Economic Development Strategic Plan
East Palo Alto’s Economic Development Strategic Plan
Visit our EPA Engage Page to learn more about this project and how to get involved.
Building a Thriving, Inclusive Economy for Our Community
The City of East Palo Alto has launched a bold new initiative to shape our city’s economic future: the Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP). This multi-year plan will guide how we strengthen our economy, support local businesses, create new jobs, and ensure that economic growth benefits all residents.
This project is a top priority of the City Council and is being led in partnership with nationally recognized consultants HR&A Advisors and Kearns & West, selected for their proven track record in equitable and community-driven economic development planning.
Upcoming Community Engagement Opportunities
This plan will be shaped with the community, not just for it. Through interviews, focus groups, pop-up events, and community briefings, we want to reach residents, local businesses and entrepreneurs, property owners and developers, community-based organizations.
Hope you can join us at one of our next events.
Upcoming Engagement Opportunities:
Date: Thursday, 9/4/2025
Time: Evening hours (To be determined)
Location: YMCA – City Room (Back Room)
2180 Euclid Ave
East Palo Alto 94303
Past Engagement Opportunities:
Juneteenth Event
Date: Saturday, 6/21/2025
Time: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Bell Street Park
What will this EDSP include?
What the Plan Includes
- Current economic conditions
- Real estate market trends across the city’s 8 business districts
- Small business challenges and opportunities
- Job growth strategies for East Palo Alto residents
- Strategic site development opportunities
- Community benefit and infrastructure funding tools
- A phased roadmap for implementation over the next 10 years
Focus Areas: Our 8 Business Districts
- Gateway Retail Center
- Ravenswood Business District
- University/Bay Corridor
- University Circle
- 4 Corners/Bay Road
- Pulgas/East Bayshore Corridor
- Laurel/Glenn Way East Bayshore
- Neighborhood Retail
Each area has unique assets and will be analyzed for its potential to support jobs, business activity, and quality-of-life improvements.
Project Timeline
The project launched in February 2025 and will conclude in October 2025, with milestones including:
- Initial research and local business interviews (March 2025 to May 2025)
- Existing Conditions Report (May 2025)
- Community engagement (May 2025 – September 2025)
- Local Employment Opportunities, Real Estate Strategieis, and Business Opportunities Study (May 2025 - July 2025)
- City Council Update (July 2025)
- Final plan presented to City Council (October 2025)
Meet the Consultant Team
HR&A Advisors is a national economic development consulting firm known for inclusive, data-driven strategies.
Kearns & West, based in the Bay Area, brings deep experience in community engagement and equitable planning.
Questions?
For more information or to connect with the project lead, contact:
Denise J. Garcia, Assistant to the City Manager
