artisan booths, and a kids' zone. Info.

Historic Downtown Campbell Car Show — 9 a.m. Saturday, June 6: You won't want to miss one of the region's best family-friendly classic car shows, now in its fourth year. Downtown restaurants will be offering drinks to go (just stay within the event zone). Info and pics from last year.

This is just a sampling of events in Campbell. For more great community and business events, check the online calendars of the Downtown Campbell Business Association, the Campbell Chamber, and the Campbell Heritage Theatre.

PS: Campbell's Heritage Theatre wants to hear from you! Share your input on future Heritage Theatre shows — take the quick season survey here.

The BIG Number

Each newsletter, we take a look at a different economic indicator in Campbell. This month’s BIG Number: $2.25 billion.

That’s the total annual wages paid by Campbell employers to roughly 24,000 workers within the city limits. (This reflects payroll jobs only; it doesn’t include self-employed or gig workers.)

The job base matters because it supports thousands of workers and translates into spending at local businesses, demand for space, and a steady flow of economic activity throughout the day.

Forwarded this email from a friend? Get your own newsletter! Sign up here to get updates from Campbell Economic Development. Comments, questions or concerns: Please reach out to Economic Development Manager Nathan Donato-Weinstein at nathand@campbellca.gov.