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Business First
City of Campbell Economic Development Newsletter
| October 2025 - View as Webpage | |
A Note from Your Campbell Economic Development Manager
Campbell is known for its vibrant downtown and thriving retail centers — but that’s only part of the story. This month’s newsletter shines a light on Campbell’s industrial makers, along with new tools to better track how our local economy is evolving.
As always, let me know if you have any feedback or requests for future issues. You can catch the previous edition here.
-- Nathan Donato-Weinstein, Campbell economic development manager
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Celebrating Campbell Manufacturing
October is National Manufacturing Month, highlighting the industry’s economic importance and career pathways. In Campbell, manufacturing plays an important but often overlooked role: It contributes nearly 1,900 jobs (about 8% of the total jobs in the city), and pays among the highest average annual wages of any sector — $168,000.
But perhaps the biggest influence is how it supports the larger innovation ecosystem. Take Mayfly Manufacturing (pictured): a small business that produces precision parts that feed into the tech, aerospace, and medical supply chains that power Silicon Valley. It's one of 80 manufacturing businesses within the city limits, most of them under 10 employees. Having small manufacturers close to big customers means faster turnaround, closer collaboration, and stronger connections between design and production — advantages that can’t be replicated overseas.
That's why it's important that Campbell maintains space for hardware and manufacturing sectors. Campbell’s manufacturers are concentrated in the Dell Avenue and McGlincy Lane districts, which together offer roughly 1.5 million square feet of light-industrial space — some of the last remaining in the West Valley.
Learn more about manufacturing's impact via the National Association of Manufacturers.
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New Dashboard Tracks Campbell's Market Trends
The City of Campbell has launched a new Economic Dashboard as part of the updated Economic Development website. The dashboard provides key data on employment, sales tax, hospitality, and commercial real estate trends.
It’s a quick way to see how the local economy is performing and where market indicators are headed — so that businesses, investors and policymakers can make informed decisions, and residents can track community and economic progress. The dashboard will be updated quarterly as new data becomes available. The first edition highlights steady local conditions, with modest gains in sales tax, stable employment, and continued strength in hospitality and commercial sectors.
The broader website now also features updated sections highlighting Campbell’s business advantages and growth industry sectors.
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Campbell Library Reaches Major Milestone
Downtown Campbell is preparing to welcome back one of its cornerstone institutions. On October 17, the City held a ribbon cutting for the new Campbell Library, marking completion of City-led construction and the handoff to the Santa Clara County Library District, which will complete interior work and announce an opening date soon.
During construction, library services have continued at the Campbell Express Library at the Campbell Community Center. But the rebuilt 24,000-square-foot library will bring renewed energy and daytime activity to the heart of downtown once it opens.
The project was funded through 2018's Measure O parcel tax, along with more than $5 million in grants from the California State Library, Silicon Valley Clean Energy, and the Library District — supporting safety and infrastructure upgrades, including a full conversion to all-electric power.
The library marks a major milestone in the City’s effort to modernize its Civic Center campus, which also includes the new Police Operations Building, set to open early next year.
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Campbell Uses Drone Tech to Stay Ahead of Retail Theft
When a theft was reported at Campbell’s Home Depot earlier this month, officers had an extra advantage in the air. Using the department’s Drone as First Responder (DFR) program and public safety camera network, a drone pilot quickly located the fleeing suspect and guided officers to make an arrest near Highway 17.
The case highlights how Campbell Police are using real-time technology to respond faster and protect local businesses. Campbell is among the first cities in the region authorized by the FAA to operate drones beyond visual line of sight, allowing for rapid deployment when seconds count.
Businesses can also play a role in community safety. The Camera Registry lets business owners securely register their security cameras with Campbell Police, helping investigators request footage if an incident occurs. Those with compatible systems can even opt into Camera Integration, allowing direct access during emergencies. Learn more.
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- Flexible workspace provider Regus has opened a new 9,500-square-foot location at 307 Orchard City Drive, offering more than 40 private offices, meeting rooms, and co-working options. The location joins Regus centers at Hamilton Plaza and The Pruneyard. The addition strengthens Downtown Campbell’s appeal as a hub for startups, entrepreneurs, and hybrid workers, offering modern office amenities within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and transit.
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Emerald Art Studio has opened at 267 E. Campbell Avenue (above Starbucks), offering art and pottery classes, workshops, and a curated gallery featuring emerging artists. The 4,500-square-foot space, founded by Asha Shah, a former Tesla and Microsoft professional turned artist, is designed as a calm, creative setting for both beginners and experienced makers.
