HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-16-2025 Economic Development Committee Agenda PacketDecember 16, 2025 Dublin Economic Development Committee Agenda 1
COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Sherry Hu, Mayor
Jean Josey, Vice Mayor
Regular Meeting of the
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
3. ACTION ITEMS
3.1
The Committee will consider approval of the minutes of the October 21, 2025 Regular
Economic Development Committee Meeting.
Approve the minutes of the October 21, 2025 Regular Economic Development Committee
Meeting.
October 21, 2025 Regular Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes
REPORTS
4.1
The Committee will receive a presentation from Commune Communication on the Economic
Development Marketing and Branding Strategy and will have the opportunity to provide
feedback on the initial visual concepts.
Receive the report and provide direction.
Staff Report
Attachment 1 - Research Findings
Attachment 2 - Creative Brief
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December 16, 2025 Dublin Economic Development Committee Agenda 2
4.2
The Committee will receive a presentation from Innovation Tri-Valley’s Executive Director,
Katie Marcel, highlighting the organization’s recent activities, accomplishments, and key
milestones from the past year.
Receive the report.
Staff Report
The Committee will receive an update on commercial business activity in Dublin.
Receive the report.
Staff Report
Attachment 1 - Commercial Business Activity List
The Committee will receive an update on various economic development activities including
the Economic Development Strategy implementation, new resources and materials, and
upcoming events.
Receive the report.
Staff Report
Attachment 1 - Economic Development Activity Snapshot
REQUEST FOR FUTURE MEETING AGENDA ITEMS
The Committee and/or City Staff will present items to be discussed at future meetings.
ADJOURNMENT
This AGENDA is posted in accordance with Government Code Section 54954.2(a) If requested, pursuant to Government Code Section 54953.2, this agenda shall be made
available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with a disability, as required by Section
202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Section 12132) (ADA), and the
federal rules and regulations adopted in implementation thereof. To make a request for
disability-related modification or accommodation, please contact the City Clerk’s Office (925)
833-6650 at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. Upon receiving a request, the City will
swiftly resolve requests for reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities,
consistent with the federal ADA, and resolve any doubt in favor of accessibility.
Agenda materials that become available within 72 hours in advance of the meeting, and after
publishing of the agenda, will be available at Civic Center, 100 Civic Plaza, and will be posted on
the City’s website at www.dublin.ca.gov/ccmeetings.
Mission
The City of Dublin promotes and supports a high quality of life, ensures a safe, secure, and
sustainable environment, fosters new opportunities, and champions a culture of equity, diversity,
and inclusion.
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Tuesday, October 21, 2025 Economic Development Committee Minutes 1
MINUTES OF THE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 – 5:30 p.m.
A Regular Meeting of the Economic Development Committee was held on Tuesday,
October 21, 2025 at City Hall, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568, in the City Manager’s
Conference Room. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Mayor Sherry Hu.
1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PRESENT: Mayor Sherry Hu and Councilmember Jean Josey
ABSENT: None
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comments were received.
3. ACTION ITEMS
3.1 Approval of the June 24, 2025 Special Economic Development Committee
Meeting Minutes
ACTION: By consensus, the Committee approved the minutes of the Special
Meeting of June 24, 2025.
4. REPORTS
4.1 i-GATE 2024/2025 Annual Report Presentation
i-GATE’s Executive Director Yolanda Fintschenko presented the i-GATE 2024/2025
Annual Report and provided an overview of the organization's key activities and
accomplishments during the prior fiscal year.
The Committee received the report.
4.2 Commercial Business Activity in Dublin
Management Analyst Rhonda Franklin provided an update on commercial business
activity in Dublin.
The Committee received the report.
Agenda Item 3.1
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Tuesday, October 21, 2025 Economic Development Committee Minutes 2
4.3 Economic Development Activity in Dublin
Economic Development Manager Felicia Escover provided an update on various
economic development activities including the Economic Development Strategy
implementation, new resources and materials, and upcoming events.
The Committee received the report.
4.4 Text Messaging Program Update
Economic Development Manager Felicia Escover provided an update on the City's
business text messaging program.
The Committee received the report.
5. REQUEST FOR FUTURE MEETING AGENDA ITEMS
The Committee requested two items to be discussed at a future meeting:
An update on the HMART project.
An update on the vacancy rates for office space.
6. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 6:21 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Rhonda Franklin, Management Analyst II.
