ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWSLETTER

Quarter 1 • 2025

In this Edition:

Learn all about the recent South Korean Delegation visit
Meet Tracy's new Economic Development team
Celebrate Career and Technical Education Month
Get up-to-date on the best resources for your business

City Updates

Tracy to Host State of the City

Tracy Builds International Partnerships

The City of Tracy recently hosted an esteemed delegation from South Korea that comprised of council members from seven major cities. The visit established goodwill, built partnerships and highlighted Tracy as a strong business hub for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

FDI functions as a two-way street, benefitting communities like Tracy by boosting the local economy and increasing the standing of living. Foreign investors are provided with the opportunity to enter a new market and expand their customer base.

During the visit, the delegation recognized Tracy's strategic economic development that promotes warehouse automation in the e-commerce and logistics sectors. Following the welcome ceremony and economic development presentations, the delegation toured Costco Wholesale Meat Plant and Zinus, the mattress and furniture manufacturer headquartered in Tracy.

Visits like these are vital for Tracy to promote trade, diversify its economy and enhance its global reputation. Tracy leaders are paving the way for increased foreign investment and further access to international markets.

For more information about this visit, visit the City of Tracy website.

Tracy Collects CDBG and HOME Applications

The application process for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) has officially ended. The City now begins the review process, where the Parks and Recreation Commission and the City Council will present funding recommendations to potential grantees.

These programs, offered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, help to provide decent, affordable housing to urban communities. Activities eligible for funding include acquisition of real property or public facilities, housing or commercial rehabilitation, historic preservation and more.

For more information on economic development opportunities, visit the City of Tracy website.

New Milestones for Multi-Generational Recreation Center

The City of Tracy is excited to announce that, throughout this winter, further progress has been made on the new Multi-Generational Recreation Center. As of January 28, underground utilities are placed, footings are completed and reinforcement bars are installed, indicating the building is almost ready for vertical construction.

This state-of-the-art, 61,300-square-foot facility will serve all ages, offering a space that meets the diverse needs of the community. Featuring a 3-court gymnasium, teen lounge, technology and maker space, bouldering wall and more, this project will help improve the health and well-being of residents.

To learn more about project updates and amenities of the space, visit its dedicated webpage.

Tracy Welcomes New Economic Development Team Members

Tracy's Economic Development team officially welcomed Economic Development Analysts Sheena Stephens and Alexandra Pineda, and Economic Development Administrative Technician Isabel Espinosa. Read about them below:

Sheena Stephens

In her role, Sheena specializes in business & retail attraction and marketing, working to bring businesses that align with the City Council's priorities and meet the community’s needs, helping to contribute to Tracy’s economic growth.

Alexandra Pineda

In her current role, Alexandra is dedicated to supporting small businesses in Tracy through business retention initiatives and administering federal funds to local agencies and nonprofits via the Community Development Block Grant.

Isabel Espinosa

Isabel provides essential support to ensure the team operates efficiently. She plays a key role in managing administrative tasks, allowing the analysts and manager to focus on strategic initiatives that drive economic growth.

Appreciating Tracy's Specialty Grocery Stores

Specialty grocery stores play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for residents in Tracy, offering a wide range of selections and an elevated shopping experience. Whether you have specific dietary restrictions, ingredient preferences or cultural traditions, the selection of stores in Tracy will cater to your needs. The City of Tracy is home to a large variety of specialty grocery stores, some of which include Primo's Gourmet Foods, Fernandes Sao Jorge Linguica, Juanita Market, Artesian Health Foods and, coming soon, Trader Joe's.

Trader Joe's is officially opening their first store in the City of Tracy. The store will be located at 2530 Naglee Road, in front of the West Valley Mall. By transforming a vacant building into this specialty grocery store, Tracy will further its appeal to investors and national retailers.

Another major benefit of these businesses is the economic growth. Not only do they provide employment opportunities, they also support local food producers by sourcing specialized products. By shopping at these local suppliers, residents can enhance their quality of life while strengthening Tracy's economy.

To learn more about the high quality of life found in Tracy, visit the City of Tracy website. To read more about the soon-to-come Trader Joe's location, see the City News webpage.

Economic Development Team Attends EEE Conference

Tracy's Economic Development team recently attended the Entertainment Experience Evolution (EEE) Conference, which offered networking opportunities that fuel the expansion of local entertainment and retail options.

At the conference, the team furthered the mission of diversifying Tracy's commercial landscape by connecting with potential retailers and entertainment development companies. Tracy understands the framework necessary to attract entertainment retailers and investors to ultimately become a destination for experiential activities.

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.

Celebrating Career & Technical Education Month

February was nationally recognized as Career & Technical Education Month, highlighting the importance of hands-on learning for a wide range of industries and occupations.

San Joaquin Delta College works to prepare students for a wide variety of vocational careers, offering programs that align with local needs. The Career Technical Education and Workforce Development Division concentrates on advancing regional economies to support economic growth for the City of Tracy.

Beyond traditional career programs, Delta College also offers specialized training designed to meet the needs of Tracy employers. As a regional leader in manufacturing and commerce, the City of Tracy strongly supports programs that equips the workforce with skills needed for success in today's job market.

To check out other educational opportunities and trainings, please visit the City of Tracy website.

Apply Now for the Revolving Loan Fund

The San Joaquin County Economic Development Division is offering technical assistance to San Joaquin County businesses that are creating or retaining jobs. San Joaquin County business startups, retentions and expansions are all eligible for loans.

Financing is sourced from local lenders, the Small Business Administration (SBA), and the County's Revolving Loan Fund (RLF). Since its launch, the RLF has helped the local economy thrive by loaning over $9 million to local businesses.

For more information, please visit the San Joaquin WorkNet website. If you are interested in utilizing the RLF program, please contact RLF@sjcworknet.org or (209) 468-3615.

March Events Offered by San Joaquin SBDC

The SBDC provides virtual and in-person trainings and workshops designed for business development. Take a look at these upcoming events:

Small Business Procurement Training 2.0

Thursday, March 13, 12 p.m.

Explore the essential steps for defining your business's purpose and direction. Learn to maintain focus, foster passion and align the team with the business's core values.

Business Plans That Work

Tuesday, March 18, 10:30 a.m.

This webinar provides a detailed format for writing business plans that get funded. A panel of experts will join to answer questions.

For more information regarding trainings by the San Joaquin SBDC, please visit their website.

Get Ready to Explore Entrepreneurship

Ready to bring your future into focus? The SJC Incubator is seeking 200 aspiring entrepreneurs in San Joaquin County to join its incubator program. Develop your business ideas through classes and cohorts that provide a supportive space to workshop.

Work alongside peers in weekly cohorts to take your ideas through the innovation cycle. Identify a problem, research, build a prototype, user test and iterate the solution until you find what works.

Participants will also be eligible to showcase their businesses at regional and county wide pitch events. With over $25K available in cash prizes at these events, entrepreneurs have the opportunity to fully launch their ideas.

Participants join for free and do not have to have a business idea to sign up. For more information, please visit the SJC Incubator website.

Spark Relief Grant Authorized

San Joaquin County has authorized the Spark Relief Grant Program for Small Business Assistance, aimed to provide target support to help small businesses thrive in the post-pandemic economy. The Local Investment for Financial Thrive (LIFT) Initiative delivers direct financial aid and strategic support to foster economic recovery and resilience within the community.

Grants up to $5,000 will be provided to reimburse utility expenses for small businesses that suffered financial harm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This will allow other resources to be allocated towards economic recovery and growth.

For more information or to apply, visit the program's webpage or contact SparkGrant@SJCWorkNet.org.

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.

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

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!