Proposed Plan for housing, transportation, the economy and environment in the nine counties will go to committee for review on Friday, March 13
Offers strategies, investments and outcomes for Contra Costa County
By John Goodwin, Assistant Director of Communications & Leslie Lara-Enríquez Assistant Director, Public Engagement, Metropolitan Transportation Commission
Plan Bay Area 2050+ is the latest long-range plan to guide growth and investment across the region’s nine counties and 101 cities. The plan seeks to advance an integrated vision for a Bay Area that is affordable, connected, diverse, healthy and vibrant for all by 2050. It focuses on the four areas of housing, transportation, the economy and environment.
The Contra Costa Centre Transit Village. Photo credit: Karl Nielsen
The plan and its related reports will be presented for review and consideration at a joint meeting of the MTC Planning Committee with the ABAG Administrative Committee on Friday, March 13, before the documents are referred to their respective approving bodies. The ABAG Executive Board will consider certification of the Final EIR and adoption of the final plan at its March 19 meeting. At its March 25 meeting, MTC will consider certifying the Final EIR and adopting the final plan, as well as adopting the accompanying Air Quality Conformity Analysis and an amendment to the 2025 Transportation Improvement Program.
The release of the proposed final Plan Bay Area 2050+ follows a 59-day public comment period for the Draft Plan and the Draft EIR that closed on December 18, 2025. The proposed final plan and Final EIR have been updated to reflect feedback received during the public comment period.
The map above shows Contra Costa County’s Growth Geographies, which are areas identified in Plan Bay Area 2050+ to help guide future housing and job growth. These areas are designated by local jurisdictions or based on their proximity to transit and access to opportunity. Source: MTG/ABAG
The Plan includes Partner Resources: Regional Tools for Local Action that local jurisdictions and partner agencies can use to develop plans, seek funding and take action to make a better Bay Area. It offers a fact sheet for each county, including Contra Costa, which spotlights strategies, investments and outcomes.
Plan Bay Area 2050+ is the latest long-range regional plan for the nine-county Bay Area. The plan lays out a series of funding and policy strategies that can create a more affordable, connected, diverse, healthy and vibrant future for all Bay Area residents in 2050. Unique to this plan cycle is the parallel Transit 2050+ planning effort, which culminated in the first-of-its-kind plan to re-envision the future of Bay Area public transit, in partnership with transit agencies across the region.
Help shape the Community Vision for Land Use, Housing & Growth Management, Transportation, Economic Development, Parks & Recreation and more
By Jaden Baird, PIO, City of Antioch
ANTIOCH, CA — The City of Antioch is pleased to announce the launch of the official website for the General Plan Update: antioch.generalplan.org. This site serves as the central information hub for all things related to the General Plan: a long-range blueprint that will shape the future of Antioch’s development, infrastructure, housing, and environmental planning.
Residents, stakeholders, and community members are encouraged to explore the new platform, which offers project background, timelines, public documents, and opportunities for civic input throughout the update process.
Since its founding as Smith’s Landing in 1849 as a port town on the San Joaquin River, Antioch has been a community of pioneers and a vital “Gateway to the Delta.” From our historic riverfront to our diverse neighborhoods, Antioch has a rich heritage to build upon as we look to the future.
The City is excited to embark on this process of updating our General Plan, creating a new blueprint for our community. A lot has changed since the last comprehensive General Plan update in 2003. Antioch has grown, new housing developments have been built, business and industry needs are different, the way people get around town has changed, and our needs and priorities have evolved.
Each city in California is required to have a General Plan, which provides long-term policy guidance for the community’s growth and development, addressing physical, economic, social, and environmental changes. The General Plan provides opportunities to improve the quality of life in Antioch – enhancing public safety and fostering the vibrant, safe community we all deserve. This General Plan Update is our direct opportunity to address key challenges and set a new course. After the General Plan Update is complete, the zoning code will be revised to reflect the updated General Plan.
Your Voice, Our Future
This General Plan Update is a way for you to share your vision for the future of Antioch. We need your help to make the General Plan a success.
Looking forward 20 years, how will state and regional trends impact life in Antioch? What new technologies and innovations will change how we live, work, and play? While we can’t see exactly what the future holds, we are preparing for it by updating our General Plan.
What do you love about Antioch? What opportunities and challenges do you think face Antioch as it evolves over the next 10, 15, or 20 years?
Sharing your ideas at community workshops, open houses, and online will help make sure that the updated General Plan conveys the values and priorities of its residents and businesses. With your help, we can set the stage for a future that honors our history and builds a more prosperous, vibrant, and safe Antioch. Let’s build our next chapter, together.
To stay informed, visitors are strongly encouraged to sign up for email and text notifications via the City’s Notify Me platform. Select “General Plan Update” under the News Flash section here: antiochca.gov/list.aspx
“Public involvement is critical to developing a General Plan that reflects Antioch’s values and vision,” said City Manager Bessie Marie Scott. “We’re making it easy for the community to stay informed and engaged every step of the way.”