Mayor
ATTEST: ____________________________________
Economic Development Manager
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STAFF REPORT
Economic Development Committee
Page 1 of 2
Agenda Item 4.1
DATE: December 16, 2025
TO: Honorable Committee Members
FROM: Hazel Wetherford, Deputy City Manager
SUBJECT:
Economic Development Marketing and Branding Strategy Update
Prepared by: Felicia Escover, Economic Development Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Committee will receive a presentation from Commune Communication on the Economic
Development Marketing and Branding Strategy and will have the opportunity to provide
feedback on the initial visual concepts.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive the report and provide direction.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with receiving this report.
DESCRIPTION:
On June 3, 2025, the City Council approved an agreement with Commune Communication
Corp. (“Commune Communication”) to develop an Economic Development Marketing and
Branding Strategy. This initiative is one of the priority actions identified in the City’s E conomic
Development Strategy, adopted by the City Council on October 1, 2024. Specifically, the
project supports Strategy 1.2.2:
“Undertake and implement an economic development -tailored marketing and branding strategy
that focuses on Dublin’s competitive assets and transformational development projects/areas
identified through the Economic Development Strategy effort, as well as existing business and
development incentives.”
The scope of work includes developing an economic-development-focused brand, preparing a
comprehensive marketing strategy, updating promotional materials for industry outreach,
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Page 2 of 2
enhancing media and public relations efforts, and reviewing the economic development
webpages.
To date, extensive outreach has been conducted to inform the de velopment of the initial visual
concepts. This included individual meetings with Councilmembers, focus groups with key
business leaders, a meeting with the City’s Executive Team, and both community and
business surveys. A summary of this outreach is provided in Attachment 1.
The community and stakeholder input formed the foundation for the creative brief (Attachment
2) that the consultant used to develop the visual concepts presented. Each concept reflects a
different interpretation of Dublin’s identity and is intended to supplement, rather than replace,
the City’s existing branding. The visuals that will be presented are illustrative at this stage, and
color palettes have not yet been explored, as the initial focus is on determining the design
direction.
Following feedback from the Committee, Staff will work with the consultants to further refine
the visual identity and continue working with the consultant on project deliverables.
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Research Brief
2) Creative Brief
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STAFF REPORT
Economic Development Committee
Page 1 of 1
Agenda Item 4.2
DATE: December 16, 2025
TO: Honorable Committee Members
FROM: Hazel Wetherford, Deputy City Manager
SUBJECT:
Innovation Tri-Valley Leadership Group (ITV) Annual Report Presentation
Prepared by: Felicia Escover, Economic Development Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Committee will receive a presentation from Innovation Tri-Valley’s Executive Director,
Katie Marcel, highlighting the organization’s recent activities, accomplishments, and key
milestones from the past year.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive the report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with receiving this report.
DESCRIPTION:
Innovation Tri-Valley Leadership Group (ITV) is a regional network of business, education,
government, and nonprofit leaders dedicated to advancing innovation and enhancing quality of
life across the Tri-Valley. Established in 2011, ITV has cultivated a nationally recognized
ecosystem that connects startups, global technology companies, two national laboratories,
wineries, healthcare providers, and social innovators. Through strategic collaboration and
advocacy, ITV works to strengthen the regional economy, promote inclusive growth, and
position the Tri-Valley as a leading hub for innovation and opportunity. Executive Director Katie
Marcel will provide an update on ITV’s recent accomplishments, ongoing initiatives, and key
areas of focus for the year ahead.
ATTACHMENTS:
None.
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STAFF REPORT
Economic Development Committee
Page 1 of 1
DATE: December 16, 2025
TO: Honorable Committee Members
FROM: Hazel Wetherford, Deputy City Manager
SUBJECT:
Commercial Business Activity in Dublin
Prepared by: Rhonda Franklin, Management Analyst II
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Committee will receive an update on commercial business activity in Dublin.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive the report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with receiving this report.
DESCRIPTION:
The commercial business activity in Dublin remains active. Attachment 1 provides a list of new
commercial businesses that are coming soon or have opened in Dublin since the last
Committee meeting.
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Commercial Business Activity List
Agenda Item 4.3
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Attachment 1
Creative Energy 6769 Dublin Blvd.Retailer of spas, saunas, cold plunges, swim spas, and fireplaces (formerly Eastbay Motors).
