Solano Economic Update: January 2025

JANUARY 25' UPDATE

CHRIS RICO

President & CEO

Dear Members, Partners, and Friends of the EDC,

I hope you all had a great holiday season. I wanted to use this month's letter as an opportunity to highlight one of our greatest partners, the Solano County Transportation Authority (STA). Our team recently attended the STA gala in Rio Vista and, if you paid attention, you heard a common refrain from the awardees. Daryl Halls and his team are the best. They are kind, collaborative, and mission oriented. Thanks to our partnership with STA, we received nearly one million dollars from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Association of Bay Area Governments (MTC/ABAG) to develop transit oriented housing and our industrial lands. We are working with them and the County Planning Collaborative on Accessory Dwelling Units. The SolanoADU.Org website is a result of this partnership. Darren Holmes, our Marketing Manager, collaborates with STA on their Commuter Benefits Program.

In the past two months I had the opportunity to attend two groundbreaking ceremonies for big STA projects, the SR37 Fairgrounds improvement in Vallejo, which includes a unique Diverging Diamond interchange, and the Suisun City Mobility Hub. Transit facilitates every facet of our economy and they are natural partners with the Solano EDC. Daryl and his team exemplify an African Proverb that I hold dear. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” We’re grateful for their partnership as we endeavor to bring greater prosperity to the people, businesses, and communities of Solano County.

Wishing you all good health and continued prosperity.

Happy New Year!

Chris Rico President/CEO

SPONSORS: SPONSORS:

Remobilize | Redesign | Lead Remobilize | Redesign | Lead

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With over 40 years of expertise, Terry With over 40 years of expertise, Terry Ames, owner of Sierra West Boat Works Ames, owner of Sierra West Boat Works Inc. in Rio Vista, has built a legacy of Inc. in Rio Vista, has built a legacy of custom craftsmanship and dedication to custom craftsmanship and dedication to the boating community. When the boating community. When challenges arose, the Solano Biz-Grow challenges arose, the Solano Biz-Grow

Revolving Loan Fundprovided crucial Revolving Loan Fundprovided crucial support, enabling Terry to invest in support, enabling Terry to invest in essential tools, repairs, and purchases essential tools, repairs, and purchases to keep his business thriving. to keep his business thriving.

“It really helped us out, helped us move

“It really helped us out, helped us move forward,” Terry shared. forward,” Terry shared

This success story showcases how This success story showcases how strategic local investment empowers strategic local investment empowers small businesses to overcome obstacles, small businesses to overcome obstacles, sustain operations, and continue serving sustain operations, and continue serving their communities with excellence. their communities with excellence.

Solano County Secures $750K for Farm-to-Market Upgrades

Solano County has received a $750,000 grant to enhance its Farm to Market initiative in Suisun Valley. This funding will improve biking, pedestrian, and multimodal access, connecting residents and tourists to local farms and markets. The project supports regional goals for sustainable transportation and promotes Solano’s vibrant agricultural economy.

Suisun City Secures Funding for Almond Gardens Redevelopment

Suisun City’s Almond Gardens will be transformed into a 99-unit affordable housing community, doubling its current capacity. With funding approved by the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee (CDLAC), the project includes one- and two-bedroom apartments, a leasing office, and a landscaped park. This milestone advances Suisun City’s commitment to providing stable, affordable housing for local families.

Solano County Awards

in Fish & Wildlife Grants

$7,500

Solano County supervisors awarded $7,500 in Fish & Wildlife grants to support local environmental initiatives. Funding will aid International Bird Rescue in caring for native birds, the Napa-Solano Audubon Society in providing environmental education for 500 students, and Solano County Parks in enhancing interpretive displays at Lake Solano Nature Center.

Solano Housing Agencies Receive Nearly $600K in HUD Funding

Three Solano County housing agencies have been awarded

$599,277 from HUD’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program to support coordinators who help families achieve economic independence.

Vacaville Housing Authority received $312,654, Solano County Housing Authority $156,327, and Vallejo Housing Authority $128,296. These funds will provide job training, financial education, and wellness programs to empower families toward self-sufficiency.

Cal Maritime Leads with Accredited Dynamic Positioning Program

Cal Maritime remains the only U.S. maritime academy with a Nautical Instituteaccredited Dynamic Positioning (DP) program, recently reaccredited until May 2027. Offering DP Induction and DP Simulation courses, Marine Transportation cadets gain certification as Dynamic Positioning Officers, opening doors to rewarding global maritime careers.

Solano Probation Receives $50K Grant for Youth Music Program

Solano County Probation secured a $50,000 grant to launch the “Today’s Future Sound” project, offering justice-involved youth 12-week music workshops focused on therapeutic beatmaking. Hosted at the Juvenile Detention Facility and Youth Achievement Center, the program uses music to foster personal growth, reduce anxiety, and promote emotional well-being.

Visit Vacaville Champions Inclusive Tourism for All

Visit Vacaville is leading the way in accessible tourism, offering inclusive programs like the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative and collaborating with Wheel the World to ensure hotels and attractions are disability-friendly. From hosting accessible events to enhancing travel experiences for veterans and visitors of all abilities, Vacaville is setting a standard for welcoming every traveler.

Vacaville Wins Statewide Award for Youth Engagement Program

Vacaville earned the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence for its Summer at City Hall program, recognized for empowering high school students through hands-on internships and civic education. Launched in 2018, the program has helped over 100 students gain career skills, build confidence, and explore public sector opportunities.

Valero Benicia Refinery Sponsors Habitat for Humanity Project for Three New Homeowners

The Valero Benicia Refinery was proud to help sponsor Habitat for Humanity Solano County's recent build. This month, they celebrated the Dedication Ceremony for three homes completed on Woolner Avenue in Fairfield. The project's Partner Families received the keys to their new homes in time to celebrate Thanksgiving.

The City of Fairfield invites you to join District 6 Councilmember Manveer Sandhu for a fun and engaging meet-and-greet event at Gary Falati Neighborhood Park. This is your opportunity to chat with your local representative, ask questions, and share your thoughts on community issues in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

HERE

January 15th HERS

February

Made possible by funding from the County of Solano.

SOLANO BIZ-GROW

Small Business Loan Program

Funds Remaining

Loan Amount: $25,000 to $125,000

Interest Rate: 6%, Fixed Rate

LoanTerm:5Years

MinimumCreditScore:630

No Prepayment Penalty

Loan Application Fee: $250 (Borrowers who complete an assessment and counseling with the Solano-Napa Small Business Development Center shall receive a $250 rebate)

Eligibility: Small Business must meet Covid-19 impact eligibility requirements and be located in Solano County.

Must be in business prior to 12/31/21

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