Alameda Business Relocation Guide

ALAMEDA BUSINESS RELOCATION GUIDE

Welcome to Alameda!

Whether you are looking to start from scratch, relocate, or expand your business to a new city, Alameda is an ideal choice. We like to say we are a hidden gem in the Bay Area, close to everything but an oasis unto its own.

In Alameda, businesses thrive, thanks to a strong transportation system including a growing ferry operation and several large airports within a 150-mile radius as well as City and community support of business owners, startups, and workers alike. Alameda is experiencing a “Reawakening” of sorts with repurposed land development, mixed-use properties, and infrastructure projects occurring with a mind to creating a city that is a great place to work and live. Alameda is an optimistic, well-situated and resourceful place that welcomes and supports every type of business, from small mom-and-pop shops to leaders in the biotech and space industries.

At the Chamber we're here to help you weigh your options and find the perfect location for your new undertaking. We'll help you: learn about Alameda and our existing companies help you find the right location for your business connect you with capital financing, government incentives, and local leaders.

We can also introduce you to your neighbors and to the people who are important in the success of your business.

Our main priorities through 2023 are: Business Strong - Creating an environment where Alameda businesses thrive.

Community Strong – Supporting quality of life initiatives to enhance Alameda’s vitality.

Chamber Strong – Creating a strong, sustainable Chamber.

Business Relocation Guide -- Welcome Letter (continued)

A strong economic environment requires a strong community. We are truly fortunate to have leaders, business owners, educators, and citizens who realize we all share in the responsibility of creating economic success and happiness within Alameda.

We are looking forward to introducing you to our community and the people who make it so very special.

Sincerely, Madlen Saddik President/CEO Alameda Chamber & Economic Alliance

SOCIAL MEDIA facebook.com/alamedachamber instagram.com/alamedachamber/ www.alamedachamber.com

Photo credit for the photos of Alameda: Maurice Ramirez

ALAMEDA OVERVIEW

The City of Alameda, California is a thriving, 23-mile island community in the San Francisco Bay Area. with approximately 80,000 residents . With connections to the East Bay mainland by four bridges, two underwater tubes, and ferry service to San Francisco, Alameda is easily accessible to San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley.

Alameda possesses a strong startup culture dedicated to innovation and becoming a future showcase to other communities. We're looking at better ways of transportation, more energy efficient solutions, safer streets, and becoming a community that others talk about. We possess a wealth of talent and offer a business-friendly atmosphere. Alameda is the choice for business from an employer and employee perspective.

If you are looking to start from scratch, relocate, or expand your business to a new city, Alameda is an ideal choice.

Business Relocation Guide -- Accessibility and Transportation

ACCESSIBILITY AND TRANSPORTATION

Alameda is an accessible island.

Many business leaders choose this location because it offers both the allure of their own campus or area, while remaining easy to access from land or by sea.

Alameda Airport Options

San Francisco is just 20-minutes away by ferry or 40 minutes by car and Oakland is right across the bridge.

The Oakland Airport (OAK) is less than five miles from Alameda and it provides a wonderful gateway tp convenient flights without the headache of a crowded airport.

Alameda is a multi-modal community with many transportation options. Check out the options.

Alameda has many airport options for the best prices and schedules including San Francisco (SFO) (12.9 miles), San Jose (SJC) (33.3 miles), Sacramento (SMF) (73.8 miles) and Reno (RNO) (180.9 miles).

Business Relocation Guide -- Alameda Statistics

STATISTICS

Alameda is the 115th largest city in California.

1.4% The amount by which the Alameda job market Unemployment rate is 6.4% increased over the last year.

Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 36.6%, higher than the US average of 33.5%.

TAX RATES FOR ALAMEDA - The Sales Tax Rate for Alameda is 9.3%. The US average is 7.3%.

- The Income Tax Rate for Alameda is 9.3%. The US average is 4.6%.

Relocation Packet -- Talent Information

TALENT

Education Demographics

With a plethora of universities and colleges in the area including the College of Alameda, part of the Peralta Community College District--as well as the many opportunities in the Bay Area--the young adult population is enterprising and talented.

Many students decide to remain local after graduation because of the lifestyle and job opportunities our area offers.

Plus, many come to the area for the opportunities in bio tech and rocket science.

