OCTOBER 26’ UPDATE
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
CHRIS RICO President & CEO Dear Members, Partners, and Friends of the EDC, As you may remember, we have been working with the cities and the county over the course of the last year to study our priority production areas. We are committed to creating reports that do not sit on shelves, but rather inform the next step in the process.. In order to continue on the path towards great middle wage jobs, and prosperous cities, we worked with STA to seek out nearly a million dollars in grants from MTC/ABAG in order to build on the work of Moving Solano Forward 3 which was funded by the Economic Development Administration. (EDA) Sean Quinn has been leading a team of consultants, in partnership with STA, and in consultation with regional stakeholders throughout the process. We will be publishing the report and its findings in the very near future. So what’s next? In partnership with the County and our City partners, we will be focusing on three sectors: Ag/Bio Tech up county in partnership with UC Davis, Defense Tech around and with consultation from Travis Air Force Base, and Maritime in partnership with Cal Poly Maritime, Benicia and Vallejo. Last month I shared the great news about the $2.4 million grant from the state of California in service of building a backbone organization for Maritime Activities in the Bay/Delta region. Additionally, we will continue to grow our Manufacturing Roundtable, work in partnership with a group of stakeholders on Manufacturing Workforce, and will seek out additional funding from the EDA to do a landscape analysis of existing manufacturing in Solano County along with their workforce capabilities and needs. We’re excited to keep moving forward with this ecosystem in service of a more prosperous Solano.
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
On a personal note, I once again subjected myself to the dunk tank at the Vallejo Waterfront Weekend in support of Leadership Vallejo. Vallejo needs this program and the leaders it produces. I would be so grateful if you could support me and those efforts here: Sponsor Link Wishing you all good health and prosperity, Stay cool! Chris Rico President/CEO
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
BAYREN | BUSINESS PROGRAM
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Scan QR Code to learn about BRRR
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
BAYREN | BRRR
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Scan QR Code to learn about BRRR
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
UNLOCK MORE POSSIBILITIES Add a small home. Expand your options. An ADU is a secondary residential unit on the same property as your primary single-family or multifamily home—your backyard, reimagined.
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CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
Guaranteed Ride Home Program If you use a commute alternative like public transit, carpool, or vanpool to travel to work, and you live or work in Solano County, you can receive reimbursement for your emergency ride home.
up to $100
Employee (or immediate family member) suffers an illness or severe crisis that requires their immediate attention.
QUALIFIED EMERGENCY
The ridesharing vehicle breaks down, or the driver has to unexpectedly stay late or leave early.
After the start of a shift, their employer requests that they work unscheduled overtime.
The train, ferry, or bus does not show up for its scheduled time.
REIMBURSEMENT PROCESS
1
2
Take a taxi ride (up to 30 miles) or Uber/Lyft ride (up to 100 miles) directly from your work to your home.
Submit an application (click button below). You will be required to upload a receipt showing your name, contact info, ride addresses, date and time, and cost of ride with form of payment.
3 If approved, allow up to 60 days to receive reimbursement.
Limit 6 reimbursements per year and no more than 3 reimbursements within one month. Applications must be submitted within 90 days of the emergency ride. The program is subject to change or termination at any time for any reason at the discretion of Solano Mobility. Guaranteed Ride Home may not be used for: personal errands, pre-planned medical appointments, weather emergencies, early dismissals from work, an ambulance service, business-related travel, anticipated overtime or working overtime without a supervisor’s request, or non-emergency related trips on the way home
Click Here for More Information
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
Bay Area Air District Invests $40 Million in Benicia for Clean Energy, Health and Resilience The Bay Area Air District awarded $40 million to Benicia using penalties from air quality violations. The city will receive $30 million for clean energy, mobility, health and resilience projects, while Benicia Unified School District will receive $10 million to improve indoor air quality, energy efficiency and outdoor spaces across eight campuses.
Bay Area Air District investment supports a healthier, more resilient Benicia.
Click here to read the full article in the Times-Herald
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
Solano County Reports 46 ARPA-Funded Projects Completed Solano County reports that 46 of 57 active projects funded through the American Rescue Plan Act are complete, with 11 still underway. The county received nearly $86.95 million in federal COVID-19 recovery funding and had spent approximately $77.75 million, or 89.4%, as of June 30.
ARPA funding continues to support public infrastructure, county operations and community recovery projects across Solano County.
Click here to read the full article in the Daily Republic
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
Garamendi Maritime Summit Highlights Future of U.S. Maritime Industry U.S. Rep. John Garamendi hosted a Maritime Industry Summit at Cal Poly Maritime Academy in Vallejo, bringing together government, military, business, labor and education leaders. Discussions focused on rebuilding America’s maritime industry, strengthening national security, developing the workforce and positioning the Bay Area as a hub for future maritime growth.
Maritime summit highlights opportunities for industry growth, workforce development and national security.
Click here to read the full article in The Reporter
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
$9.3 Million Moves SolTrans Closer to All-Electric Bus Fleet
SolTrans has secured $9.3 million in federal funding to complete its 14bus battery-electric fleet project. Seven electric buses are already operating, while seven more are expected in late 2027, completing SolTrans’ transition to a 100% battery-electric local fleet.
The investment also supports charging infrastructure, workforce development and cleaner public transportation.
Click here to read the full article in the Times-Herald
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
Solano Coalition Warns Proposed Bay-Delta Plan Could Threaten Local Water Supply A coalition of Solano County cities, businesses, farmers and community organizations is urging state leaders to recognize the Putah Creek Accord before finalizing the Bay-Delta plan. The coalition warns proposed flow requirements could significantly reduce water from Lake Berryessa, affecting residents, agriculture, housing, businesses and Travis Air Force Base.
