Solano Economic Update: October 2025

OCTOBER 25' UPDATE SPONSORED BY:

SOLANO EDC NEWS - CHRIS' LETTER

CHRIS RICO President & CEO

Dear Members, Partners, and Friends of the EDC, Last month I had the opportunity to attend the International Economic Development Conference in Detroit, Michigan. It’s always exciting to connect with my peers from around the world. Economic Developers are inherently curious and optimistic by nature. You have to be steadfast to overcome the obstacles and challenges to the changes that are necessary to keep an economy growing and thriving. Detroit was the perfect city to tell that story.

What’s great about the IEDC conference is that there are a lot of tours and excursions to experience and learn about various initiatives, developments, and programs. As you may be aware, Detroit has been through some difficult times. It was great to see how much work people have done to re-imagine Detroit and spur investment, development, and job creation.

SOLANO EDC NEWS - LETTER

I was able to participate in an innovation tour of nearby Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan. (Growing up the son of two proud Buckeyes, it did feel a lot like I was on enemy territory.) It was fascinating to see how choices the University has made to attract and retain talent, to invest in startups and innovation, has led to the creation of many new living wage jobs. I was reminded that we would do well to bridge greater connections to UC Davis, an innovation center at our doorstep.

I also had the chance to tour a nascent cultural district in Downtown Detroit.

I knew that Detroit had one of the top art institutions in the country, the Detroit Institute of Arts. It was interesting to learn how economic development is being spurred by connecting this anchor institution to a handful of other important cultural assets. In general, Detroit has leaned into the concept of Live/Play. Their sports stadiums are all in one district and they have revitalized other key ethnic neighborhoods. The downtown was vibrant and lively. All seven cities in Solano County have the opportunity to focus on place making and create more vibrant spaces that lead to economic success.

Wishing you all good health and continued prosperity.

Chris Rico Solano EDC President and CEO

SOLANO EDC NEWS SPONSOR - UC DAVIS

SOLANO EDC NEWS SPONSOR - UC DAVIS

SOLANO EDC NEWS

SPOTLIGHT ON FAIRFIELD, CA

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SOL ANO EDC BREAKFAST MANUFACTURING IN SOL ANO COUNTY OCTOBER 16 T H , 2025 LOGISTICENTER AT FAIRFIELD - BLDG 4 2140 CORDELIA RD | FAIRFIELD, CA , 94534

8AM – 10AM:

Future of Manufacturing Panel Breakfast

11AM – 2PM:

Manufacturing Career Fair

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The WDB is an EO/AA/ADA Employer/Program. TDD Relay #1-800-735-2922. Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon sufficient notice to individuals with disabilities.

SOLANO EDC NEWS

FAIRFIELD CELEBRATES MANUFACTURING WEEK Fairfield Manufacturing Week (Oct. 13–16) shines a spotlight on the city’s growing manufacturing industry! Join business leaders, job seekers, and innovators for a week of networking, insights, and career opportunities. Events include a mixer, panel breakfast, and career fair.

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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.

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SOLANO EDC NEWS - MCE

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SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO ADU

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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 COUNTY

Solano County Reallocates ARPA Funds to Boost Emergency Comms Solano County Supervisors unanimously approved reallocating $800K+ in ARPA funds to enhance the Radio Interoperability project, improving communication for first responders across Vallejo, Benicia, Dixon, and Rio Vista.

The county remains on track to fully expend its ARPA allocation before the December 31 deadline, including key broadband investments in rural areas.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE REPORTER

SOLANO EDC NEWS

Solano County Solano County Joins Joins Regional Push Regional Push to to Grow Grow North Bay North Bay Biotech Biotech

Solano County is helping lead the North Bay Bio/Life Science Alliance, collaborating with Marin, Napa, and Sonoma to grow the biotech sector. With Genentech and Solano EDC as key players, the region is poised to attract innovation, investment, and high-wage jobs in life sciences.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE PRESS DEMORCRAT

SOLANO EDC NEWS

New $38M Facility to Boost Recycling at Devlin Road A $38M construction debris processing center is coming to the Devlin Road Transfer Station in American Canyon, aiming to boost recycling by up to 25%.

The project will move debris operations indoors, reduce environmental impact, and improve visuals—though transfer station rates will gradually increase through 2028.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE PRESS DEMORCRAT

SOLANO EDC NEWS

Education Sector Education Sector Boosts Boosts Solano Employment Solano Employment

Solano County’s unemployment rate dipped to 5.8% in August, aided by 500 new local education jobs. While other sectors saw slight losses, the overall workforce grew by 1,000. Solano still holds the highest unemployment rate among Bay Area counties, but recent gains show signs of cautious economic momentum.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC

SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO COUNTY

Solano County Greenlights Battery Energy Storage — with Limits Solano County has lifted its ban on large-scale battery energy storage systems, now permitting them only in industrial and manufacturing zones. The decision balances clean energy growth with safety and land-use concerns—keeping BESS projects away from residential and agricultural areas while supporting innovation and resilience.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE PRESS DEMORCRAT

SOLANO EDC NEWS

Thank You, Thank You, Don Don Burrus Burrus AA Champion Champion for for Vacaville’s Vacaville’s Growth Growth

The Solano EDC congratulates Don Burrus on his retirement as Vacaville’s Director of Economic Development Services. His visionary leadership helped shape Vacaville into a biomanufacturing and advanced manufacturing hub. We wish him all the best and thank him for his enduring impact on Solano County’s economic future!

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE REPORTER

SOLANO EDC NEWS

All Weather Architectural Aluminum Named One of the North Bay’s Best Places to Work!

Vacaville-based All Weather Architectural Aluminum earns 2025 Best Places to Work honors! A leader in innovation and quality manufacturing, this standout employer highlights Solano County’s growing reputation for top-tier workplaces and economic vitality.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE PRESS DEMORCRAT

SOLANO EDC NEWS - TOURO UNIVERSITY

Touro University Touro University Jumps Jumps 200 200 Spots in Spots in U.S. U.S. News News Rankings Rankings

Touro University surged 200 spots to No. 143 in the 2026 U.S. News Best Colleges list, earning top rankings for social mobility and value.

Amid rising tuition nationwide, Touro’s focus on career success, affordability, and academic excellence makes it a standout for students across diverse backgrounds.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

SOLANO EDC NEWS - DIXON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO MOBILITY

PAGE 19

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SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

The Solano Transportation Authority wants your help to develop the Solano Transportation Resiliency Plan. Express your experiences with weather impacts on transportation and identify resilience priorities by taking our survey by October 15th!

CLICK HERE AND TAKE THE SURVEY

SOLANO EDC NEWS

Solano Businesses: Unlock the Power of AI with Solano-Napa SBDC. Solano EDC proudly supports the SBDC’s upcoming virtual AI Bootcamp, tailored for small and mid-sized Solano County businesses. Gain hands-on training, live AI tool demos, and build a personalized AI roadmap.

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SOLANO EDC NEWS

Solano EDC encourages local businesses to take advantage of no-cost financial advising through the Solano-Napa SBDC. From budgeting to credit management, their expert advisors help Solano entrepreneurs master financial strategy to boost profitability.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

SOLANO EDC NEWS - TOURO UNIVERSITY

Join Touro University for an inspiring conversation with Georgetown University Professor Dr. Leticia Bode, as she explores the spread of online misinformation and its consequences for health.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

SOLANO EDC NEWS - BAYREN

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SOLANO EDC NEWS - BAYREN

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MORE INFORMATION HERRE

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SOLANO EDC NEWS - BAYREN

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SOLANO EDC NEWS

SOLANO EDC NEWS - EVENTS

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