Alameda is also attracting a younger demographic with the development of Alameda Point and Spirits Alley as well as the construction of apartment complexes, condos, and starter homes.

THE AVERAGE AGE OF RESIDENTS IS 40.6 YEARS.

Relocation Packet -- Hiring Information

HIRING The following resources are excellent ways to find local talent:

College of Alameda's One Stop Career Center

The Alameda One Stop Career Center at Alameda Community College can help local businesses with training, prescreening and interviewing of applicants, and with referrals of pre-qualified candidates.

Businesses can access a variety of services, at no charge, specifically designed to increase their competitiveness and to grow their bottom line.

Alameda County Workforce Development Board

Through the Alameda County Workforce Development Board (ACWDB), businesses can connect with talented job seekers, receive no-cost training to increase worker productivity, and receive resources to avert layoffs. ACWDB offers: On-the-job training for employees Customized training Manufacturing cost reduction and training programs Employer-created curriculum at local colleges

State of California Programs

The State of California's CalJOBS provides employers recruitment and labor market services.

The Employment Training Panel (ETP) features funding for vocational training, where businesses determine their own training needs and how to provide the training.

The Employment Development Department (EDD) provides tax incentives and credits for hiring from certain targeted groups or making businesses accessible to persons with disabilities.

Relocation Packet -- Cost of Living

COST OF LIVING According to Best Places Cost of Living Indexes: The National Average is 100%.

The average cost for rent:

Alameda Overall 208.6 Grocery 112.6 Health 103.5 Housing 426.7 Median Home Cost $986,600 Utilities 89.4 Transportation 125.4

Studio: 1 BR: 2 BR: 3 BR: 4 BR:

California (average) 149.9 105.1 92.4 239.1 $552,800 102.4 133.1

$1835 $2210 $2775 $3835 $4695

ELECTRIC

Alameda is serviced by The Alameda Municipal Power (AMP). It was founded in 1887 and is run/owned by the City of Alameda. It is the oldest municipal electric utility in California and among the oldest in the nation, public or private.

The community-owned, not-for-profit utility is known for its cost-effective and environmentally responsible energy. AMP’s 100% clean energy mix includes geothermal, hydroelectric, wind and landfill gas.

Comparing AMP’s rates to PG&E’s, AMP customers will save 26% on average, or $22 million total, on their utility bills in fiscal year 2022.

AMP’s business approach is to provide customers with valuable products and services to help them save money and reduce the business’ carbon footprint.

AMP strives to be the trusted energy advisor customers need to be successful. Plus, AMP has some of the most robust energy incentives in California, which can significantly lower the capital cost for projects designed to help business save money and energy.

Residents and businesses also love AMP because it is rarely subject to rolling blackouts or brownouts. AMP customers often have electricity when other customers of Bay Area electric companies do not.

ALAMEDA RELOCATION GUIDE

=

WHY ALAMEDA?

Business Relocation Guide -- Why Alameda?

Diverse business eco-system

Innovative neighbor businesses

Easy access to San Francisco and beyond

Strong City investment in growth and support for business

World-class airport 5 miles away

Affordable, municipalowned electric

Enviable corporate incentives through developers and landlords

Talented workforce and recruitment assistance Breathtaking natural beauty (a strong recruiting tool)

INDUSTRIES Alameda has a rich, balanced economy where businesses thrive, thanks to a strong transportation system including several large airports within a 150-mile radius. The City supports business owners and enterprises of all sizes including startups and large-scale operations alike.

Alameda is the midst of its own Renaissance where land is being repurposed and infrastructure growth is booming. Alameda is an optimistic, well-situated and resourceful city that welcomes and supports every type of business, from small mom-and-pop shops to leaders in the biotech and space industries.

The following industries are major employers and growing in Alameda:

MARITIME

SPACE AND TECHNOLOGY

EDUCATION

HEALTHCARE

BIOTECH AND LIFE SCIENCES

MANUFACTURING

RETAIL

HOSPITALITY

REAL ESTATE Alameda has a number of exciting projects currently.

For the most up-todate information, please contact us to discuss them and we will put you in contact with the organizations behind the growth.

For information about leasing city-owned property, visit: https://bit.ly/Alameda CityProperty For Geographic Information System (GIS) GIS displays different types of data on one map for better visuals, analysis, and understanding of relationships and patterns.

