Solano Economic Update: December 25'

CHRIS RICO

President & CEO

Dear Members, Partners, and Friends of the EDC,

The Solano County Economic Development Corporation is a unique public/private partnership whose mission is to foster prosperity for the people, cities, and businesses of Solano County. Our work is supported by all seven cities (plus Winters), the County, and the companies in Solano County who recognize the value of what we do. We don’t take these investments lightly, and are mission driven to demonstrate value every day.

As we begin to wrap up 2025, and look forward to next year, I’m proud to share with you our annual update. We are a small, dedicated team of six full-time employees, and a handful of consultants, who are actively engaged in a suite of programs that align with our three pillars of business attraction, business retention and expansion, and work that supports the public good. I invite you to look, and I hope that you appreciate the raft of projects and programs we are working on in service of these goals.

One thing that I’m particularly proud of is the work we do to convene the ecosystem to engage in substantive conversations around the challenges and opportunities to create shared prosperity in Solano County. Last year we produced three events with high level speakers to explore topics like Innovation, Tariffs and Economic Headwinds, and Opportunities in Advanced Manufacturing. In a few months we will produce our largest annual breakfast with an exploration of all things power and how we can create a competitive advantage for our existing businesses and the ones that we hope to attract. We will also look at controversial, but necessary grid-resilience projects like battery storage. We’re excited about what’s ahead. We don’t take your investment for granted, and we’re hopeful that you will continue to support the work we do. Wishing you all good health and continued prosperity.

FAITH-BASED HOUSING: INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR COMMUNITY GROWTH

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Bringing together leaders of faith and development to shape a stronger Solano. Bringing together leaders of faith and development to shape a stronger Solano.

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Vallejo Approves $80M Bond for Affordable Housing Conversion Project

The Vallejo City Council unanimously approved an $80 million bond issuance by the California Municipal Finance Authority to help Step Up

The Vallejo City Council unanimously approved an $80 million bond issuance by the California

Municipal Finance Authority to help Step Up

Housing acquire and convert Bay View

Apartments into affordable housing. The project includes 260 units with long-term affordability commitments, no displacement of current residents, and no financial liability for the city.

$27 Million B y roject Opens,

elcomes First Residents in Vallejo $27MillionB y rojectOpens, WelcomesFirstResidentsinVallejo

Vallejo’s $27 million Broadway Project is now open, with residents moving in as of November. The 47-unit permanent supportive housing facility marks a major milestone in the city’s efforts to combat homelessness, offering stable housing and wraparound services. City leaders and community partners were instrumental in bringing the project to life.

Supervisors Approve $5.37M in Contract Adjustments for Unrepresented Employees

Solano County supervisors approved $5.37 million in compensation adjustments through 2028 for unrepresented employees, including confidential and executive staff— excluding the Board of Supervisors. The decision follows a total compensation study.

The board also advanced multiple contract amendments and compliance audits in support of foster care, juvenile services, and legal operations.

Solano County Supervisors approved a $148.85 million Public Works Capital Improvement Plan, outlining projects through 203031. Priorities include road upgrades, facility improvements, and bridge work. The 2025-26 phase is fully funded at $8.98 million, while nearly $79 million of future projects remain unfunded, including Gibson Canyon and Stevenson Bridge enhancements.

Supervisors Approve Continued

Growth of Solano Revolving Loan Fund Supervisors Approve Continued Growth of Solano Revolving Loan Fund

Solano County Supervisors approved updates to the Revolving Loan Fund, designed to support small businesses post-COVID. Presented by the Solano EDC, the fund has deployed $3.6M in ARPA loans, with $745K already repaid. New terms include increased interest rates and revised loan limits to strengthen long-term economic recovery efforts.

Vacaville Fire & Police

Secure $255K in State Traffic Safety Grants

Vacaville’s Fire and Police departments received $255,000 in state grants to enhance crash response, extrication equipment, DUI enforcement, and traffic safety education. The funding, provided by the Office of Traffic Safety, aims to reduce fatalities and improve emergency outcomes through equipment upgrades, officer training, and expanded community outreach efforts.

$100K Grant Awarded to Expand Healthcare Workforce Pathways in Solano

HealthForce Partners California, with Aliados Health, received $100,000 in planning funds to launch a healthcare sector partnership in Solano County. The initiative aims to align local partners, increase clinical training capacity, and build sustainable pathways into healthcare careers for residents, creating a workforce that reflects and serves the community.

Solano College Awards

$184K in Scholarships to 223 Students

$184K in Scholarships to 223 Students Solano College Awards

Solano Community College celebrated 223 students receiving over $184,000 in scholarships. The awards, supported by donors and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, recognize academic excellence and community impact. Students like Mickie

shared how the scholarships empower them to pursue education and advocate for inclusive, supportive learning environments.

