By TR Robertson
The November meeting of the Vista Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee listened to a presentation by Aaron Schulze concerning the recently adopted Vista Economic Development Strategy (VEDS). Aaron is the City of Vista’s Economic Development Manager. The Vision of the strategy is “To expand economic mobility and quality of life for our residents by positioning Vista as a premier Southern California destination to live, work, invest, and visit; and maximizing our strategic central North County location to promote our General Plan 2050 Opportunity Areas, capture regional tourism and hospitality demand, and showcase Vista’s unique community of makers.” This strategy was developed through input by the VEDS Committee. This committee consisted of 15 individuals made up of 2 City Councilmembers, Vista Chamber members, Vista Unified School District representatives, Vista business owners, and various City of Vista governmental representatives.
The VEDS is intended to guide economic development efforts over three years, 2026-2029. Five Core Values were developed – Opportunity, Accessibility, Innovation & Creativity, Sustainability, and Responsible Stewardship. Along with this 6 Goals and Objectives were developed – Goal 1 – Grow and Strengthen Vista’s Manufacturing & Maker Ecosystem; Goal 2 – Establish Vista as an Arts & Entertainment Destination; Goal 3 – Goal 3 – Promote Revitalization in General Plan 2050 Opportunity Areas and the Business Park; Goal 4 – Enhance Economic Mobility and Elevate Workforce Training; Goal 5 – Expand the Visitor Economy Through Initiatives & Hotel Development; and Goal 6 – Strengthen Local and Regional Economic Development Partnerships. Also submitted was a lengthy Year 1 list of 15 Action Items suggested to begin. A few of these include creating an outreach program to promote the Green Business Network; developing a marketing program and promotional strategy to support the craft beverage industry; presenting options to upgrade the Avo Playhouse; launching a citywide shop local program in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and CVBID; research and present options to incentivize hotel development; and research incentives to modernize aging industrial buildings. The My Vista Buy Vista program is already up and running where a large number of Vista businesses offer rewards for shopping at their business through the Open Rewards app you can create on your phone. Aaron said the overall purpose and intent is to make Vista a welcoming place for a variety of businesses that will make Vista a destination place for people from all over the county. More detailed information can be found at the City of Vista Economic Date, Maps & Reports Portal – www.vista.gov/business/economic-development/economic-data-maps-research.
Also giving a short presentation was Nikkie Nguyen, Government Affairs Manager, Western Region, U.S. Chamber. Nikkie spoke about a coalition letter the U.S. Chamber submitted in support of the Bipartisan American Affordability & Jobs Act (BAAJA). This bill represents the most significant legislation package that has been submitted in decades to modernize and streamline the federal permitting process. The U.S. Chamber feels the outdated and overly burdensome permitting process requirements delay critical infrastructure projects from highways to water storage to transportation lines and more. The bill would make important reforms to the permitting process by shortening reviews and agency decision timelines, narrowing the scope of reviews, limiting the statue of limitations, strengthening stakeholder input and providing certainty for permitted projects. Chambers of Commerce are being asked to also submit letters in support of the BAAJA.
Governmental Updates
Sam Witt from Congressman Mike Levin’s Office – Congressman Levin is the Congressman for the 49th District, which Vista was a part of but in January the City of Vista will be in the 48th District due to redistricting. Darrell Issa is currently the Congressman for the 48th District but did not run for re-election. The Congressmember will be the winner of the Marni von Wilpert vs Jim Desmond election.
Fernando Hernandez from State Senator Catherine Blakespear’s Office – The California State Legislature is currently on recess. Blakespear had a number of bills signed by the Governor including bills dealing with public safety, E-bike reform, homeless issues and obtaining $2 million for the Vista Navigation Center.
From the City of Vista – Natalie Jacobs – The Vista Fire Department updated Fire Route Map includes a pilot project on Taylor Street involving a speed lump traffic-calming device. The Fire Department has also reviewed 41 pending speed hump applications, denying 28 and approving 13. Neighborhood meetings will be held in the Waxwing and Nevada areas discussing the Fire Department’s speed hump determinations. Funds will be set aside for a restroom facility at Raintree Park. Neighborhood meetings in the spring will be held to gather community input on park improvements as part of the next Capital Improvement Program. At the November 5th meeting the City Council received an update on the City’s Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness.
At the November 10th meeting the City will recognize Clarence Rich, Senior Code Enforcement Officer, who will be retiring after 38 years of service to the City of Vista
Council will consider a recommendation to approve funds from the Downtown Special Events Fund to go to the Vista Skateboarding Society’s production of the Ride the Noise Festival. At the December 8th meeting newly elected Councilmembers will be seated – Mayor and Councilmembers from Districts 1 & 4. Mayor Franklin will be recognized for his 12 years of service to the City. There will be a Public Hearing on November 17th regarding the City’s General Plan Update. Sandbags are now available at Public Works. The recently held Fright Night in Downtown Vista was a success. The final Fire Station Open House will be at Station 6 on Saturday from 11:00 – 1:00.
Rachel Beld, CEO Vista Chamber of Commerce – A Reminder the 15th Annual Heroes of Vista will be held Friday, November 6th at the Optimist Club of Vista. Applications are now available for the December Vista Christmas Parade.
