Economic Development

I believe Seaside’s economy should grow in a way that creates local jobs, supports small businesses, strengthens city services, and protects the quality of life our residents value. That means responsible investment, smart development, stronger commercial corridors, and a City Hall that works more effectively for businesses, workers, and the community.

I believe Seaside’s economic future depends on growth that is smart, responsible, and focused on results. For me, economic development is about creating good local jobs, strengthening city services, broadening our tax base, and protecting the quality of life that makes Seaside special. It means supporting the businesses already here, attracting the right new investment, improving our commercial corridors, and making sure major projects deliver real benefits for the people who live here. It also means growing the right way by protecting our natural resources and focusing on smart infill and strategic opportunity sites.

I believe Seaside has real momentum, and we need to keep building on it. Seagrove on Broadway has moved from a long-discussed idea to a completed project, bringing new housing and commercial activity to an important corridor in our city. Campus Town has also moved from vision to reality, and it represents the kind of large-scale investment that can help shape Seaside’s future in a positive way. With new housing, retail, hotel, and employment-generating uses near CSUMB, Campus Town has the potential to create opportunity, attract activity, and strengthen Seaside for the long term.

That momentum goes beyond just one or two projects. The Seaside Grand Hyatt Hotel & Resort, Campus Town, Main Gate, and the West Broadway Urban Village all represent the kind of economic development that can strengthen our long-term revenue base and help us deliver the city services our residents expect. The Grand Hyatt, in particular, is a major opportunity for Seaside. It will help reinforce our city as a destination for visitors, meetings, and hospitality investment, while creating jobs and generating new economic activity.

Main Gate is another important part of this story. It is one of the most strategic sites in our city, and it is now moving forward with the same development team behind Campus Town. The vision for Main Gate includes more than 300 housing units, along with hotel and retail uses, right next to the new Fort Ord Courthouse. I believe that gives Seaside a real opportunity to create a strong gateway for jobs, investment, and everyday economic activity.

I also believe economic development is not only about major projects. It is also about how City Hall works for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and responsible developers. We need to keep improving the way people move through permits, inspections, and project approvals so the process is more predictable, more efficient, and less frustrating. We can be business-friendly without lowering our standards. In fact, I believe the best cities are the ones that respect both investment and community expectations at the same time.

Downtown and corridor investment matter too. Economic growth is not just measured by ribbon cuttings or headlines. It is measured by whether our existing businesses feel supported, whether residents can safely walk, shop, and dine locally, and whether our commercial areas feel active, welcoming, and worth visiting. That is why infrastructure, complete streets, and attractive business corridors all matter. Public improvements should help support private growth, and prosperity should be shared across every part of our city.

If I am re-elected, I will continue fighting for policies that support our small businesses, attract new investment, strengthen workforce pathways, improve the City’s development process, and make sure major projects create real value for Seaside residents. My goal is simple: to grow Seaside’s economy in a way that is financially responsible, environmentally sound, and rooted in opportunity for the people who call this city home.

This is how I see economic development. It is not growth for growth’s sake. It is growth that creates opportunity, strengthens neighborhoods, supports city services, and helps build a stronger future for Seaside.

“Investing in downtown Seaside means investing in local jobs, safer streets, stronge