Solano Economic Update: May Update 25

MAY 25' UPDATE

SOLANO EDC NEWS - CHRIS' LETTER

CHRIS RICO President & CEO

Dear Members, Partners, and Friends of the EDC, This month marks a very special, and somewhat incredible in this day and age, milestone at the EDC. Pat Uhrich, our Office Manager, has been at the EDC for 30 years! The title of Office Manager doesn’t really do her justice. She’s the backbone, and the glue that holds the whole operation together. She’s the historian, the record keeper, the finance person, IT, and human resources. She’s so competent, and efficient that it all happens seamlessly. She pulls off large events, with hundreds of people, and countless moving parts by herself. There would be no Solano EDC without Pat. Throughout these past decades she has supported 8 different Presidents, managed multiple office moves, and weathered multiple economic downturns. She is the MVP of the Solano EDC and we’re grateful for her every day. Be sure to shoot her an email and give her congratulations.

SOLANO EDC NEWS - CHRIS’ LETTER

Also, as most of you have probably read or heard, Solano County is under consideration for a once in a generation investment to create a state-of-the-art shipbuilding facility that has the potential to create thousands of high paying jobs. Not surprisingly, we’re competing with a lot of other cities and states for this investment. The Governor of Louisiana verbally committed to a $250 Million investment if they bring this project to his state. We won’t be able to compete with a lot of the investment and tax incentives that other states can offer.

But where we can compete is on enthusiasm and a united front as a region to support this project. To that end, 25 of our members have signed the letter in support of bringing this project to Solano. We welcome any and all additional signatures. You can read the letter and several new articles about the project here.

Wishing you all good health and continued prosperity.

Chris Rico President/CEO

SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO BIZ-GROW

Made possible by funding from the County of Solano.

SOLANO BIZ-GROW Small Business Loan Program APPLY TODAY! Limited Funds Remaining

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 Solano County.

Must be in business prior to 12/31/21

STEP 1

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

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 - BAYREN

UPCOMING FREE ENERGY CODE TRAININGS ALL TRAININGS ARE FROM 9-10:30AM

CLICK DATES TO PRE-REGISTER WEDNESDAY - MAY 7 HEAT PUMP WATER HEATERS FOR BUILDING DEPARTMENTS

TUESDAY - MAY 20 HEAT PUMP HVAC FOR BUILDING DEPARTMENTS

.ORG

(866) 878-6008

SOLANO EDC NEWS - BAYREN

RECEIVE ENERGY UPGRADES FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS Downtown Rio Vista just got a little greener! Garden & Homestead Anywhere, a brand-new garden supply store, has opened its doors at 190 Main Street, bringing with it a burst of life, color, and community spirit.

Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Caitlyn and Thomas—along with their charming shop mascot, Bean—this local gem is your new go-to for all things gardening. Whether you're an experienced green thumb or just getting your hands dirty for the first time, Garden & Homestead Anywhere has you covered with a robust selection of soils, garden and house plants, vegetable starts, herbs, and more.

Since opening, Caitlyn and Thomas have been blown away by the outpouring of support from the Rio Vista community. In return, they’re finding meaningful ways to give back. They're partnering with Rio Vista Roots to support a new community garden project—contributing fundraising efforts and donating raised garden beds.

They’re also lending their design and building skills to create a new garden space for Rio Vista Bakery.

After a well-received soft opening on April 4–5, the team is gearing up for their grand opening celebration the weekend of May 9–11. Be sure to stop by, say hello to Bean, and check out their beautiful selection of plants and supplies.

Store Hours: Open 7 days a week, 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM Location: 190 Main Street, Rio Vista, CA Welcome to downtown, Garden & Homestead Anywhere —we’re thrilled to watch you grow!

SOLANO EDC NEWS

Yocha Dehe Invests $1M More in Solano’s Health & Community Programs

The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation has contributed an additional $1 million to Solano County Health & Social Services, bringing its total support to $8.5 million. This funding continues to strengthen key programs in food access, youth transition services, and family support, advancing health and equity across the county.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC

SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO COUNTY

Solano County Approves Five-Year Housing Voucher Plan The Board of Supervisors has approved a new five-year Housing Choice Voucher Program plan, aiming to expand access to housing across Dixon, Vacaville, and Rio Vista. With 92 vouchers currently unused due to limited landlord participation, leaders emphasize outreach and stigma reduction to improve access for eligible residents.

