Goal 6 A Business-Friendly City

Goal ED-6: Achieve recognition as the most desirable and business-friendly place to locate and conduct business in the East Bay.

The Hayward community wants to encourage private-sector investment to encourage business development, enhance local employment opportunities, and improve the overall quality of life for residents.  The City recognizes that it can facilitate private-sector investment and the creation of jobs by creating a business-friendly environment.  This goal and its supporting policies stress the importance of customer service, fair and predictable permit procedures, the removal of unnecessary regulatory barriers, and the creation of incentives and partnerships as ways to attract private sector investment to the Hayward community.    

The City shall ensure that the entire City organization, including employees, volunteers, and elected and appointed officials, understand and embrace Hayward’s business-friendly values.

City Services and Operations (CSO)

The City shall strive to enhance land use certainty for businesses by identifying and removing unnecessary regulatory barriers that discourage private-sector investment.

Joint Partnerships with the Private Sector (JP)

The City shall provide excellent customer service by creating a culture that listens, gains an understanding of customer concerns and goals, and proactively seeks solutions to address challenges.

City Services and Operations (CSO)

The City shall ensure a timely, fair, and predictable permit process that seeks to integrate multiple City departments into a single coordinated organization.

City Services and Operations (CSO)

The City shall optimize its permit procedures by using technology and other tools that improve efficiency and reduce costs.

City Services and Operations (CSO)

The City shall consider customer recommendations to improve its customer service and permit processing procedures.

City Services and Operations (CSO)

The City shall provide incentives to attract, expand, and retain businesses that offer high-quality jobs, generate local sales tax revenue, and/or provide needed goods or services to residents.

City Services and Operations (CSO)

The City shall support and encourage public/private partnerships to implement strategic projects that align with the City’s economic and community development goals.

Inter-governmental Coordination (IGC)Joint Partnerships with the Private Sector (JP)

The City shall encourage the construction and maintenance of utility, communications, and technology infrastructure that will helps attract business and industry to the Hayward community. 

City Master Plans, Strategies, and Programs (MPSP)

The City shall promote sustainable business practices that reduce the use of energy and water resources and reduce overhead expenses for businesses. 

Inter-governmental Coordination (IGC)Public Information (PI)

The City shall coordinate with Alameda County, the Hayward Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses to develop strategies to promote the Alameda County Green Business Program to the Hayward business community. 

Inter-governmental Coordination (IGC)Public Information (PI)

The City shall maintain and enhance its Business Visitation Program to learn about new industries and technologies, discuss specific needs of local businesses, identify business expansion opportunities, and determine if City policies and regulations are reflective of changing and emerging business needs.  

City Services and Operations (CSO)