Pleasanton's economic development staff wants to spend the first half of 2027 telling the stories of businesses already in town, and asking them what they need before they sign a lease somewhere else.
A six-month marketing pilot goes to the city's Economic Vitality Committee on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 7:30 a.m. in the City Council Chamber, 200 Old Bernal Ave. The item is informational, so the committee will give feedback but take no vote.
Retention first
The staff report proposes splitting the effort roughly 75% toward retention, local expansion and entrepreneurship and 25% toward attracting new companies. The core message to existing firms would be: "Tell us what your business needs to grow in Pleasanton." Every inquiry would be assigned to a staff member responsible for answering it and following through.
The pilot would focus on four sectors: life sciences and biotechnology; advanced manufacturing and engineering; technology and professional services; and healthcare.
Planned pieces include:
- A "Grow Your Business in Pleasanton" page on the city website offering advice for firms weighing an expansion or a new lease, referrals for hiring help and a named economic development contact.
- One in-depth company story each month, for six months, shared on the web, in newsletters and on LinkedIn. Staff would get company approval for quotes and photos and would separate announced investments from finished projects.
- A guide for founders and growing firms that pulls together help from the Small Business Development Center, the state's GO-Biz office, i-GATE and Innovation Tri-Valley.
- Three industry profiles and a package for commercial brokers, plus two or three trade shows or regional events.