Coalition leaders are calling for a balance between environmental protections and reliable water supplies.
Click here to read the full article in the Reporter
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
Vacaville Advances Plans for 160 Affordable Homes Near Transit Center The Vacaville City Council advanced plans for approximately 160 affordable housing units near the Vacaville Transportation Center. The proposed two-phase development would serve households earning 30% to 70% of area median income and feature transit-oriented design, supportive services, on-site amenities and long-term affordability protections.
Vacaville is advancing plans for new transit-oriented affordable housing on Allison Drive.
Click here to read the full article in The Reporter
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
Fairfield Manufacturing Week Highlights Industry and Emerging Careers Fairfield will celebrate Manufacturing Week Oct. 19–23, highlighting local manufacturers and connecting students and job seekers with careers in technology, engineering, production, logistics and skilled trades. The event comes as Solano County’s industrial economy adjusts to major employer closures and significant job losses.
The week will spotlight manufacturing’s evolving role in Fairfieldʼs economy and workforce.
Click here to read the full article in the Times-Herald
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
Solano County Opens Fish and Wildlife Grant Applications Solano County is offering up to $10,000 in grants for local fish and wildlife conservation, education and protection projects. Individual awards of up to $2,500 are available to eligible agencies, schools and nonprofits. Applications open Sept. 13 and must be received by 5 p.m. Oct. 13.
Grant funding supports conservation, habitat restoration, environmental education and wildlife protection across Solano County.
Click here to read the full article in the Reporter
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
VCUSD Completes $35,000 Beautification Project at Federal Terrace Elementary Vallejo City Unified School District completed a nearly $35,000 beautification project at Federal Terrace Elementary. Improvements include custom privacy screens, pole banners and colorful graphics inspired by Vallejo schools and landmarks, designed to strengthen campus privacy, school identity and create a more welcoming environment for students and families.
Campus improvements celebrate Federal Terrace students, families and the Vallejo community.
Click here to read the full article in the Times-Herald
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
Sustainable Solano Plants Seeds for New Farm-to-School Program Sustainable Solano is developing a countywide Farm to School Project to connect schools with local farms and provide students with fresh, seasonal meals. Vacaville Unified is serving as a model, with a new central kitchen, local farmer partnerships and scratch-made meals helping guide other Solano County districts.
The initiative also supports local farmers, student wellness and hands-on food education.
Click here to read the full article in the Daily Republic
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
Filipino-American Eatery Shell’s Opens in Downtown Fairfield Shell’s, a new Filipino-American restaurant and bar, has opened at 721 Texas St. in downtown Fairfield. Owner Francis Aquino named the restaurant in memory of his late wife, Michelle “Shell.” The menu blends Filipino comfort food with American favorites while adding another locally owned business to downtown.
Shell’s celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting on Sept. 14.
Click here to read the full article in the Daily Republic
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
Free Access to Capital Event Coming to Vallejo
The Solano-Napa Small Business Development Center, Vallejo and Solano Community College will host a free Access to Capital event Oct. 7 from 5–8 p.m. Business owners can connect with lenders and learn about funding options and resources to start, grow or strengthen their businesses.
The event will be held at Solano Community College’s Vallejo campus.
Click here to read the full article in the Daily Republic
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District and Lystek Earn Water Quality Award The Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District and Lystek International received a 2026 Water Quality Improvement Award for an innovative project that reduces nitrogen entering local waterways. The partnership turns wastewater treatment byproducts into agricultural fertilizer while improving water quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The project supports cleaner waterways and sustainable resource recovery.
Click here to read the full article in the Daily Republic
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
Solano County Supervisors Recognize Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Week Solano County supervisors recognized Sept. 20–26 as SacramentoSan Joaquin Delta Week, highlighting the Delta’s environmental and economic importance. The region supports extensive agricultural land, hundreds of plant and animal species, recreation and tourism, while providing water to millions of Californians.
The recognition emphasizes protecting the Delta for future generations.
Click here to read the full article in the Daily Republic
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
Maker Faire Celebrates 20 Years of Creativity on Mare Island
Maker Faire returned to Mare Island in Vallejo for its 20th year, bringing together artists, engineers, scientists, students and makers for handson exhibits, robotics, experiments and interactive attractions. The event celebrates creativity, innovation and learning while inspiring the next generation of makers.
The annual event transforms Mare Island into a hub for art, science and invention.
Click here to read the full article in the Times-Herald
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
NorthBay Health Launches First Internal Medicine Residency Program NorthBay Health is launching its first residency program, creating a new pathway to train physicians in Solano County. The inaugural class of 10 Internal Medicine residents will begin July 1, 2027, receiving hands-on training across NorthBay Health hospitals, clinics and specialty services.
The program represents a long-term investment in Solano County’s physician workforce.
Click here to read the full article in the Daily Republic
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
UPCOMING FREE ENERGY CODE TRAININGS ALL TRAININGS ARE FROM 9-10:30AM
CLICK DATES TO PRE-REGISTER
WEDNESDAY – OCTOBER 7
2025 ENERGY CODE CHANGES – MULTIFAMILY
WEDNESDAY – OCTOBER 21
2025 ENERGY CODE CHANGES – NONRESIDENTIAL
EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
Unlock Your FREE $70 Energy Kit!
Power up your home — the smart, sustainable way. GO GREEN WITH SOLANO! Ready to cut your energy bills and protect the planet? Claim your FREE Energy
MORE INFORMATION HERE
No catch. No cost. Just smart savings.
Efficiency Kit today — packed with tools to lower your energy use and make your home more efficient.
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EDC NEWS - OCTOBER 26'
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.
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