Solano Economic Update: September 2025

SEPTEMBER 25' UPDATE

SOLANO EDC NEWS - CHRIS' LETTER

CHRIS RICO President & CEO

Dear Members, Partners, and Friends of the EDC, I’ve learned over the last few decades that the work we do, and the choices we make, in Economic Development are inherently political ones. Economic Development requires us to make decisions about land use. As much as I would like to only focus on our mission of bringing more prosperity to the people, cities, and businesses of Solano County, I know that, from time to time, people will take shots at me personally. We are not all going to agree on everything, nor should we. I believe in healthy discourse to inform the choices we make, so much so that I chose to put California Forever, and Solano Together on stage together a few years back at our annual breakfast. I have also created a board that represents as many voices and perspectives as possible, so that we are doing work that is supported by a broad swath of our county. .

When California Forever joined the Solano EDC, it was, of course, controversial. What I said at the time, and still maintain, is that we all need to be at the table together to make these decisions. They own 15% of Solano County and I run an Economic Development Corporation. It is appropriate for them to be at the table; a table which also includes: The Solano Land Trust, other non profits, nearly every major employer, all seven cities and the County, the education and workforce development ecosystem, the banks, healthcare, labor, and other developers and homebuilders. The most recent accusation leveled against me is that I’m in the pocket of CA Forever. Their membership represents less than 1% of our total budget. I have also never accepted sponsorship dollars from them, specifically to avoid any misguided perception that they were buying influence.

SOLANO EDC NEWS - CHRIS’ LETTER

We are in a moment in time when we need to make consequential decisions with urgency. All seven cities, the county, and my organization are all operating with structural defecits. I ask us all to consider the old Greek proverb that reads, “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”

In the case of Solano, it's about developing cities and creating a diverse stock of housing that younger people want to live in, and retired people can age safely in, at the same time freeing up the single-family homes they currently live in for people with families. It’s also about setting the stage for companies to bring great paying jobs that allow the 80,000 people who spend years of their life sitting in traffic to go to jobs that are not in our county. Based on results, what we are doing is not working.

We have the opportunity to use 7,500 acres ( 1% of the total land in the county) to create 10,000 generational, high paying jobs on land that is currently almost entirely vacant, all in the service of our national security. This will lay the foundation for an entire ecosystem of living wage jobs in what will emerge as a ship building cluster in the region and facilitate the power and infrastructure that will unlock more advanced manufacturing jobs. I know it’s scary to consider, but AI is coming for many of our jobs very soon. The folks who commute out of our county to tech jobs in other counties will be the first to be cut. We could get ahead and employ our folks close to home and give them the luxury of more time with their children and families, something that has direct impacts on crime, mental health, education, and general well-being.

I say, let’s go!

Wishing you all good health and continued prosperity.

Chris Rico President/Ceo

SOLANO EDC NEWS

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SOLANO EDC NEWS - STEVE KIRNIG

Meet Steve Kirnig Solano EDC | Business Retention and Expansion Manager As the Business Retention and Expansion Manager, Steve supports Solano EDC’s mission to strengthen and grow the local economy by engaging directly with Solano County’s business community. With a strong foundation in advanced manufacturing and automation, Steve brings decades of industry insight to support business success and foster economic vitality across the region.

Before joining the Solano EDC team, Steve built a dynamic 30+ year career in engineering design, distribution, and global account management. Most recently, he served as the Tesla Global Key Account Manager at Bosch Rexroth Corporation, where he led international sales strategy and helped launch key automation solutions for Tesla’s global production lines, including the Model S, 3, X, Y, Cybertruck, and Powerwall platforms.

Steve holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from CSU, Chico, and has completed extensive leadership training including Bosch’s LEAD program, Lean Production principles, and market research for semiconductor technologies. He is eager to begin this next chapter, supporting local businesses and helping drive growth and opportunity throughout Solano County.

Connect with Steve and say hello!

SOLANO EDC NEWS - JESUS ROSAS

Meet Jesus Rosas Solano EDC | Co-Program Director We’re thrilled to welcome Jesus Rosas as our new Co-Program Director at Solano EDC. Jesus will lead our BayREN programs, supporting efforts to improve energy efficiency for businesses, residents, and communities throughout Solano County. He will also contribute to the Solano BizGrow Revolving Loan Fund, which provides flexible, low-interest financing to help local businesses grow and build long-term resilience.

Jesus brings more than 14 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, with expertise in healthcare program management, operational analysis, performance measurement, and stakeholder engagement. Over the course of his career, he has led initiatives that improved community health outcomes, strengthened service delivery, and expanded outreach and program implementation.

He is known for his ability to build cross-sector partnerships and apply data-driven strategies to enhance organizational impact. Jesus holds an MBA from St. Mary’s College of California and a BA in Economics from Sonoma State University.

Please join us in welcoming Jesus to the team as we continue advancing economic development and energy efficiency in Solano County!

Connect with Jesus and say hello!

