Mayor's Message: Inaugural Business Summit Is Coming

released a new message to the city on Monday:

Fostering economic development in our community

"I believe it's our city's duty to foster economic development in Aliso Viejo to stimulate the local economy. We must work toward providing different retail opportunities to meet the needs of our residents, promoting high tech and biotech growth, creating diverse job opportunities and ensuring a sustainable city that is fiscally viable. Now more than ever, this is a goal our city must continue to work toward.

That is why I am happy to report that our city is moving forward with an economic development program to attract and retain quality businesses. Last year, we instituted a Business Visitation Program that included city officials meeting with representatives from local businesses to identify their needs, provide information about community resources and offer assistance. We are continuing to meet with businesses interested in taking part in the Business Visitation Program.

This year, our city will also hold an inaugural Business Summit with key stakeholders in the business community. This event will provide folks with an opportunity to learn about the city’s economic development efforts and interface with fellow business leaders. On that front, our city is looking to create ongoing networking and information-sharing opportunities for the business community.

Since our website essentially serves as the new age “front door” to City Hall, it will soon feature a business information section to help existing and prospective businesses. The website will include helpful tools like interactive maps, a listing of available retail and office space, community contacts and resources, and tips on how to start a business. We recently rolled out a new, more user-friendly website (cityofalisoviejo.com) and this feature, which will be online later this year, will certainly benefit existing and future businesses seeking to call Aliso Viejo home.

We will continue to implement other programs to encourage businesses to relocate to or expand in Aliso Viejo. A competitive and united economic development environment will ultimately support businesses of all sizes toward investment and quality job creation in our city.

For more information about economic development programs, call 949-425-2500."