Solano Economic Update: May 26

MAY 26' UPDATE

SOLANO EDC NEWS - CHRIS' LETTER

CHRIS RICO President & CEO

Dear Members, Partners, and Friends of the EDC, We had the pleasure of hosting 350 of you last Wednesday for our important conversation on Power at Bally Keal Estates. Thank you for showing up for Solano and for these conversations about our future, and how we build more prosperity together. It’s going to take a collective effort for all seven of our cities and our county to be prosperous, with ample resources and balanced budgets.

Power is the most important variable driving economic development, housing, business attraction, and even business retention. I have a big audacious vision that someday Solano can be the home of cheap(er), reliable, renewable power.

We have all of the geographical assets to make that come true. I’m grateful that BayREN, PG&E, MCE, Middle River Power, and Next Era energy were gracious enough to sponsor this conversation in addition to Medic Ambulance, Valley Strong, and of course our long-time presenting sponsor Kaiser Permanente. My only regret is that we didn’t have enough time to really explore this to its fullest extent with the caliber of panelists we had on stage. Rest assured, this is the first of many conversations we’ll be facilitating on this topic. Thank you as always for supporting us and the work we do. I’m going to keep this brief to save room for photos from the event.

Wishing you continued good health and prosperity, Chris Rico

SOLANO EDC NEWS - ANNUAL BREAKFAST

SOLANO EDC NEWS - ANNUAL BREAKFAST

S O L A N O

E D C

A N N U A L

B R E A K F A S T

POWER UP SOLANO COUNTY PRESENTING SPONSOR:

SUPPORTING SPONSORS:

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS

SOLANO EDC NEWS - DIXON MAY FAIR 2027

SOLANO EDC NEWS - BAYREN

LOWER BILLS WITHOUT LOWERING QUALITY Save More and Improve Your Business with BayREN Support

From restaurants to retail shops, Solano County small businesses are saving an average of $2,800 each year through energy-efficient improvements. BayREN Business provides free assessments, rebates, and hands-on project support — often with no upfront investment required.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

SOLANO EDC NEWS - BAYREN

CHILL: SAVE MORE WITH SMARTER COOLING UPGRADES Incentives for energyefficient refrigeration and HVAC improvements.

BayREN’s CHILL program provides free technical support and cash incentives for grocery stores, markets, and food service businesses to improve refrigeration, cooling, and HVAC systems.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

SOLANO EDC NEWS - BAYREN

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WEDNESDAY – MAY 27 2025 ENERGY CODE CHANGES - NONRESIDENTIAL

WEDNESDAY – JUNE 10 HEAT PUMP HVAC FOR BUILDING DEPARTMENTS

WEDNESDAY – JUNE 17 INTRODUCTION TO RESIDENTIAL BUILDING ELECTRIFICATION

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SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO ADU

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SOLANO EDC NEWS

Solano Competes Solano Competes Compet es for for $3B $3B Maritime Investment Maritime Investment Opportunity Opportunity

Solano County leaders are working to attract a $3 billion maritime manufacturing project, positioning the region as a hub for innovation and job creation. The effort highlights strong regional collaboration and could significantly boost employment, industry growth, and long-term economic resilience for Solano businesses and residents if secured.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE REPORTER

SOLANO EDC NEWS - COUNTY OF SOLANO

$4.1M Investment Investment Expands Homeless Housing Support in Solano County Solano County received $4.1 million to support emergency shelters, transitional housing, and homelessness prevention programs. This investment strengthens community stability, helps individuals transition into housing, and supports a healthier local economy—reducing strain on services while creating a more stable environment for businesses, residents, and workforce growth.

CLICK HERE TO READ FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC

SOLANO EDC NEWS - CITY OF SUISUN

Suisun City Suisun City ‘Primed’ ‘Primed’ for for Growth, Growth, Grow th, Leaders Say Leaders Say at at State State of of Business Business Event Event

Suisun City leaders and business experts highlighted strong potential for economic growth, driven by housing, workforce pipelines, and advanced manufacturing opportunities. For Solano County, this momentum signals new jobs, investment, and reduced commuter reliance—creating a more balanced, resilient local economy for businesses and residents alike.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC

SOLANO EDC NEWS

State of Business Forum Highlights Jobs and Growth Priorities in Suisun City Suisun City leaders emphasized job creation, faster development, and small business support as keys to future growth. For Solano County, these priorities are critical to reducing long commutes, attracting investment, and strengthening the local economy— ensuring businesses thrive while residents gain access to quality jobs closer to home.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE REPORTER

SOLANO EDC NEWS - COUNTY OF SOLANO

Solano Sola Sola no County no County Invests Invests Additional Additional $2.56M to $2.56M to Upgrade Upgrade McCormack McCormack Hall Hall Emergency Shelter Emergency Shelter

Solano County is investing $2.56 million to complete upgrades to McCormack Hall, strengthening its role as a large-scale emergency shelter. This ensures better disaster preparedness, supports community resilience, and provides businesses and residents with greater security knowing critical infrastructure is safe, functional, and ready when emergencies impact the region.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC

SOLANO EDC NEWS - COUNTY OF SOLANO

Solano Public Health Lab Earns National National Excellence Award Solano County’s regional public health lab received national recognition for safety, sustainability, and staff wellness. This achievement highlights the county’s strong public health infrastructure—critical for protecting residents, supporting workforce health, and creating a stable environment that attracts businesses and promotes long-term economic growth in Solano County.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE REPORTER