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

SOLANO EDC NEWS - CITY OF VALLEJO

Vallejo City Council Allocates $3M in Measure P Funds to Save $21.8M Bridge Grant

The Vallejo City Council approved $3 million in Measure P funds to secure a $21.8 million Caltrans grant for major repairs on the Mare Island Causeway Bridge. Despite pushback from the Measure P Committee and council concerns about the process, the project passed 5-2, protecting vital state funding and infrastructure investment.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE THE REPORTER

SOLANO EDC NEWS - CITY OF VACAVILLE

Vacaville Launches $20 Million Sustainable Energy Project Construction began on Vacaville’s $20 million Sustainable Energy Project, a major solar initiative in partnership with ENGIE U.S. The project includes solar installations at eight city facilities and is expected to deliver $24 million in savings over 25 years. It also includes workforce training, tree planting, and community enhancements.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE REPORTER

SOLANO EDC NEWS

Dixon’s Araceli Farm Owner Named Solano County’s 2025 Climate Champion

Justina Salinas, owner of Araceli Farm in Dixon, was honored by Congressman Mike Thompson as Solano County’s 2025 Climate Crisis Champion.

Recognized for her regenerative farming practices and commitment to environmental stewardship, Salinas has transformed her lavender farm into a thriving, sustainable native grassland and a beacon of climate resilience.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE THE REPORTER

SOLANO EDC NEWS - CITY OF VACAVILLE

Kairos Public Schools Awarded $300K to Expand Innovative High School Model Construction began on Vacaville’s $20 million Sustainable Energy Project, a major solar initiative in partnership with ENGIE U.S. The project includes solar installations at eight city facilities and is expected to deliver $24 million in savings over 25 years. It also includes workforce training, tree planting, and community enhancements.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE REPORTER

SOLANO EDC NEWS

Free Wildfire Defense Training Empowers Fairfield Residents

Fairfield hosted a free hands-on wildfire risk assessment and defensible space training, thanks to a partnership between the Green Valley Fire Safe Council, Cal Fire, and the Cordelia Fire Protection District. Residents gained expert guidance on protecting their homes through home hardening, defensible space strategies, and wildfire preparedness.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC

SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO COUNTY

Solano County Unemployment Rate Edges Down to 5.1% in March Solano County’s jobless rate dipped slightly to 5.1% in March, down from 5.2% in February, despite a small decline in local job numbers.

Gains in local government helped balance losses in construction and trade sectors.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC

SOLANO EDC NEWS - VALLEY STRONG CREDIT UNION

Valley Strong Empowers Teens with Financial Skills and Scholarship Opportunity

Valley Strong Credit Union is hosting Financial Literacy Day on May 17 in Vacaville. Teens ages 15–18 will gain real-world money skills through the “Bite of Reality” simulation and be entered to win a $2,500 scholarship. Learn more and register at Workshops & Events | Valley Strong Credit Union.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

SOLANO EDC NEWS - CITY OF VALLEJO

Vallejo Offers Security Grants for Small Businesses Vallejo small businesses can now apply for reimbursement grants of up to $3,000 for security improvements like cameras, locks, and reinforced windows. Applications are open through May 21 and awarded by lottery. Businesses must have valid licenses and fewer than 20 employees.

Apply here: cityofvallejo.net.

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

SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO MOBILITY

SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO MOBILITY

SOLANO MOBILITY’S 2025 BIKE MONTH

BIKING

IN SOLANO COUNTY

GRAB YOUR BIKE AND ENJOY THE RIDE

TO WORK TO THE GYM TO VISIT A FRIEND

TO SCHOOL

THE WHOLE MONTH OF MAY Solano County 2025 Bike Champion Lamont Jones II - Read Full Story Here

SOLANO EDC NEWS

SOLANO EDC NEWS

The Solano-Napa SBDC provides both virtual and in-person trainings and workshops designed for business development on a variety of key topics.

All workshops are currently at no-cost unless noted otherwise.

PRE-REGISTER HERE TODAY

SOLANO EDC NEWS - EVENTS

MAY 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

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