Innovation, Working Together Key to Tri-Valley Economic Success

While the economy may be making a recovery, Tri-Valley cities need to be proactive and work together to ensure long-term vitality, the region's mayors say.

Tuesday's mayor summit, which was hosted by Pleasanton's Chamber of Commerce, brought together leaders from Danville, Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton and San Ramon. The annual event focused on obstacles and opportunities in the regional economy. 

Moderator Tim Hunt, the former editor and associate publisher of the Tri-Valley Herald, asked leaders to discuss how their cities are faring and what challenges lie ahead. Mayors got to boast about what's new in their respective cities, especially how they've supported and attracted local businesses.

Danville Mayor Mike Doyle spoke about his town's push to obtain grants for business-facade improvements to boost "curb appeal."

"The feedback from the business community has been overwhelmingly positive," he said.  

Mayor Marshall Kamena highlighted downtown Livermore's redevelopment efforts and the city's partnerships with local research and technology companies. 

Dublin's mayor, Tim Sbranti, said his city has cut development fees 25 percent to encourage business growth. In Pleasanton, though, Jennifer Hosterman said development fees have stayed at the 1990s level. The mayor added that her city has renovated its permit center to focus on customer service and  launched a 'shop local' campaign. 

San Ramon's mayor, Abram Wilson, who is running for the state Assembly 15th District seat, said the city has set a maximum business license fee of $350.

"We know that your profit margin is that thin," he said of businesses. 

The mayors faced tough questions from moderator Hunt, including how they're  dealing with the slowdown in development and how each city will cover unfunded pension liabilities.

Danville has no such liabilities, said Doyle, because it is not tied to the California Public Employees' Retirement System. Nor do employees receive post-employment health benefits, he added.

Sbranti said his city has saved money by contracting out services, including police. Mayors Kamena and Hosterman said their cities' shared Fire Department employees now contribute 2 percent to the pension fund. Hosterman acknowledged, though, that this probably is not sustainable and the issue needs to be examined further. 

Wilson said San Ramon leveraged its triple-A credit rating to obtain pension obligation funds to a point that the city no longer has unfunded liabilities. San Ramon has come under fire recently for how much its city manager is earning in keeping with increased scrutiny on municipal employee salaries and benefits.

The mayors agreed that working together on regional issues such as transportation will be crucial as the economy continues to improve. Others say focusing on innovation in science and technology is vital to building a skilled and competitive local work force. 

Hosterman and Sbranti talked at length about a new effort called Innovation Tri-Valley, an initiative among businesses and cities aimed at fostering innovation in the region. 

"Businesses really need to take the lead to identifying this valley as 'innovation valley,' " said Hosterman.

The Chamber of Commerce in the five cities take turns hosting the annual summit. Watch the event online.