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Poke House, the fast-growing restaurant group known for its modern poke bowls, has expanded its corporate headquarters from San Jose to Campbell, leasing 5,600 square feet at 300 Orchard City Drive (The Cannery). The new offices will support the company’s growing national team, with 19 locations open, 50 more in development, and over 400 employees across the U.S., according to CEO James Deng.
- Just in time for the holidays, Pennyland Toys is now open at the Pruneyard, offering games, books, crafts, puzzles, and more for kids (and kids at heart). The locally owned toy shop is open seven days a week next to Out of the Barrell taproom. Follow them on Instagram.
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Reminder: CalSavers Deadline Approaching for Small Employers
Many Campbell businesses fall into the smallest employer category — and a key deadline is coming up. By December 31, 2025, businesses with 1 to 4 employees must register for CalSavers if they don’t already offer a qualified retirement plan such as a 401(k). (Larger employers have already passed their registration deadlines.)
CalSavers is California’s state retirement savings program for workers who don’t have access to one at work. It’s free for employers, quick to set up, and has no employer fees or fiduciary responsibilities. Employees can contribute to a personal IRA that moves with them if they change jobs. Learn more.
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Prepare Now for State Incentive Program
If your company is planning to expand or hire in 2026, now’s the time to get a jump on the California Competes Tax Credit program. Run by GO-Biz, the program awards income-tax credits to businesses growing or relocating in California — especially those creating quality, full-time jobs in high-value sectors like manufacturing, tech, and clean energy.
The next application window runs January 5-26, 2026, but early preparation pays off. Reviewing past awardees, attending a GO-Biz webinar, or scoping your potential job growth now can make your application stronger.
Silicon Valley companies like Intuitive Surgical, ASML, Applied Materials, Align Technologies, and Campbell’s own Paired Power have all earned credits through this program. Learn more.
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Get Expert Advice on Selling Your Business
Thinking about selling your business, now or down the road? The Silicon Valley Small Business Development Center is hosting a free workshop, Mastering the Business Sale: Strategies for a Successful Exit. Led by investment banker and podcast host Shawn Flynn, the session covers how to prepare your company for sale, anticipate buyer questions, and maximize value during the negotiation process. More info.
📅 Date & Time: 3-5 pm Nov. 12
📌 Location: MLK Jr. Library, 150 E. San Fernando St., San Jose
💵 Cost: Free
⏱ Duration: 2 hours
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- Join City staff for a Visioning Workshop on the Hamilton Avenue Public Improvement Plan from 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Campbell Community Center (Room Q-80). The session includes a short presentation, interactive activities, and refreshments. Register.
- Shop small and dine local on Small Business Saturday, the day after Thanksgiving. Many Campbell businesses will offer specials and promotions — and when you spend locally, the City keeps the full local share of sales tax, supporting Campbell services.
- A Campbell family tradition, The Pruneyard’s annual tree lighting takes place Thursday, Dec. 4, featuring festive entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus. Check The Pruneyard’s website for event time and details.
- Break out your ugliest holiday sweater and head downtown for Campbell’s annual Carol of Lights celebration beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Enjoy Santa visits, kids’ activities, live performances, and plenty of festive cheer — organized by the Downtown Campbell Business Association and community volunteers. More info.
- Join the Campbell Chamber of Commerce for Making Spirits Bright, a festive holiday fundraiser supporting the Campbell Toy Program, beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11 at Darling & Fischer. Enjoy food, drinks, music, and photos with Old Saint Nick while donating toys and books for local families in need. Donation barrels for the Toy Program will also appear at Campbell businesses starting Thanksgiving week.
- Campbell’s own Heritage Theatre continues to shine as one of the West Valley’s premier performing arts venues, with upcoming shows by Tower of Power, Easton Corbin, and Natalie MacMaster, Donnell Leahy + Celtic All Stars. More info.
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 and the Campbell Chamber.
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The BIG Number
Each newsletter, we take a look at a different economic indicator in Campbell. This month’s BIG Number: $15.3 billion.
That’s the total assessed property value in Campbell for 2025-26, according to the Santa Clara County Assessor’s latest annual report. It's a 5.35% increase from last year, outpacing the countywide average of 4.15%.
Growth came from both residential investment and commercial reinvestment, including Dollinger Properties’ new office project at 1700 Dell, which alone added more than $41 million in new assessed value.
Property tax is Campbell’s largest source of general fund revenue, with the City receiving 10.5 cents of every property tax dollar. View the report.
Data source: Santa Clara County Assessor
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