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NOVEMBER 24' UPDATE

J J. PAUL . PAUL HARRINGTON HARRINGTON

Vice President of Solano EDC

Guest writer for the Economic Update

Hi members, partners, and friends,

I am thrilled to share some exciting news about one of our own! Nandi joined Solano EDC in June 2022 as a fellow through our partnership with Kaiser and Solano Community College. Her journey began with the challenging task of updating our website, which involved cold calling colleges and utilities to gather data. Despite having no prior experience in cold calling or an office environment, Nandi approached her responsibilities with remarkable courage and a "I don't know how, but I'll try!" attitude.

From the very beginning, it was clear that Nandi was not only coachable but also incredibly dedicated to her personal and professional growth. Her motivation is deeply rooted in her passion for her son, Liam, and her desire to provide for him to the best of her abilities. This drive has propelled her to excel in her role, and we quickly recognized her potential, promoting her to Assistant Project Manager for our BayREN programs.

Over the past two years, Nandi has achieved so much. She completed two associate degrees at Solano College and has continually sought to educate herself on best practices in project management, all while taking on a progressively heavier workload. She became secretary for the Napa Solano Chapter of International Codes Council and currently serves as Vice President. She was the catalyst for launching the firs Women in Codes Chapter in California and she assist in the implementation of eight of our ten BayREN programs. Her bright spirit, hard work and commitment have made her an invaluable asset to our team.

I am delighted to announce that Nandi has earned a full-time position as our Community Engagement Manager. Please join me in congratulating her on this well-deserved achievement!

Congratulations, Nandi! We are excited to see all the great things you will accomplish in your new role!

SOLANO COUNTY ALLOCATES

$3.5M IN RETURNED FEDERAL RELIEF

FUNDS

Solano County redirected $3.5 million in unused federal Solano County redirected $3.5 million in unused federal relief funds, with $1.25 million for revenue recovery, $1 relief funds, with $1.25 million for revenue recovery, $1 million to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, million to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, and another $1 million for disaster relief upgrades at and another $1 million for disaster relief upgrades at McCormack Hall. The board also dedicated $250,000 to McCormack Hall. The board also dedicated $250,000 to improve the county’s emergency radio system. improve the county’s emergency radio system.

Supervisor Wanda Williams advocated for Suisun City’s

Supervisor Wanda Williams advocated for Suisun City’s request for $1.9 million to refurbish a senior center but request for $1.9 million to refurbish a senior center but faced resistance. The county must use all $86.9 million in faced resistance. The county must use all $86.9 million in relief funds by 2026. relief funds by 2026.

VALLEJORECEIVING$4MILLIONFOR BROADBANDACCESS

Vallejo received nearly $4 million from the California Public Utilities Commission to boost broadband access in underserved areas. Funded by the $2 billion Last Mile Grant Program, the projects include Porter Street, North Sonoma Boulevard, Mare Island, and Trailer City Park, serving over 4,300 residents across 1,077 locations. Solano County still has $13.2 million available for future broadband efforts.

SOLANO COUNTY EYES 8

HIGHWAY INTERCHANGES FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Solano County is studying development options for Solano County is studying development options for eight highway interchanges to boost sales, property, eight highway interchanges to boost sales, property, and occupancy tax revenue. The focus includes and occupancy tax revenue. The focus includes potential projects like hotels, workforce housing, potential projects like hotels, workforce housing, and electric charging stations. Supervisor John and electric charging stations. Supervisor John

Vasquez sees this as a key step in economic growth for unincorporated areas, with solar energy projects for unincorporated areas, with solar energy projects also in the discussion. also in the discussion.

Vasquez sees this as a key step in economic growth

FREE BUS RIDES FOR YOUTHS IN FAIRFIELD STARTING DEC. 1

Fairfield will provide free FAST bus rides for youth aged 6- Fairfield will provide free FAST bus rides for youth aged 618, beginning Dec. 1. The City Council approved the plan to 18, beginning Dec. 1. The City Council approved the plan to accept only Clipper cards and paratransit passes. This accept only Clipper cards and paratransit passes. This change aims to make transit more accessible while saving change aims to make transit more accessible while saving costs, helping Fairfield meet its zero-emission goals by costs, helping Fairfield meet its zero-emission goals by 2040. A partnership with Paradise Valley Estates will also 2040. A partnership with Paradise Valley Estates will also improve transit for local residents and workers. improve transit for local residents and workers.