Simbongsa 6999 Dublin Blvd.Restaurant specializing in Korean donuts and Korokke (operating inside Athens Burger).
Luxe Barber Studio Expansion 6635 Dublin Blvd., Ste A2 Barber shop expansion (formerly planned for Noland's Bread Shop).
USA Ninja Challenge 6761 Sierra Ct., Ste E Sport performance and training facility.
Sally Beauty Supply 4930 Dublin Blvd.Beauty supply store (formerly Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt).
Pearl Bay Manor 4940 Dublin Blvd.Dim sum restaurant serving classic steamed bites to bold and savory dishes (formerly On the Border Mexican
Grill and Cantina).
Sheng Kee Bakery 4288 Dublin Blvd., Ste 107 Bakery serving Asian style cakes, pastries, mooncakes, and desserts (formerly Kee Wah Bakery).
Happy Car Spa 3930 Kaiser Rd.Offers various levels of exterior express car washes with self-serve vacuums.
Summit Music Academy 3976 Summit Rd.String instrument and piano education center.
Green font denotes recently opened.
Black font denotes coming soon.
Dublin Blvd/Sierra Ct
Hacienda Crossings
COMMERCIAL BUSINESS ACTIVITY IN DUBLIN
Total Businesses: 9
Arts & Recreation: 2 | Auto: 1 | Food & Beverage: 3 | Health & Beauty: 2 | Retail: 1
Tivoli Plaza
Ulferts Center
Kaiser Commercial Area
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STAFF REPORT
Economic Development Committee
Page 1 of 1
Agenda Item 4.4
DATE: December 16, 2025
TO: Honorable Committee Members
FROM: Hazel Wetherford, Deputy City Manager
SUBJECT:
Economic Development Activity Update
Prepared by: Felicia Escover, Economic Development Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Committee will receive an update on various economic development activities including
the Economic Development Strategy implementation, new resources and materials, and
upcoming events.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive the report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with receiving this report.
DESCRIPTION:
The Office of Economic Development remains dedicated to advancing and supporting the local
business community. Attachment 1 provides a high-level overview of recently completed
initiatives as well as upcoming efforts led by staff.
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Economic Development Activity Snapshot
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Economic Development Activity Snapshot
This snapshot provides a brief overview of recent and upcoming initiatives led by the Office of
Economic Development to support and engage the local business community.
Completed since October 21, 2025 Economic Development
Committee Regular Meeting
Nominated Snowflake and Amber Semiconductor for the East Bay Innovation
Awards.
Sponsored and supported Startup Tri-Valley’s AI at Scale event at Patelco Credit
Union.
Participated in ITV’s Tri-Valley Listening Session with Sandia National
Laboratories.
Attended Alameda County’s CTC Business Focus Group to provide economic
development insights.
Hosted a citywide tour for the City of Brentwood highlighting Dublin’s development
projects.
Coordinated grand openings and ribbon cuttings, including: Summit Music
Academy, Holiday Inn Remodel, USA Ninja Challenge.
Conducted an on-site walkthrough with Building and the property owner of the
Dublin Place Shopping Center to address safety concerns.
Initiated hotelier meetings to strengthen hospitality sector relationships.
Collaborated with Communications on a Small Business Season social media
series.
Developed the Sewer Capacity Assistance Program (SCAP) process guide and
utilization plan.
Continued implementation of the Economic Development Marketing and Branding
Strategy, including progress on visual concepts and messaging.
Held bi-monthly meetings with the Dublin Chamber of Commerce.
Continued bi-monthly coordination meetings with Dublin Police Services and
Planning.
Released the November/December issue of the Dublin Business Brief.
Upcoming Events and Initiatives
Launching the Annual Business Survey to gather input that will help provide direction
to Staff on priority areas.
Featuring Johnny’s Donuts and Doughboys Donuts in upcoming Business Spotlight
stories.
Scheduling a business visitation with Stanford Health Care to strengthen partnerships
and discuss future opportunities.
Finalizing and releasing the Entitlement Process Guide to improve transparency and
support applicants navigating development processes.
Updating the Business Resource Handout to reflect current programs, incentives, and
City contacts.
Attachment 1
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Developing a one-page Business Safety Flyer to provide clear, accessible guidance on
safety expectations for businesses.
Preparing the January/February edition of the Dublin Business Brief to share updates,
programs, and business news.
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