Economic Development & Job Creation

By Dave Pine

As county supervisor I will work with the business community to improve the local business environment and attract additional jobs to our county. Without a strong local economy we will not have the tax base to adequately fund the critical public services we all rely on.

As county supervisor I will work with the business community to improve the local business environment and attract additional jobs to our county. Without a strong local economy we will not have the tax base to adequately fund the critical public services we all rely on.

The county can take the following immediate steps to stimulate economic growth and sustain the business vitality of our region:

1. Partner with SAMCEDA: The county needs to strengthen its relationship with the San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA) to implement policies that encourage businesses to locate and expand in our county. Today the county does not do enough to market and promote the benefits of San Mateo County to the business community. We also need to open up a dialogue with the many high-tech, biotech and clean-tech companies that are already established in San Mateo County to make sure we do all we can to retain these companies as they grow and prosper.

2. Maximize County Assets: County assets should be managed in such a way to maximize their potential for creating new jobs. For example, the San Mateo County Event Center occupies prime property in the heart of the county but today the site is very underutilized. I would explore the possibility of a public/private partnership to build a modern conference center on this site.

3. Provide Job Training. San Mateo County is home to numerous high tech, biotech and cleantech companies like Genentech, Tesla, Gilead, YouTube and Electronic Arts. The county, in partnership with our community colleges and high schools, must provide the job training needed for our residents to meet the workforce demands of these fast growing companies.

4. Encourage Energy Efficiency Upgrades. Retrofitting residential and commercial and building to be more energy efficient can create new local green employment opportunities. San Mateo County should explore following the lead of Sonoma County in offering property owners the opportunity to finance energy efficient property improvements through the property tax system.

5. Partner with Local Chambers of Commerce to Support Small Business. There are 14 chambers of commerce in San Mateo County which focus on promoting business in their local communities. These chambers play a particularly critical role in supporting small businesses which are the engine that drives much of American economy and employ well over half of all private sector employees. The county needs to work with our local chambers to making it easier to establish and grow a small business in San Mateo County