BREWINGCOMPANYOPENSASAN EXTENSIONTOGRACIE’SRESTAURANT

Ken Ingersoll, owner of Gracie’s BBQ, has opened Vallejo Brewing Company next door, aiming to strengthen community bonds downtown. The new venue features local history-inspired design, a range of beers, and the option to order food from Gracie’s. Ingersoll credits collaboration with local designers and business owners for revitalizing the area, saying, “It’s all about community.” With a warm response from locals, Ingersoll sees the brewery as a sign of Vallejo’s ongoing growth.

SEPTEMBER UNEMPLOYMENT RATES DROP IN SOLANO COUNTY

The unemployment rate in Solano County was The unemployment rate in Solano County was 5.1% in September, down from a revised 5.7% in 5.1% in September, down from a revised 5.7% in August. The county’s unemployment rate in August. The county’s unemployment rate in September 2023 was 4.6%. September 2023 was 4.6%. The county added The county added jobs in government, and professional and jobs in government, and professional and business services. Fewer jobs were available in business services. Fewer jobs were available in construction; trade, transportation and utilities; construction; trade, transportation and utilities; and leisure and hospitality. and leisure and hospitality.

CITY COUNCIL TO RE-ADVERTISE HEART OF FAIRFIELD PHASE

The City Council voted unanimously, with councilman Rick Vaccaro absent, voted to transfer $785,070 to fund for a portion of the Heart of Fairfield project. The Heart of Fairfield project is being completed in phases. Phase 1A was completed in April and included the removal of antiquated site furnishings, including concrete benches, pergola structures and potted plants. Phase 1B will build upon the improvements. It includes the replacement of existing street trees and corresponding irrigation.

VACAVILLE CITY COUNCIL

APPROVES EMPLOYEE AGREEMENT AND TRANSIT SERVICES

The Vacaville City Council approved a one-year

The Vacaville City Council approved a one-year MOU with employees, featuring a 4% cost-of-living MOU with employees, featuring a 4% cost-of-living

raise, costing $523,974. They also updated the raise, costing $523,974. They also updated the Community Development Block Grant plan to aid Community Development Block Grant plan to aid low-income residents and signed a Transit Services low-income residents and signed a Transit Services

Agreement to maintain affordable bus fares Agreement to maintain affordable bus fares through federal and state funds. through federal and state funds.

WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2024: HONORING LOCAL LEADERS

At Benicia Veterans Memorial Hall, U.S. Rep. John Garamendi honored 42 female leaders from the 8th Congressional District for their impact on the community. Notable honorees include Vallejo City Councilmember Dr. Rozzana Verder-Aliga, recognized for 29 years of public service, and longtime community advocate, Guillermina Loera-Diaz. Fairfield’s honoree, Kristina Kauzinger, was recognized for her work with Solano Land Trust. Benicia’s Viola Robertson, 78, received a standing ovation for over 40 years of service with the Community Action Council.

SUSTAINABLESOLANOOFFERSHOMEKITCHENBUSINESSWORKSHOPS

Melissa Edwards of Enchanted Cottage Kitchen will guide aspiring home cooks in a new training program by Sustainable Solano and the Napa-Solano SBDC. The initiative, funded by a $500,000 grant, offers virtual and in-person sessions to help residents launch home-kitchen businesses under the MicroEnterprise Home Kitchen Operations ordinance.

SOLANO COMMUNITY COLLEGE LAUNCHES DANCE FESTIVAL WITH GRANT FUNDING

Solano Community College professor Ginger Cain is using a Solano Community College professor Ginger Cain is using a $3,550 grant to launch the inaugural “Dance, Create, $3,550 grant to launch the inaugural “Dance, Create, Collaborate” festival, aimed at connecting SCC with local Collaborate” festival, aimed at connecting SCC with local schools and Bay Area colleges. The festival, set for May 9, schools and Bay Area colleges. The festival, set for May 9, will showcase student talent through collaborations with will showcase student talent through collaborations with community artists, offering a professional stage experience. community artists, offering a professional stage experience.