Access the Citywide Viewer below: https://bit.ly/Alameda CitywideViewer

BUSINESS PARKS Marina Village – 1.2 million sq. ft. of multi-tenant office, R&D and high tech facilities in top-rated business park; wide range of space options available with beautiful views of the estuary and East Bay hills.

Harbor Bay Business Park – 1.8 million sq. ft. with more than 40 acres of fully entitled land available for immediate development on the waterfront and only minutes from the Oakland International Airport.

Alameda Point (former Naval Air Station) – for lease and major development opportunities available on 852 acres of prime real estate with stunning views of the Bay and the San Francisco skyline.

Alameda Landing – delivers the ultimate shopping experience with a unique blend of specialty retailers and restaurants.

Relocation Packet -- Real Estate (Cont'd)

REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTERS South Shore Shopping Center – 594,000 sq. ft., open air shopping center: Safeway, Trader Joes, Bed Bath and Beyond, Old Navy, Kohls, and other retailers and eateries.

Alameda Landing – 285,000 sq. ft. shopping center: Target, Safeway, Michael’s, In-N-Out Burger, and and a variety of restaurants.

COMMUNITY SHOPPING CENTERS Bridgeside Shopping Center – 105,000 sq. ft., Nob Hill and additional neighborhood shopping.

Marina Village Shopping Center – 127,000 sq. ft., Lucky’s, CVS. Harbor Bay Landing – 114,800 sq. ft., Safeway, general retail and restaurants.

HISTORICAL MAIN STREET BUSINESS DISTRICTS Park Street Business District – 356,000 sq. ft., restored art deco movie palace and vibrant evening scene with a eating establishments.

West Alameda Business District – 205,000 sq. ft., locally-owned restaurants and cafes.

Neighborhood “Station” Districts – 17 charming retail clusters nestled in Alameda’s residential neighborhoods, mostly around historic streetcar stations.

Relocation Packet -- Real Estate (Cont'd)

HOUSING, BUILDERS, & DEVELOPMENTS Alameda Tiny Homes Leeward at Alameda Point Bay37 Community

APARTMENTS Ballena Village Apartment Homes Tower Apartment Homes Panomar Apartments Point Alameda Apartments Admirals Cove

CITY TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge in West Alameda: in partnership with the City of Oakland and other stakeholders, is working to create an improved crossing for people biking and walking, joining the two cities across the estuary.

Central Avenue: this project reduces travel lanes from four to three, a center turn lane, bike lanes in the Gold Coast area, a two-way separated bikeway in the west end to Washington Park, street trees/rain gardens and intersection improvements such as roundabouts, curb extensions, pedestrian refuge islands, rectangular rapid flashing beacons and new crosswalks.

Cross Alameda Trail Overall: will be a premiere cross-town, low-stress four-mile bicycling and walking corridor to connect the west side of the island to the east, from the Seaplane Lagoon at Alameda Point to the Miller-Sweeney (Fruitvale) Bridge.

Clement Avenue: consists of a two-way bikeway on the north/estuary side of the street, curb extensions, sidewalk/curb ramp improvements and railroad track removal. It forms a 1.2 mile segment of the Cross Alameda Trail.

Clement Avenue/Tilden Way: will use the abandoned railroad right-of-way along Tilden Way and the eastern terminus of Clement Avenue. It will also build the most eastern segment of the 4-mile east-west Cross Alameda Trail, and will directly connect to the Clement Avenue Safety Improvement project, which also is part of the Cross Alameda Trail.

Cross Alameda Trail - Main Street to Constitution Way: This project, completed in August 2020, provides off-street biking, walking, and jogging trails along Ralph Appezzato Memorial Parkway from Webster St to Main St, as well as one block of two-way cycle track on Atlantic from Webster St to Constitution Way.

Relocation Packet -- Transportation (Cont'd)

CITY TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS (CONTINUED) Lincoln/Marshall/Pacific Avenue Safety Improvement Project: Street design improvements from Broadway to Main Street, 3.1 miles.

Mecartney Road/Island Drive Improvements: As a key intersection on Bay Farm Island, the Mecartney/Island Improvement Project is in the City’s Capital Improvement Program totaling $300,000 from Measures B/BB monies to fund an analysis and outreach effort so as to improve this busy intersection bringing it up to current best practice standards for safety, adjacent bus stops, path crossings and aesthetics.

