The City's overall economic development mission is to create, support and retain a strong and diverse economic base that provides employment opportunities, increases sales tax revenues and provides additional goods and services to the community.

Using the 2001 economic development strategy developed by the Economic Development Board as a guide, the Economic Development Division will implement projects to assist existing and prospective businesses, market the community to commercial office and retail users, explore funding opportunities to meet stated goals, identify governmental improvements and contribute to an enhanced quality of life in El Cerrito.

The overall services provided by the division include:

• Assist existing businesses while promoting and expanding commercial office and retail uses that will enhance El Cerrito's vitality;

• Work with the El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce to identify programs to address the needs of our existing business community;

• Work with the Economic Development Board to monitor and update the programs and projects of the Economic Development Strategy;

• Identify opportunities, sites and markets to prospective investors;

• Provide market research and demographic data to existing and prospective businesses; and

• Serve as an ombudsman to the business community.