City of Rohnert Park, California : Economic Development

Overview

Rohnert Park is business friendly, and a smart choice for small to medium-sized businesses as well as large national and international companies. Moving business and development forward is a primary City goal.

A variety of competitively-priced commercial space is available for every business, from small production and service shops to large companies like AT&T and Parker Hannifin Compumotor. Convenient access to Highway 101, and wine country tourism, enhance business success in Rohnert Park. To encourage new business, the permit process has been significantly streamlined, and development review times reduced.

The City is also a critical partner to the non-profit Sonoma Mountain Business Incubator, which fosters start-up businesses and facilitates jobs for Sonoma State University students and graduates.

The future Sonoma-Marin (SMART) commuter rail will serve the county’s 480,000+ residents. Its stop in Rohnert Park will bring jobs and visitors to the city, and boost existing business-to-business opportunities countywide.

Economic Development Program

The City is actively increasing its role in business attraction and sustainability. Major goals include:

Implementing marketing strategies that associate the Green Music Center (grand opening, first season) with Rohnert Park.
Establishing a Rohnert Park brand and marketing the city to prospective businesses and residents.
Reducing vacancy rates for commercial properties.
Working with property owners to facilitate business retention and expansion.
Facilitating economic development through public/private partnerships.

A variety of initiatives will connect businesses with each other and the community, including:

Green Music Center Street Banner Program
Way Finding Signage – phased with initial launch in time for Green Music Center Grand Opening
STAY ANOTHER DAY in Rohnert Park” Promotional Campaign click here
Branding & Marketing Steering Committee
First-ever City of Rohnert Park Business Walk Program
Exploring alternatives for creative reuse of State Farm property
Increasing economic development presence on City website
Developing Site Visit Program for City Council, City Manager Executive Team, Management Team and City staff
Working with iHub to identify and recognize innovative companies in Rohnert Park

Economic Development Plan

On August 24, 2010, the Rohnert Park City Council and the Community Development Commission of the City of Rohnert Park adopted an Economic Development Plan in conjunction with the adoption of the fiscal year 2010-2011 budget. To view the Economic Development Plan, click here.

Potential and current commercial property and business owners are welcome to participate in the Economic Development Program. Contact Economic Development Manger Linda Babonis at 707-588-2233 for additional information.

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Last updated: 5/14/2012 1:25:22 PM