Northern Shoreline near Posey/Webster Tubes: The northern shoreline at the foot of Mariner Square Drive is expected to be an entry point for coastal flooding at the 100-year flood event, which includes the Webster and Posey Tubes, State Route 260 and adjacent local streets and properties. City staff are seeking funding to begin the project to bolster the seawall barrier to keep out bay water.

Otis Drive: project will reduce speeds and flooding and improve safety for all users including a four to three lane conversion, a bikeway, bus stop improvements and street trees.

Veterans Court: Veterans Court is expected to be one of several entry points for coastal flooding at the 100year flood event on Bay Farm Island. The Veterans Court project in conjunction with the Doolittle Drive project are proposed so as to protect the airport, golf course, adjacent residential neighborhoods, commercial properties and roadways. City staff are working on the preliminary design and are seeking funding for project completion.

Willie Stargell Avenue: The City is seeking grant funding to make improvements to Stargell Avenue between Main and Fifth Streets, including separate walking and bicycling paths in the vacant right-of-way north of the roadway, intersection safety and access improvements at the crossings and transit queue jump lanes at either end of the project.

Relocation Packet -- Business Licenses

BUSINESS LICENSES People who wish to conduct business in Alameda are required to obtain a business license. This includes homebased and online businesses, residential and commercial real estate rentals, and vacation rentals.

There are three steps to obtaining a business license in Alameda: 1. Obtain zoning clearance for the location (not required for businesses located outside of Alameda). This ensures that the business can operate legally in the proposed location. Visit the Permit Center to apply for zoning clearance. Zoning clearance applications are accepted in the Permit Center Monday-Thursday from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM. 2. Apply for a business license. Apply for a business license online or visit the Finance Counter on the second floor of City Hall, 2263 Santa Clara Avenue, Room 220. The office is open Monday-Thursday from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM. 3. Pay the BIA Assessment (where applicable). Businesses located in Business Improvement Areas are required to pay an additional annual assessment. This will be handled as part of the business license application.

Find out more info at https://www.alamedaca.gov/BUSINESS/Business-Licensing-Permits

This is an exciting time to move to Alameda with lots of options, new developments, and mixed-use projects taking shape.

We have welcomed more than a dozen new companies to the island in 2021.

We invite you to get to know what makes this area the gem of the East Bay corridor.

Relocation Packet -- Business Space Permits

BUSINESS SPACE PERMITS If you are building, remodeling an existing space, erecting signs, or change anything about your current building, you may need a permit before you start work.

To apply: 1. Visit the Permit Center for information about what’s allowed and what kinds of permits you might need. The Permit Center is located on the first floor of Alameda City Hall (2263 Santa Clara Avenue, Room 190), and is open from MondayThursday, 7:30am-3:30pm. Last call for walk-in permit submittals is 3:00 p.m.

2. Fill out the necessary permit forms and pay the associated fees 3. Review and respond to any comments 4. Receive permit approval 5. Complete work 6. Schedule (and pass) inspections For the most current information, please contact the Permit Center at (510) 7476800.

Additional Resources: City of Alameda Permit Counter City of Alameda Zoning Code City of Alameda Sign Regulations

Relocation Packet -- Business Permitting

ADDITIONAL BUSINESS PERMITTING Depending on the type of business, there are other permits you may need to prior to opening. The most common permits include: Liquor License: for business that manufacture, sell, or serve alcohol, you will need an Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) License. These can be obtained at the ABC Alameda County District Office at 1515 Clay Street, Suite 2208 in Oakland, or call (510) 622-4970 for more information.

Community Care License: If your business involves caring for children or adults, you may need a community care license. These can be obtained at the California Department of Social Services Regional Office at 1515 Clay Street, Suite 1102 in Oakland, or call (510) 622-2602 for more information.

Health Permit: Restaurants, food vendors, salon or tattoo parlors, will need to obtain a permit from the Alameda County Environmental Health Services. The Environmental Health Services Office is located at 1131 Harbor Bay Parkway, Alameda, CA 94602; 510-567-6700.

Fictitious Business Name: Businesses with business names that do not include the full names of the owner or name of the corporation must file a petition of fictitious name with the Alameda County Clerk-Recorder's Office. The County Clerk's Office is located at 1106 Madison Street, Oakland, CA 94607 (between 11th & 12th Street); 510-2726363.

