Through implementation of the 2018 Economic Development Strategic Plan, the City of Garden Grove has achieved a tremendous track record of success in the areas of small business outreach and financial resources, facilitating hospitality and tourism development, and continuation of the City's Re:Imagine initiatives in areas of active transportation. Collectively, these efforts have resulted in additional development investment, new job creation and retention, and sustainability of local city revenue.

The month of August 2021 marks nearly 17 months since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to support businesses through economic recovery remains a high priority of the Office of Economic Development (OED). Approximately +500 small businesses were aided from the successful implementation of the District 1 Grant Program, Micro Business Relief Grants, and the JOBS 1st Programs. Most recently, business outreach efforts are underway through the new Foods of Garden Grove campaign to recognize the food and beverage industry in the midst of recovery. Partnerships with the Small Business Administration and the local Small Business Development Center remain proactive as collective efforts are exploring regional partnership under the Community Navigator Pilot Program.  A roadmap to recovery has necessitated a comprehensive review of the City’s 2018 Economic Development Strategic Plan to ensure economic recovery. The purpose of the new 2021 EDSP is to serve as a guide to sustain ongoing efforts for economic development activities and policies, and ensure it is reflective of current and projected future economic conditions.

In response to the early onset of COVID in May 2020, the Community and Economic Development Department implemented the Garden Grove Business Resource and Resiliency Plan and activated the Garden Grove Business Portal delivering key Federal, State and County information and resources to the local business community. Furthering economic recovery, the 2021 EDSP incorporates the activities of the Community and Economic Development Department in areas of business development, development services (Building and Planning), Neighborhood Improvement (affordable housing and homelessness), and grant administration alongside the business programs developed in 2020. It is envisioned the 2021 EDSP be innovative in deploying a full spectrum of economic development tools and resources that is responsive to the local business needs. To that end, the 2021 EDSP identifies six (6) Economic Development goals to be undertaken over the next three (3) years. The intent is to be strategic and responsive to an evolving economic climate. In summary, the goals of the 2021 EDSP are provided below:

GOAL 1 – Community-Based Development

GOAL 2 – Leverage Creative Funding & Financing Tools

GOAL 3 – Expand and Preserve Locally-Generated Tax Revenue

GOAL 4 – Tourism Initiatives and Development of the Resort

GOAL 5 – Promote and Expand Homeless Resources and Services

GOAL 6 – Increase Housing Opportunities and Investment

The 2021 EDSP incorporates targeted strategic actions and partnerships with key stakeholders to achieve EDSP implementation. Collaborative work includes ongoing discussions with local and regional chambers of commerce, support with local SBDC partners, ongoing dialogue with development community and the Garden Grove Tourism Improvement District while maintaining an active workforce development program with local service providers, and ongoing deployment of the JOBS 1^st programs.  

A significant effort is now in process by the Office of Economic Development to attain accreditation from the International Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) to achieve a certified economic development program by fall 2021. The benefits of achieving the IEDC accreditation for the Office of Economic Development will include the following:

• Increases the credibility of our economic development efforts with local leaders, investors, clients, and other stakeholders.
• Provides mentoring and networking with experts in the field.
• Gives our organization the distinction of being an authority on economic development.
• Promotes accountability to local leadership and key stakeholders.
• Differentiates Garden Grove’s economic development organization from competitors.

Periodic reports of EDSP progress and deployment of additional Economic Development will be shared. EDSP information can also be found on the Office of Economic Development website (https://ggcity.org/econdev/strategic-plan#book/).

It is recommended that the City Council:

• Receive and file the 2021 Economic Development Strategic Plan.