SOLANO EDC NEWS - WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD OF SOLANO COUNTY

Solano Career Solano Career Fair Fair Draws Draws Crowds Amid Crowds Amid Workforce Workforce Shifts Shifts

A strong turnout at Solano’s career fair highlights growing demand for jobs and retraining following major employer closures. The event connected residents with new opportunities, resources, and training— playing a vital role in workforce recovery, supporting local businesses, and helping stabilize Solano County’s evolving economy.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE REPORTER

SOLANO EDC NEWS - CITY OF VALLEJO

Maritime Revitalization Efforts Maritime Could Reignite Vallejo’s Economy at Mare Island Vallejo’s maritime revitalization plan, paired with potential federal support like the SHIPS Act, could bring jobs, investment, and industrial growth back to Mare Island. For Solano County residents and businesses, this signals opportunity —helping replace lost jobs, strengthen the local economy, and position the region as a competitive hub for maritime innovation.

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

SOLANO EDC NEWS

Solano County Solano County Youth Youth Summit Summit Buildss Future Builds Build Future Workforce Workforce Through Through Social Entrepreneurship Social Entrepreneurship

More than 200 Solano County students gained real-world problemsolving and business skills at the Youth Summit, strengthening the region’s future workforce. For local businesses and residents, this means a growing pipeline of innovative, community-minded talent equipped to tackle economic challenges, support entrepreneurship, and drive long-term growth across Solano County.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC

SOLANO EDC NEWS

Yocha Dehe Dehe Wintun Nation Invests $450K in Vallejo Students Through Solano College Scholarships A $450,000 investment in Solano College scholarships will expand access to education for Vallejo students, especially working adults and single parents. For Solano County residents and businesses, this strengthens the local workforce pipeline, supports upward mobility, and builds a more skilled talent base to drive long-term economic growth and community stability.

CLICK HERE TO READ FULL ARTICLE IN THE TIMES-HERALD

SOLANO EDC NEWS - CITY OF VACAVILLE

Vacaville Completes Vacaville Completes Sustainable Sustainable Energy Projec Energy Project, Project, t, Advancing Advancing Cost Cost Savings and Savings and Resilience Resilience

Vacaville’s completed sustainable energy project reduces long-term costs, improves energy reliability, and supports local workforce development. For Solano County businesses and residents, this means lower operational expenses, increased infrastructure resilience, and a stronger push toward sustainability—helping the region stay competitive while investing in economic stability and environmental responsibility.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC

SOLANO EDC NEWS

Vallejo Mayor Andrea Sorce Appointed to Key Solano County LAFCO Board Vallejo Mayor Andrea Sorce’s appointment to LAFCO places her in a key role shaping land use, development, and annexation decisions across Solano County. For residents and businesses, this impacts future growth, housing, and major projects —making local representation critical in guiding balanced economic development and regional planning decisions.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE REPORTER

SOLANO EDC NEWS - CITY OF VALLEJO

Vallejo Appoints Vallejo Appoints Interim Interim City City Manager to Manager to Tackle Tackle Budget Budget and and Stability Challenges Stability Challenges

Vallejo’s appointment of experienced interim City Manager Harry Black comes at a critical time, with a projected $29 million deficit. For Solano County residents and businesses, strong leadership is key to stabilizing finances, maintaining services, and restoring confidence—factors essential for economic growth, investment, and long-term community stability.

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

SOLANO EDC NEWS - CITY OF VACAVILLE

CITY OF VACAVILLE NEWSLETTER

VACAVILLE INSIGHTS

Stay connected with the City of Vacaville’s monthly updates featuring major projects, community events, public safety news, job opportunities, and ways to get involved.

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SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO-NAPA SBDC

From new entrepreneurs to established business owners, the SolanoNapa SBDC provides expert guidance and resources to support your growth. Get started today with no-cost advising CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

SOLANO EDC NEWS - WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD OF SOLANO COUNTY

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SOLANO EDC NEWS - COUNTY OF SOLANO

SOLANO EDC NEWS - COUNTY OF SOLANO

SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO MOBILITY

SOLANO EDC NEWS - KAISER PERMANENTE

SOLANO EDC NEWS - MCE

SOLANO EDC NEWS - MEDIC AMBULANCE

SOLANO EDC NEWS - MIDDLE RIVER POWER

SOLANO EDC NEWS - NEXTERA ENERGY RESOURCES

SOLANO EDC NEWS - PG&E

SOLANO EDC NEWS - VALLEY STRONG

SOLANO EDC NEWS - BAYREN

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SOLANO EDC NEWS - BAYREN

Here’s What’s in Your FREE Energy Kit: LED light bulbs High-efficiency bathroom and kitchen faucet aerators and high-efficiency showerhead(s) (same pressure, less water) A toilet leak detection test Your choice of: a smart power strip ($70 value), two smart energy plugs, OR a single burner induction cooktop One smart LED light bulb Energy savings tips booklet Foam weather tape

MORE INFORMATION HERE

Connect with Rising Sun to receive a Kit, fill out a survey online or call: (510) 665-1501 EXT. 300 RISINGSUN.TFAFORMS.NET/3 The Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) is a coalition of the Bay Area’s nine counties partnering to promote resource efficiency at the regional level, focusing on energy, water and greenhouse gas reduction.

SOLANO EDC NEWS - EVENTS

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