Cain emphasizes this grant as a chance to elevate artistic Cain emphasizes this grant as a chance to elevate artistic expression and performance opportunities for students. expression and performance opportunities for students.

SOLANO COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OFFERS TEACHER GRANTS

The Solano Community Foundation introduced The Solano Community Foundation introduced three initiatives to boost community engagement three initiatives to boost community engagement and education. These include $1,000 “Make and education. These include $1,000 “Make Learning Fun!” grants for teachers, “Building Learning Fun!” grants for teachers, “Building Community Muscle” events to connect nonprofits Community Muscle” events to connect nonprofits and leaders, and a new volunteer program for and leaders, and a new volunteer program for meaningful service. CEO Leslie Janik aims to meaningful service. CEO Leslie Janik aims to foster growth and impact through these efforts. foster growth and impact through these efforts.

BUILDING COMMUNITY MUSCLE’ RETURNS TO EMPOWER LOCAL NONPROFITS

The Solano Community Foundation, in collaboration with Assemblymember Lori Wilson, Supervisor-elect Cassandra James, and Fairfield Councilmember K. Patrice Williams, will host the second “Building Community Muscle” event on Tuesday, 5-7 pm, at the Fairfield Community Center. The event, featuring presentations on grant opportunities and AI tools for grant writing, aims to enhance funding access and strengthen community resources across Solano County. Organizers emphasize the power of partnership in supporting local nonprofits.

ALLWEATHEREXPANDSSHEET ALUMINUMFACILITY

All Weather Aluminum is expanding by 87,000 square feet in Vacaville, introducing automated storage to improve safety and efficiency. City officials praised the project, viewing it as part of Vacaville’s rise in advanced manufacturing and job growth. The business, which began in Vallejo in 1969, continues its legacy with this modern upgrade.

Guaranteed Ride Home Program

Did you know that if you commute using alternative transportation (transit, carpool, or vanpool) & have an emergency requiring you to leave work early, our Guaranteed Ride Home Program can reimburse you for that emergency ride?

Qualified emergencies only.

UNLOCKYOUR UNLOCKYOUR PROPERTY'S PROPERTY'S POTENTIAL POTENTIAL

Discover the Discover the benefits of adding benefits of adding an ADU to your an ADU to your property. Maximize property. Maximize space and value! space and value!

The Solano Economic Development Corporation and the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) announced today it is entering a strategic partnership to bridge the gap of state and local resources for advanced manufacturing companies in the region.

Acknowledging Solano County’s decisive role in advancing manufacturers to the region, CMTA aims to support the businesses making California. Solano County employs over 12,000 manufacturing employees across 270 companies in the region, according to the most recent data. As Solano’s manufacturing scene continues to grow, CMTA will also play a pivotal role in supporting Solano County’s Advanced Manufacturing Plan to ensure strong benefits and seamless processes to bring new manufacturers to the region.

NOVEMBER

NOV 06

12 - 12:30PM

NOV13

12 - 12:30PM

AI Lunchbreak: How to Create Stunning Images for Your Business

NOV 14

6:30 - 7:30PM

T R A I N I N G S

NOV 28

6:30 - 7:30PM

AI Lunchbreak: How to Create Engaging Videos for Your Business Start Smart Business Group Meeting Start Smart Business Group Meeting

SBDCTOHOSTVACAVILLESMALL BUSINESSLAUNCHPADEVENTSET

FORNOV.20

The Napa-Solano Small Business Development Council will host a free Launchpad event for small businesses in Vacaville on Nov. 20 at Travis Credit Union. Co-sponsored by the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce and the City of Vacaville, the event will focus on capital access, social media strategies, and using AI to boost business. Sessions include insights from Google on leveraging Maps and Search, plus a networking hour. Lunch is provided, and registration is available on the SBDC’s website.

Join the Solano-Napa SBDC and Sonoma Small Business Development Center for Access to Capital Nov. 7 at Redwood Credit Union in Napa. Meet lenders who can fund your business! This 1:30 to 3:30 pm no-cost event will include representatives from both traditional and non-traditional financial institutions.

SOLANO BIZ-GROW

Small Business Loan Program

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