SOLANO EDC NEWS - BAYREN

CUT COSTS WITHOUT CUTTING CORNERS SAVE THOUSANDS UPGRADE YOUR BUSINESS BAYREN CAN HELP From cafes to salons, Solano small businesses are saving an average of $2,800/year with energyefficient upgrades. BayREN Business offers free assessments, rebates, and project support — often with zero upfront costs.

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

SOLANO EDC NEWS - BAYREN

CHILL: CUT COSTS WITH COOLER UPGRADES Incentives for energysaving refrigeration and HVAC improvements.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW

BayREN’s CHILL program offers free expert support and cash incentives for grocery stores, corner markets, and food service businesses to upgrade refrigeration, cooling, and HVAC systems.

SOLANO EDC NEWS - MCE

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SOLANO EDC NEWS - MCE

Federal clean energy tax credits are ending soon! Stack MCE’s EV Instant Rebate with the federal tax credits for up to $11,000 off a qualified new or up to $6,000 off a qualified used EV. Act before September 30, 2025.

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SOLANO EDC NEWS - CITY OF VALLEJO

Vallejo Invests Vallejo Invests $275K $275K to to Power Power Local Events Local Events & & Economic Economic Impact Impact

The City of Vallejo awarded $275,000 in event sponsorship grants to 18 nonprofits, boosting local tourism, small business activity, and civic engagement. These events are expected to drive visitor spending, energize community pride, and stimulate the creative economy across Solano County.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE TIMES-HERALD

SOLANO EDC NEWS - KAISER PERMANENTE

Kaiser Vacaville Expands Emergency Department to Meet Regional Needs Kaiser Permanente Vacaville unveiled its expanded Emergency Department, adding 12 beds and state-of-the-art trauma bays. This $multi-million investment strengthens Solano County’s only Level II trauma center, reducing wait times, enhancing care, and reinforcing Kaiser’s role as a critical healthcare partner for the growing Vacaville and broader regional community.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE TIMES-HERALD

SOLANO EDC NEWS - CITY OF VALLEJO

Vallejo Invests Vallejo Invests $643K $643K in in Broadway Broadway Project to Project to Address Address Homelessness Homelessness

Vallejo City Council approved $643,000 in opioid settlement funds to launch the Broadway Project, a permanent supportive housing facility. This investment helps cover startup costs while awaiting federal vouchers— bringing vital housing, services, and economic activity to Solano County by addressing homelessness and boosting public health infrastructure.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE REPORTER

SOLANO EDC NEWS

Solano County Among North Bay Leaders on Inc. 5000 Fast-Growth List Solano County is proudly represented among 11 North Bay firms honored on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list for fast growth. While specific Solano businesses weren’t named, this recognition boosts the county’s reputation as a rising player in innovation, business resilience, and economic strength across the region.

FULL ARTICLE IN THE NORTH BAY BUSINESS JOURNAL - SUBSCRIPTION NEEDED

SOLANO EDC NEWS - TRAVIS CREDIT UNION

Travis Credit Travis Credit Union Union Empowers Empowers Educators with Educators with $1,000 $1,000 Grants Grants

Vacaville-based Travis Credit Union has launched a Teacher Grant Program offering five $1,000 grants to K–12 educators across Northern California. This initiative supports classroom innovation and strengthens Solano County’s educational ecosystem, continuing TCU’s legacy of community investment and student impact through financial literacy and academic support.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

SOLANO EDC NEWS - CITY OF VACAVILLE

Vacaville Expands Fire Academy to Strengthen Local Workforce Vacaville Fire Department extended its training academy to 20 weeks, now including Firefighter 1 certification, to boost recruitment and prepare more candidates inhouse. This strategic shift supports Solano County’s emergency services pipeline, aiming to fill vacancies with well-trained personnel familiar with Vacaville’s methods and community-focused approach.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC

SOLANO EDC NEWS

Vine Electric Vine Electric Powers Innovation Powers Innovation in Solano in Solano County County

Vacaville-based Vine Electric is leading smart home innovation in Solano County. With rapid growth and a spot on the Inc. 5000 list, the company is creating jobs, advancing clean energy tech, and reinforcing Solano’s role as a hub for high-quality, future-ready skilled trades and smart infrastructure solutions.

FULL ARTICLE IN THE NORTH BAY BUSINESS JOURNAL - SUBSCRIPTION NEEDED

SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO COUNTY

$13M Investment Set to Boost Solano County Roads Solano County will receive nearly $13 million for four critical road projects, including major upgrades to I-80 in Vallejo and the replacement of Miner Slough Bridge. These infrastructure investments will improve road safety, extend pavement life, and reduce maintenance costs— supporting economic growth and commuter efficiency across the region.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC

SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO MOBILITY

SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO MOBILITY

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SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO MOBILITY

SOLANO EDC NEWS

SOLANO EDC NEWS - KAISER PERMANENTE

SOLANO EDC NEWS - SUISUN CITY

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SOLANO EDC NEWS - BAYREN

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SOLANO EDC NEWS - EVENTS

SEPTEMBER EVENTS SOLANO COUNTY Click on city logos for more information

BENICIA DIXON FAIRFIELD

RIO VISTA SUISUN CITY VACAVILLE VALLEJO

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