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Housing Project Moves Forward in Fairfield Vista Ridge Supportive Housing Project Moves Forward in Fairfield

Fairfield’s City Council approved the Vista Ridge project in a 4-3 vote, paving the way to convert the SureStay Hotel on North Texas Street into 50 units of permanent supportive housing. Despite mixed public feedback, developer Danco will move forward with ownership and redevelopment of the 100-room hotel.

Suisun Logistics Center Project Gets Green Light from Airport Panel

The Solano County Airport Land Use Commission approved the 2.1 millionsquare-foot Suisun Logistics Center as conditionally consistent with Travis AFB guidelines. The six-building warehouse project, proposed by Buzz

Oates Construction, now moves closer to development and annexation into Suisun City, aligning with local economic growth plans.

Fairfield Launches New Business Retention & Expansion Program to Strengthen Local Economy FairfieldLaunchesNewBusiness Retention&ExpansionProgramto

Fairfield’s Community and Economic Development Department launched its Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) Program, focused on supporting and expanding existing businesses. In partnership with Solano EDC and local chambers, the initiative aims to streamline processes, enhance communication, and boost job growth while nurturing inclusive, community-driven economic development.

Solano RCD and Sustainable Solano

Receive NBWA Grants for Education & Green Projects

Solano Resource Conservation District and Sustainable Solano secured grants from the North Bay Watershed Association to support local environmental initiatives.

Funds will expand third-grade watershed education in Vallejo and launch a sustainable backyard permaculture project.

The awards aim to boost climate resilience and community-driven ecological stewardship across the region.

Working Waterfront Coalition Year-End Reflections: Celebrating Success, Expanding Opportunity

Empowering Futures Through Partnership, Progress, and Purpose

Happy Holidays and permit me to give thanks to you and everyone else who made possible this year of great success and progress at the WWC. First and foremost, with November’s graduation of Cohort #4 there is our graduation rate of (92%) with (65) job placements, (71% job placement rate) of participants overall. See attached a few examples of our graduates the working waterfront can now call our own. A deep bow to our stellar staff, headed up by Program Director Sal Vaca and including Akeele CarterAyana, Chuck Carpenter, Cap’t Alan Cull, Rosemary Viramontes, Jill Perry and Blanca Ayon as well as countless others from industry who generously pitched in.

We workshopped a summer intern program, partnering with CTWI and the heroic CTE (vocational) staff with the West County Unified School District. Eight high school students participated and two got immediate job offers (the others are continuing their education) Thanks to Svenson’s Marine, Alan Cameron & Levin Terminal for pioneering this important program; let me know if your company is interested in participating next summer.

Our next Cohort gets underway in January. We’re working with our dynamic partners at Cal Poly Maritime on a host of initiatives while preparing to provide training for the Port of San Francisco/WETA ‘Clean Ports’ initiative electrifying our ferries. We continue to sign MOU’s with our union partners, including IBU (deckhands) where we will assist with much needed ‘uptraining’. Development continues on our ‘app’ which will demystify maritime career pathways by explaining them in the vernacular of young people. We’re sharing best practices and promoting collaboration coastwise on all we do.

And please join me in welcoming three extraordinary individuals to our board; Corey Cook (VP/CEO Cal Poly Solano Campus), F. Scott Humphrey (Executive Director, Marine E h g f th S F i B R gi ) d K i M h (Di t f W kf

Vacaville Celebrates Renewable Energy

Milestone with New Solar & Battery System

Vacaville launched a new 5-megawatt solar and battery energy storage system at the Easterly Wastewater Treatment Plant, expected to generate 8.1 million kilowatt-hours annually. The project will save the city over $25 million in electricity costs, reduce emissions, and boost resilience at this critical, around-the-clock public facility.

Kaiser Earns 5-Star Ratings for Quality Care Across Multiple Specialties Kaiser Earns 5-Star Ratings for Quality Care Across Multiple Specialties

Kaiser Permanente Northern California, including Vacaville and Vallejo hospitals, earned 5-star ratings in the 2025-26

California Health Care Quality Report Cards.

Recognized for excellence in behavioral health, cardiac, diabetes, and prenatal care,

California Health Care Quality Report Cards. Recognized for excellence in behavioral health, cardiac, diabetes, and prenatal care,

Kaiser stands as the only hospital health plan with top scores statewide, reflecting its commitment to exceptional care.

Kaiser Permanente Plus (KP Plus) blends top‐rated care from Kaiser physicians with added flexibility — covering up to 10 out‐of‐network doctor visits and 5 prescriptions per year. Preventive care is free, copays are modest, and plan costs are typically lower than a standard PPO. Ideal for those who value choice, quality and affordability.

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