Importing and Exporting: In addition to the City business license, a special license is required for exportation.

Information is available from the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security.

Seller's Permit/Resale Numbers: Retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers must obtain seller's permits from the California State Board of Equalization. The nearest location is at 1515 Clay Street, Suite 303, Oakland, CA 94612; (510) 622-4100. For questions regarding sales and use taxes, call (800) 400-7115.

The board also issues resale permits which enable business owners to purchase supplies or merchandise used for resale.

Relocation Packet -- Business Support Resources

BUSINESS SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS There are several active and supportive business organizations in Alameda, which provide valuable local context, business connections, and individualized business assistance to the Alameda community.

The Alameda Chamber & Economic Alliance works to promote a strong local economy; represents and advocates on behalf of business; connects leaders and influencers in public and private sectors, and acts as a catalyst for business growth by delivering programs, aligning resources, and smoothing out challenges.

The Downtown Alameda Business Association (DABA) serves as a support network and advocate for businesses operating in the Historic Park Street Business Improvement Area.

The West Alameda Business Association (WABA) is dedicated to supporting and promoting local businesses in West Alameda.

WABA and DABA strive to promote a healthy retail/service climate as well as a district that is aesthetically pleasing and clean.

SBDC Northern California (NorCal) SBDC’s mission is to empower now and next-generation entrepreneurs with a prepared, growth mindset – through transformative insights, resources, and guidance.

East Bay Development Alliance (East Bay EDA) convenes diverse networks of business, government, and community leaders who embrace the extraordinary value of our region as an unrivaled place to live, work, and do business.

GO-Biz: California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development. GO-Biz serves as California’s leader for job growth, economic development and business assistance efforts. It offers no cost consultation for incentive identification, site selection, regulatory or permitting compliance assistance, foreign direct investment and export assistance.

SBA- San Francisco District Office , a division/branch office of the U.S. Small Business Association East Bay SCORE, offers FREE business mentoring in multiple languages, low-cost or no-cost business training, and numerous templates and tools to help you start or grow a business. We also provide advice to help you address the economic impact of the coronavirus.

Relocation Packet -- General Plan 2040 & Workforce Resources

GENERAL PLAN 2040 & WORKFORCE RESOURCES Alameda General Plan 2040 - City Plan for a better Alameda

Jobs & Hiring, Workforce Development, Worker Safety ACWDB East Bay Works Cal Employer Association Cal/OSHA California Employment Development Office

Relocation Packet -- Government

LOCAL GOVERNMENT CITY OF ALAMEDA ALAMEDA CITY COUNCIL:

Alameda, California is located in the county of Alameda.

Contacts for local government are:

City Hall Address 2263 Santa Clara Avenue Alameda, CA 94501 Phone: (510) 747-7400

COUNTY AND STATE GOVERNMENT STATE OFFICIALS

COUNTY

GOVERNOR: GAVIN NEWSOM

ALAMEDA COUNTY SUPERVISOR

State Capitol Building Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: (916) 445-2841 Fax: (916) 445-4633 https://www.gov.ca.gov STATE SENATOR: NANCY SKINNER

State Capitol, Room 5094 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: (916) 651-4009 Fax: (916) 651-4909 Or 1515 Clay Street, Suite 200 Oakland, CA 94612 Phone: (510) 286-1333 Fax: (510) 286-3885 Website

STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER Mia Bonta State Capitol P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 942490018 Phone: (916) 319-2018 Fax: (916) 319-2118 Or 1515 Clay Street, Ste. 2204 Oakland, CA 94612 Phone: (510) 286-1670 Fax: (510) 286-1888 Website Relocation Packet -- Government

It's challenging to identify the right place to grow your business. That's why we connect businesses with the information and data, partners, and resources needed to make the best decision for their company.

In Alameda, we’re a welcoming, tight-knit community and that helps us get things done more efficiently. We can ensure you're only one call away from decision makers. Our team will work with you to facilitate the meetings you need to help your business thrive.

We can provide assistance in: Locating available sites on existing or planned construction Navigating financing options Meeting and networking with business leaders Applying for tax/government incentives Getting the customized data and research you need

Questions?

Call 510.522.0414