Solano Economic Update: January 26

JANUARY 26' UPDATE

SOLANO EDC NEWS - CHRIS' LETTER

CHRIS RICO President & CEO

Dear Members, Partners, and Friends of the EDC, You may have heard that Mare Island Dry Dock is closing in Vallejo. This adds insult to injury in the wake of the announced closures of Valero in Benicia, and Budweiser in Fairfield. These closures represent the loss of several thousands of jobs and tens of millions of dollars of lost revenue, when you factor in all of the downstream jobs and revenue that will be lost. At a time when all seven cities and the county are struggling to balance their budgets, Solano County finds itself at an inflection point.

So, here’s the good news, and there’s a lot of it. We are currently working with the County, the State, JLL, and California Forever to bring billions of dollars of investment to Solano County to build ships here once again. This opportunity has drawn attention from large multinational shipbuilders who are now interested in exploring opportunities in Vallejo and Benicia as well. We are working with those two cities and with Cal Poly Maritime to host a delegation in the coming months. If and when that happens, we will be working with the Governor’s office and partners across the region to show off all that the Bay Area has to offer. We can innovate, iterate, invest, prototype and manufacture emerging technologies all in one region.

SOLANO EDC NEWS - CHRIS' LETTER

The economic development teams in both cities have been proactively pursuing new opportunities. Benicia has been working with a team of consultants and the Solano EDC to reimagine and upgrade their port.

Another team has been exploring all the possibilities of reuse of the Valero site. Vallejo engaged the Roosevelt Group, the premier maritime consulting and lobbying organization in the country, to develop a strategy to attract maritime investment. These efforts are happening in parallel with the Priority Production Area studies we have been engaged in with the seven cities and the county, a grant that we were awarded by MTC/ABAG. Because of this renewed interest in shipbuilding that was born out of California Forever’s pursuit of building ships in Collinsville, the State reached out to the Solano EDC to spearhead an application for California Jobs First implementation dollars. In partnership with Cal Poly Maritime, the Working Waterfront Coalition, the East Bay EDA, the Workforce Development Board, the Solano Community College District, WETA, California Forever, and the Bay Area Council, we are pursuing a significant investment to build out this ecosystem, and train folks into thousands of high-paying union jobs. My request to you is to raise your voice in support of welcoming investment into Solano County. How fortunate we are that some of the biggest investors on the planet are already working to bring more prosperity to Solano County.

Wishing you all good health and continued prosperity.

Chris Rico President/CEO

SOLANO EDC NEWS - BAYREN

CUT COSTS WITHOUT CUTTING CORNERS Save Thousands Upgrade Your Business BayREN Can Help

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CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

SOLANO EDC NEWS - BAYREN

BRRR PROGRAM

CHILL: Cut Costs with Cooler Upgrades

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SOLANO EDC NEWS Made possible by funding from the City of Vallejo

VALLEJO BIZ-GROW Small Business Loan Program Loan Amount: $25,000 to $125,000 Interest Rate: 6%, Fixed Rate

Loan Term: 5 Years Minimum Credit Score: 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 the City of Vallejo.

Must be in business prior to 2/28/23

Participating Lender:

Program Partner:

STEP 1

Contact to Determine Eligibility: Wendi Reed - Solano EDC Loan Program Manager

707-864-1855 x21 & 707-631-3891 Wendi@SolanoEDC.org

Scan Here For More Info

SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO ADU

UNLOCK YOUR PROPERTY'S POTENTIAL Discover the benefits of adding an ADU to your property. Maximize space and value!

VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE TODAY! WWW.SOLANOADU.ORG

SOLANO EDC NEWS - CITY OF VALLEJO

Solano Agencies Awarded Traffic Safety Grants in Statewide $140M Push California’s Office of Traffic Safety awarded over $140 million in federal grants to improve traffic safety. Solano County agencies secured funding for DUI enforcement, pedestrian programs, and emergency services. The initiative boosts education, equipment, and enforcement to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities across the state.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC

SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO COUNTY

Solano County Solano County Approves Approves $80M $80M in in Bonds Bonds to Boost to Boost NorthBay NorthBay Health Health Expansion Expansion

The Solano County Board of Supervisors approved $80 million in bonds for NorthBay Health to support equipment purchases and expansion at its Nut Tree Road facility. The funding advances the organization’s Ambulatory Network Strategy and strengthens its financial position to meet future healthcare demands across Solano communities.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO COUNTY

Solano County Solano County Growth Growth Spurs Spurs $9.8M $9.8M in Development in Development Fees, Fees, Reinvested Reinvested into Local into Local Infrastructure Infrastructure

Solano County collected $9.8 million in facility impact fees from new developments, reinvesting $7.8 million into transportation, libraries, and debt reduction. Strong gains in Vacaville and Vallejo signal economic momentum. These funds strengthen infrastructure and support future growth, reflecting the county’s commitment to smart planning and longterm community investment.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC

SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO COUNTY

Solano County Approves $4.6M in New Law Enforcement Contracts Solano County supervisors unanimously approved $4.62 million in new wage agreements for four law enforcement employee units. The multi-year contracts, effective Dec. 21, include phased raises, healthcare contributions, and bonuses. The decision reflects the county’s continued investment in workforce stability and public safety.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC

SOLANO EDC NEWS - KAISER PERMANENTE

Kaiser Vacaville Named a Top Teaching Hospital in the U.S. Kaiser Permanente Vacaville has been nationally recognized by The Leapfrog Group as a Top Teaching Hospital for excellence in safety, quality care, and medical education. This honor highlights the hospital’s commitment to training future healthcare leaders while delivering top-tier care to patients across the Napa-Solano region.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC

SOLANO EDC NEWS

Fair to Fair to Future: Future: $31K in $31K in Ag Ag Scholarships Scholarships Now Now Open Open

The Friends of the Dixon May Fair will award $31,000 in scholarships to Solano County students pursuing agriculture-related studies. Nine awards are available through the 2026 Donnie and Tootie Huffman Scholarship Program. Applications are due March 1. Help fund the future of farming and ag innovation!

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC

SOLANO EDC NEWS

Harbinger Homes Harbinger Homes Scales Scales Up Up in in Vallejo with Vallejo with Local Local Workforce Workforce & & Solano EDC Solano EDC Collaboration Collaboration

Harbinger Homes, formerly Factory OS, is ramping up modular housing production at Mare Island. With support from Solano EDC, the company is expanding workforce opportunities, increasing output, and contributing to housing solutions across California—all while employing 200 local union workers and strengthening Solano’s advanced manufacturing sector.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE PRESS DEMORCRAT

SOLANO EDC NEWS

Meals on Wheels Expands Senior Support with New Funding Solano County Supervisors approved an $83,761 contract increase for Meals on Wheels Solano, boosting home safety services for seniors. The funding— reallocated from Benicia—will assist 50 more clients, provide 400 fall prevention devices, and expand risk assessments.

The total contract now stands at $464,230 through March 31.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC

SOLANO EDC NEWS

Comfort Keepers Comfort Keepers Named Named Solano County’s Solano County’s Best Best in in Home Health Home Health Care Care

Comfort Keepers, a family-owned business in Vallejo and Vacaville, was voted “Best of Medical – Home Health Care” in Solano County.

Known for compassionate, in-home senior care, the team’s dedication is inspired by family values and a mission to help clients age with dignity in the comfort of their homes.

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

SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO MOBILITY

GUARANTEED RIDE HOME PROGRAM

Your Backup Plan for the Unexpected!

Get reimbursed for emergency rides home when using transit, carpool, or vanpool for commuting!

LEARN MORE HERE

SOLANO EDC NEWS - TRAVIS CREDIT UNION

SOLANO EDC NEWS - TRAVIS CREDIT UNION

SOLANO EDC NEWS

SOLANO EDC NEWS

SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO-NAPA SBDC

Solano-Napa SBDC helped local business clients grow their 2024–25 sales by $22.9 million!

Offering expert guidance and support, SBDC empowers entrepreneurs to boost revenue and reach new goals.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO-NAPA SBDC

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO-NAPA SBDC

A free 7-part Ecommerce Accelerator Series is available for Solano County residents through the NorCal SBDC. From startup essentials to advanced selling strategies on websites, social media, Amazon, Etsy and more—this nocost training helps entrepreneurs build, grow, and succeed in online business.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

SOLANO EDC NEWS - WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD OF SOLANO COUNTY

Solano County’s Workforce Development Board is helping recently laid-off residents get back to work fast with free services including job search assistance, training programs, and personalized career plans. Whether you’re exploring new paths or restarting your career, support is available.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

SOLANO EDC NEWS - TOURO UNIVERSITY

Touro University Touro University California California Wins Wins National Grant National Grant to to Advance Advance AI‑Powered AI ‑Powered Medical Medical Training Training

Touro University California has received the prestigious Clinical Reasoning Catalyst Grant to develop AI-powered osteopathic learning tools in partnership with Sketchy. As one of only two osteopathic schools selected nationwide, TUCOM will enhance clinical training, benefiting future physicians and advancing healthcare education across Solano County and the nation.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

SOLANO EDC NEWS

SOLANO EDC NEWS - BAYREN

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SOLANO EDC NEWS - BAYREN

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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 - BAYREN

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SOLANO EDC NEWS - NEW SOLANO EDC MEMBERS

Solano EDC Welcomes Our New Member!

WE’RE IN THE BUSINESS OF PROSPERITY

SOLANO EDC NEWS - EVENTS

JANUARY EVENTS SOLANO COUNTY Click on city logos for more information

BENICIA DIXON FAIRFIELD

RIO VISTA SUISUN CITY VACAVILLE VALLEJO

Thank you Solano EDC Major Investors! $25,000 INVESTORS

$15,000 INVESTOR

$10,000 INVESTORS

$7,500 INVESTORS

PUBLIC INVESTORS

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