Coastside Recovery Report Paves Way For More Resilient Economy

Half Moon Bay CA

25 March, 2022

8:42 AM

Description

Press release from the City of Half Moon Bay: March 22, 2022 The next phase of the Coastside Recovery Initiative is now in the works. View the Coastside Recovery Report to see what is in store for the future. As part of the Coastside Recovery Initiative, a new report, Building a More Equitable, Vibrant and Resilient Coastside Economy, released by the City of Half Moon Bay aims to address these challenges with a set of strategic recommendations focused on more immediate recovery needs and solutions for a more sustainable and resilient future. The Coastside region of San Mateo County is known for its immense natural beauty, but its economic outlook is more troubled. It is a region that has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, extreme drought, and wildfires. "The recommendations in this report make clear what is both possible and necessary to drive a full recovery that meets the needs of local businesses, is inclusive of residents who have been hardest hit by the pandemic and creates the next economy that works for everyone" said Half Moon Bay Mayor Debbie Ruddock. "We hope the report serves as a shared blueprint for action and inspires everyone to play a role in advancing strategies that foster economic growth and resilience." The report and recommendations are the result of an extensive planning process – the Coastside Recovery Initiative – involving a diverse, multi-sector 17-member Recovery Task Force. The recommendations fall into four key focus areas: As this report is released there is already energy and activity around the recommendations. "I know first-hand the things that make the Coastside region so special but also the challenges that are holding us back" said Supervisor Don Horsley. "My team and I are evaluating two vacant lots as potential future sites for a town plaza in Pescadero that could be a community hub for entertainment, local businesses and recreation." The Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce is moving forward with plans to open a Business Resource Center offering services to support Coastside businesses and nonprofits. It will include rentable meeting and classroom space equipped with the latest technology for virtual and hybrid meetings. And, the Coastside Workforce Development Roundtable has been established, consisting of business, labor and trades, nonprofits, K-12 education, and higher education leaders, all focused on preparing the current and future workers for jobs in the next economy. This group has been exploring a range of options through a partnership with College of San Mateo to bring classes and student support services back to the Coast. Beyond those examples, there is much work to be done, and it can only be accomplished by sharing responsibility for implementation across City and County government, the business community, nonprofits, and other community partners. Along with the recommendations in the report, addressing the lack of affordable housing opportunities, shortage of childcare, traffic issues, and fragile digital infrastructure, are all envisioned to be part of a broader comprehensive economic development agenda for the Coastside region with sustained commitments and action over time. For more information about the Coastside Recovery Initiative and to read the full report and recommendations click here. Questions about the report and the Initiative can be addressed to Karen Decker, Senior Analyst and Project Manager at [email protected]. This press release was produced by the City of Half Moon Bay. The views expressed here are the author's own.