ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWSLETTER

Quarter 3 • 2024

In this Edition:

Gain insight on the new Community and Economic Development Department
Get up-to-date on the Multi-Generational Recreation Center
Celebrate Manufacturing Month
Learn recreational tourism's impact on Tracy's economic vitality

City Updates

Shop Local in Tracy This Small Business Saturday

The City of Tracy encourages residents to shop local this holiday season. Many local retailers will have deals on Small Business Saturday, November 30.

Before rushing online, consider stopping in-store at your favorite local shops to grab a few items on your list. Shopping in Tracy helps to sustain local jobs, keep your money in the community and improve quality of life in Tracy.

Bring family and friends to grab a bite, raise a glass and enjoy the start of holiday shopping with local businesses!

For more information about shopping local and its community impact, visit the City of Tracy website.

Integrating Community and Economic Development

To advance growth and development, the City of Tracy established a newly formed Community and Economic Development Department (CED). This department is dedicated to aligning economic development goals with community development initiatives to create cohesion and form economic opportunities for all.

The department is led by Forrest Ebbs, who brings 24 years of city planning and development experience. He envisions the City using economic growth to improve the quality of life for residents. Ebbs plans to remove the common obstacles that arise when departments are working in silos.

To learn more about this new chapter of economic development, visit the City of Tracy website.

Multi-Generational Recreation Center Continues to Make Progress

Tracy's Multi-Generational Recreation Center has made strong progress over the past few months. This new 61,300-square-foot facility will feature a 3-court gymnasium, indoor running track, bouldering/climbing wall and a technology/maker space. New park improvements will include a new skate park, walking trails with fitness stations and a new dog park.

Demolition has begun with the removal of trees, the skate park, the dog park and underground utilities. There has also been the mobilization of trailers, fencing and established parking.

To learn more about the project overview, history and updates, visit the project's dedicated webpage.

Tracy to Develop 20-year General Plan

One significant initiative on the horizon for CED is the General Plan, a comprehensive roadmap for the city's growth over the next 20 years. Ebbs plans to integrate clear economic development goals into this plan from the start, in order to ensure that the City stays committed.

A key focus of the General Plan is aligning job attraction with housing costs, allowing more residents to live and work within the community. This would work to reduce the number of residents who commute to the Bay Area for work, improving their quality of life and the local economy.

Through the General Plan, Tracy envisions an inclusive and community-driven future that services all sectors.

Residents are encouraged to get involved by visiting the City of Tracy's website and staying updated on upcoming meetings and initiatives.

Business Resources and News

There are many ways to boost your business! Explore the options and resources to get the support you need for your small business journey while staying updated on the latest economic development news.

SJPAC Exposition Offers Resources to Small Businesses

Tracy Economic Development staff recently connected with small businesses at the San Joaquin Public Agency Consortium (SJPAC). This exposition provided businesses with a variety of resources and procurement possibilities.

The California State Department of General Services Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services has several procurement opportunities offered with Cal eProcure. Here, you can search bid opportunities, get certified, access training and more.

Also highlighted at the expo were subcontracting opportunities available with Caltrans. Caltrans is currently looking to replace the northbound and southbound Stockton Channel Viaduct Bridges in the City of Stockton.

For free business development workshops and trainings hosted by the San Joaquin County SBDC, visit SBDC's websit e.

Tracy Makes Environmental Efforts with iHub San Joaquin

The City of Tracy was recently highlighted at the iHub Innovation Summit for our dedication to clean technology and a green economy with businesses like Heirloom Carbon Technologies and Tracy Renewable Energy. Economic Development staff recently attended the iHub Innovation Summit, where resources, programs, entrepreneurial opportunities and training were discussed.

BEAM Circular highlighted the circular bioeconomy, which represents the activities, technologies and innovations that use biology to create products and reduce waste. Visit BEAM Circular's website for more details and resources.

The Green Economy Lab spotlighted training opportunities for EV Station Installation and Maintenance. For more information, call (209) 460-4561.

Businesses can also become certified in the State of California through the Business Technology Cohort.

Employee Retention Tax Credit

The Employee Retention Credit (ERC), or Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC), is a refundable tax credit for certain eligible businesses and tax-exempt organizations that had employees and were affected during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ERC gives eligible employers payroll tax credits for wages and health insurance paid to employees after March 12, 2020, and before January 1, 2022. Employers have the opportunity to claim the ERC for up to three years retroactively: April 15, 2025, if filing for 2021.

Eligibility and credit amount vary depending on when the business impacts occurred. The ERC is not available to individuals.

For more information, interest in applying or questions, contact the Economic Development Division at EconDev@CityOfTracy.org or (209) 831-6490.

