We are excited to invite you to participate in our upcoming community forums as part of the City of Modesto’s Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP). 

The EDSP will provide a blueprint for attracting targeted new development and business investment, creating jobs, and ensuring the City’s long-term fiscal health.

The Plan will identify key industries that should be the focus of Modesto’s business retention, expansion, and attraction efforts. It will also address closely-related issues such as infrastructure, land use, and workforce development. 

The EDSP process will cover three major “legs” of successful economic development: Core Industries, Workforce, and Foundational Elements.

To ensure the Plan reflects the needs and aspirations of our community, we are conducting an engagement process to hear from community members and stakeholder groups. We encourage you to join us at the following community forums:

Workforce Development Forum

August 8, 2024
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM PST
Virtual (via ZOOM)

Workforce development is critical for economic success. This forum will address skill gaps, job training, and aligning education with industry needs.

Topics: Vocational training, apprenticeships, career pathways, lifelong learning, and employer engagement.

Entrepreneurial Development Forum

August 14, 2024
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM PST
Virtual (via ZOOM)

This forum will provide a platform to discuss strategies for supporting startups, encouraging innovation, and creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Topics: Access to capital, mentorship programs, business incubators, networking events, and regulatory support.

State Policies and Legislative Agenda Forum

August 28, 2024
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM PST
Virtual (via ZOOM)

Participants will engage in dialogue about state-level policies and legislation that impact jobs and small businesses. It’s an opportunity to advocate for favorable policies and address challenges. 

Topics: Climate resiliency, tax incentives, labor laws, infrastructure investment, and regulatory reforms.

Urban Design and Zoning Forum

August 29, 2024
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM PST
Virtual (via ZOOM)

This forum will focus on shaping the physical environment to promote economic growth. Discussions will center around land use, zoning regulations, and urban planning.

Topics: Mixed-use development, walkability, green spaces, transit-oriented design, and adaptive reuse.

To learn more, visit our Economic Development Strategic Plan website.

We look forward to your participation and valuable insights in shaping the future of our community.