Dear Neighbors,

Happy New Year! 2024 is off to a great start, beginning with a Coffee with The Mayor at Downtowne Books (pictured left). Read on for a glimpse of the City's very first Summit of Economic Excellence, and learn about how the Northside is getting national attention through federally-funded street improvements. Scroll to get the scoop on the Martin Luther King Jr. Walkathon and the Lunar Festival. And, if you missed the December update, read my 2023 Annual Report here. Finally, mark your calendar for my office hours next week. 

Sincerely, 

A Focus on Economic Development in 2024

Business owners, neighbors, and many other stakeholders gathered for Riverside's very first Economic Development Summit of Excellence. Groups discussed Riverside's strengths and opportunities in the following areas: Arts & tourism; Biotech & health; Agriculture & sustainability; Technology & engineering; and Aerospace & Manufacturing. Speakers inspired the crowd with presentations on best practices for job creation, infrastructure financing, housing, and the creative economy. Ideas shared will help the City develop our new to Economic Development Strategy by Summer 2024. 

The Northside in the News

The Northside Specific Plan is coming to life through the recent $11 million investment in federal funds for street improvements along North Main St. just south of Highway 60. Today, this is a major route through the Northside and into the downtown. By 2027, it will be transformed into a pedestrian-friendly corridor with street improvements and a tree-lined median to further beautify the area. Neighbors will be able to safely walk to their favorite Northside businesses or take their kids to Fremont Elementary by foot. Read the full press release here.

Sidewalk Vending and Food Truck Ordinance education and enforcement efforts update, City Council, January 16th (afternoon) Applying for $3 million from the California Climate Investments Wildfire Prevention Grants Program administered through the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, City Council, January 16th (Consent) Local vendor preference procurement policy expansion update, Economic Development Committee, January 18th, 3 PM Business Improvement Districts reporting requirements, Economic Development Committee, January 18th

The 29th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Walk-A-Thon kicks off on Monday, January 15th, at 10 AM at the Stratton Center in Bordwell Park. Sign up to walk with us here.

Lunar Festival takes place January 27th and 28th in Downtown Riverside. Get free tickets here.