Celebrating Manufacturing in Tracy

October is nationally recognized as Manufacturing Month and as home to leading global manufacturers, the City of Tracy's Economic Development Division made sure to celebrate the contributions of these companies to our economy, employment and innovation.

As the City of Tracy continues to advance, manufacturing companies such as Taylor Farms Pacific, Owens-Illinois and Leprino Foods are instrumental in providing well-paying jobs and economic stability. The manufacturing sector positions our City as a critical player in the state's manufacturing network.

The City of Tracy offers pivotal geographic advantages to manufacturing companies, as it sits at an intersection of three major interstates, providing easy access to Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose and Los Angeles. We also provide room for business expansion and a skilled workforce.

Visit the City of Tracy website to learn about retail sites and buildings that are currently available.

Learn more

Recreational Tourism to Fuel Economic Vitality and Community Growth

Despite being located in the center of an agriculture-focused region, the City of Tracy is developing into a hub for recreational tourism, offering amenities that enrich the lives of residents and stimulate the economy. An extensive network of parks offers a variety of activities ranging from youth sports to senior programs.

Legacy Fields Sport Complex is a particularly strong economic driver for the City of Tracy, generating nearly $1.9 million in annual revenue and 32 full-time jobs to locals. It is clear that recreation plays a crucial role in the City of Tracy's economy and social scene. We aim to ensure that residents have access to meaningful and enjoyable experiences that help contribute to a high quality of life.

Tracy residents are encouraged to think inside the triangle and take advantage of local amenities to help stimulate economic growth. The City of Tracy works to continuously provide resources, events and developments for both locals and visitors.

For more information about recreational tourism, visit the City of Tracy's website.

Stay Informed with STAART

San Joaquin businesses have the opportunity to combat retail theft with FastSTAART. This is a county-wide program dedicated to protecting the economic interests of San Joaquin businesses. By uniting the efforts of the community, it aims to provide safety and security to businesses.

The STAART app allows you to receive real-time witness reports and directly communicate with law enforcement, making it easier to take action quickly. You can download the app on App Store or Google Play.

Click on the images to learn more.

Shop San Joaquin

Supporting local businesses is a top priority for the City of Tracy. Join “Shop San Joaquin: A Rewards Program for SJC Shoppers”(Shop San Joaquin) to promote support of your business, your fellow community and local businesses!

Shop San Joaquin offers rewards when shopping at local San Joaquin businesses and is powered by BluDot on its Open Rewards platform. Consumers who join the program will earn rewards of up to $50 per transaction and up to $200 per calendar year, subject to the availability of program funds.

Make sure you are signed up before Small Business Saturday on November 30! On this day we encourage consumers to start their holiday shopping at small business in their communities to help their local neighborhoods thrive. Having your business be a part of Shop San Joaquin will allow shoppers to earn rewards to spend on future transactions at local businesses.

Eligible businesses include those that have less than 500 employees, are not chain establishments, and were established as of January 1, 2020. The identified eligible businesses have no requirements, no need to sign up, train staff, or adjust their daily business routine.

Chances are your business is already included in the program, but if not follow these online steps to add your business or access more promotional features. For FAQs, visit the dedicated webpage.

Learn more

The SBDC provides virtual and in-person trainings and workshops designed for business development on various key topics! Don't miss these free trainings!

Access the full list of upcoming trainings on the San Joaquin SBDC website.

Employment Opportunities

Interested in joining the City of Tracy team and working inside the triangle?

Visit www.CityofTracyJobs.com to learn more about current job opportunities.

Tracy Chamber of Commerce

We invite you to explore Tracy, one of the friendliest cities in California. Tracy is a place to kick off your shoes, hang your hat, sit back, and relax. Tracy offers a vibrant arts and entertainment scene. The City of Tracy hosts numerous festivals and community events throughout the year, as well as live theatre, art shows and music concerts. We are an enthusiastic supporter of the arts. From Tracy it is an easy drive to recreation hot-spots like the Bay Delta, Yosemite, Tahoe and the San Francisco Bay.

Discover What Tracy Has to Offer!

UPCOMING EVENTS

View the City's calendar to stay up-to-date!

Ask How Tracy Can Help Today

Demand for industrial, retail, and office space in many business segments will continue to increase in Tracy, and the City is committed to a strong, growing business climate. Whether an existing building space or new construction on available land is in your future, the City of Tracy understands these opportunities and partners with the business community to enable success. A wide range of business-friendly incentives can be found in the City’s Office and Industrial Incentive Program, and are available to companies choosing to locate in Tracy. Learn how you can start or grow your business in Tracy today!