In May, Lonell Butler joined the department as the city’s Chief Building Official. The position of Economic Development Division Manager was filled in early April by Kathleen Diohep. Currently, the department’s staff stands at five full-time planning and development professionals.
Mark Sawicki, director of Community and Economic Development noted developer interest has grown and that sites like North Mare Island and the Waterfront are gathering interest.
Since 2009 and 2010, the worst years of the recent recession in the United States, Vallejo’s hotel revenue has increased by 21% and the retail market has come back by 21%. City officials are also proposing a balanced city budget for the upcoming fiscal year, 2014-2015, a situation that last occurred in fiscal year 2003-2004.
David E. Keen, Vallejo’s city manager noted:
“We are proud of the gains Vallejo has seen in recent years, but there remain tremendous opportunities for new business growth, as well as new development to enhance our beautiful downtown and waterfront.”
With all this solid economic news, it might not be long before the Economic Development Department gets the presses fired-up and the banner printing underway for Signs that announce Vallejo is a great place to grow a business.Get a Free Quote for Signs