Mayor Haubert Declares Dublin 'Open For Business'

Dublin Mayor David Haubert delivered the 2019 "State of the City" address last week at the Shannon Community Center at the traditional luncheon and for the first time to a public gathering.

The State of the City Address Luncheon is sponsored annually by the Dublin Chamber of Commerce.

Dublin made Money magazine's coveted list of Best Places To Live In America for 2018 and ranked No. 7 in the country and No. 1 in California and is home to about 68,000 residents.

Described as a culturally diverse, safe, artistic and innovative City Dublin already houses over 2100 enterprises and has been declared 'Open for Business'. Plans are underway to improve the experience of the Downtown area of Dublin and create a 'town square'. Also mentioned was a planned new four-star Westin Hotel in the East Dublin Transit Center.

Dublin is experiencing a tremendous amount of growth and businesses want to be part of the excitement. I believe that the Chamber has an important role in making this a successful community,” said Inge Houston. “Large corporations like Patelco, IKEA, Carl Zeiss and De Silva Gates Construction want to be in Dublin along with countless medium and small businesses. There’s a lot going on, new industries, businesses. I’m very excited by that.”

Inge Houston was recently appointed as the new President/CEO of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce.

“She’s got great leadership skills and qualities,” said Steve Lehman, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Inge’s close ties to the community and high energy will be a huge asset to the Dublin Chamber of Commerce. Inge and the Board are committed to growing and diversifying our membership.”

Dublin Mayor David Haubert added, "The City of Dublin appreciates our partnership with the Dublin Chamber of Commerce. Inge’s business background, intimate knowledge of Dublin and network of community leaders will be a great asset to make that even stronger.”

Attendees of the luncheon were complimentary about the State of the City Address and were confident that Dublin was in a good sustainable position.

Claudia McCormick, former Councilmember and current President of the non-profit Dublin Arts Collective remarked on the prominence of Public Art in the video presented at the luncheon. "I am pleased to see the attention being given to the arts in Dublin and look forward to further developments in this area particularly the development of a Cultural Arts Center." Ms McCormick was formally also the President of the Dublin Arts Foundation responsible for public art in Dublin before the City became incorporated.

The first Public State of the City Address by Mayor David Haubert was held in the evening at the Shannon Community Center.

An introductory video providing insight into the daily life of Dubliners was played including a view of the 23 parks that Dublin has to offer its residents.

New local businesses describing their interactions and perspectives of the City included Amalfi Mediterranean Fusion , Market Tavern and one opening soon namely 'Shapes Fitness for Women'.

The members of the public attending the event ranged from those who had moved to the City less than 2 years ago to those who had been residents for over 45 years. Comments from the audience acknowledged that there had been a lot of change in Dublin and they were pleased to be given the opportunity to hear the Mayor's address as it had been informative and they learned some things about their City that they were not aware of. It is likely that the public event will be held again next year.

Light refreshments were served and in truly 'shop local' style were prepared by students from the Culinary Academy of Dublin High School.

According to their website, the Culinary Academy was the first "Academy" established at DHS and the program offers a total of five classes with Catering and Advanced Catering being the capstone courses. The catering class is a student-run business that provides food services to the school district and many local businesses and organizations, including The City of Dublin, Dublin Police, Dublin Historical Society, Dublin Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Lions Club, and DPIE.

Last month the City of Dublin was recognized by CALED, the California Association for Local Economic Development, as part of their annual Awards of Excellence Program. The City was honored for its Valor Crossing veterans affordable housing development in Downtown Dublin. The City of Dublin received an Award of Merit from CALED in the “Economic Development Collaboration” category, which honors development projects between the public and private sector that exemplify the spirit of collaboration.

The City of Dublin is now developing an updated Climate Action Plan (CAP) with goals and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through 2050. Dublin’s residents are invited to give their input via an online CAP survey.

After the address Mayor Haubert commented, "So proud to be Mayor of Dublin, a great place to live, work and raise a family, reporting on all the great things happening in Dublin, as well as our $7.9MM budget surplus."