Following complaint from one grant recipient’s leader, mayor challenges panel’s decision; opens rift with City Manager who finds matter “concerning…alarming”;City Attorney issues opinion
“…none of the proposers are entitled to any City funds and every group was given the opportunity to be heard and was equally assessed in determining the awards.” – City Manager Bessie Scott
Celebrate Antioch Foundation has history of working with, receiving funds from City for community events; was not going to receive funds, but Torres-Walker secured a small amount
Misinterpretations of language in Request for Proposals
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, the Antioch City Council will again reconsider Citywide Economic Development Initiative grants totaling $60,000 to three community organizations awarded in September. The matter has become controversial with Mayor Ron Bernal challenging the decision during the Council’s Nov. 20th meeting. two council members were absent and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker left the dais during discussion of the agenda item to prevent a vote. (See 1:59:38 mark of video)
According to the City staff report for item #1 on Tuesday’s agenda, “The Mayor instructed the City Manager to bring for discussion the 2025 Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Citywide Economic Development and associated Grants which were awarded on September 12, 2025, outside of the 90-Day City Council Request List.”
The RFP states that the goal was “to award up to three (3) grants of $20,000 each to the best projects” to help with the City’s economic development efforts. Instead, after a panel, consisting of Torres-Walker, City Manager Bessie Scott, then-Assistant City Manager Brad Helfenberger, then-Interim Community and Economic Development Director David Storer, Public Information Officer Jaden Baird and then-Economic Development Program Manager Bret Sweet, reviewed the proposals, they chose to allocate two grants in the amount of $27,500 each and one in the amount of $5,000. The first two were awarded to Delta Business Group, to support the efforts by the newly organized Downtown Antioch Association of business owners, and Prison From-The-Inside-Out. The smaller grant was awarded to Celebrate Antioch Foundation because the Review Panel determined their proposal “did not align fully with the parameters of the RFP.”
Purpose of Grants
The RFP solicited qualified organizations, nonprofits and business support entities to implement projects that aim to achieve at least two or more of the following outcomes:
• Increased Economic Activity – Boost foot traffic, sales, or commercial occupancy rates in key corridors.
• Business Retention or Expansion – Provide support or services that result in business stabilization, retention, or physical/operational growth.
• Entrepreneurial Development – Foster new business creation, especially among underserved populations or within underutilized areas.
• Job Creation or Workforce Upskilling – Generate new employment opportunities or improve job readiness among residents.
• Community Engagement – Increase stakeholder participation, visibility of small businesses, or community pride in economic corridors.
Grant Awards
The process included a Blind Review with a group discussion at the end. According to the staff report, the Review Panel chose to issue the following grants for their proposed efforts:
• Celebrate Antioch Foundation– $5,000to perform Antioch Farmers’ Market promotion and signature event promotion. Although this proposal did not align fully with the parameters of the RFP, the organization was awarded an amount due to their services being complimentary to city services such as the farmers’ market.
• Delta Business Group– $27,500to work with the Downtown Antioch Association to build city-wide business-centered digital infrastructure development, city-wide and downtown capacity building, community building, collaboration and transition planning.
• Prison From-The-Inside-Out– $27,500to perform commercial corridor revitalization, city-wide community engagement, workforce development and job creation, and workforce upskilling.
Celebrate Antioch Foundation Leader Appeals Smaller Grant
But former Antioch Councilwoman Joy Motts, who is president of Celebrate Antioch Foundation (CAF), was not satisfied with the amount of her organization’s grant and shared her concerns with Bernal. He in turn chose to bring it to the City Council for a decision that could override the allocations by the Review Panel. The matter was first placed on the Nov. 20th meeting agenda for discussion and a possible decision. That’s when things turned controversial.
CAF has a history of working with and receiving funds from the City for the multiple, annual community events they’ve organized, mostly in downtown Rivertown including annual July 4th Celebration. They worked together on this past Saturday’s Holiday Delites Celebration. CAF’s largest project with the City was the year-long Sesquicentennial Celebration with multiple events in 2022. This year, the group added the Farmer’s Market on Sundays, for which their grant application was focused.
According to a report by City Finance Director Dawn Merchant, CAF received $95,000 in City funds for the Sesquicentennial events, including a $25,000 Administration Fee, and $50,000 for the 2022 July 4th event. (For full disclosure, this reporter named and helped form CAF).
City Attorney Gets Involved
Before the meeting, the City Attorney’s Office reviewed the RFP, along with emails from Motts and all attachments included in the agenda packet. According to Scott’s staff report, in the opinion of Interim City Attorney Derek Cole, “there is no legal issue with the way the City handled this RFP” which “clearly outlines the scope of the services being sought and the amount of the award does not exceed the amount authorized” of $60,000.
Furthermore, Scott states, “none of the proposers are entitled to any City funds and everygroup was given the opportunity to be heard and was equally assessed in determining the awards.”
City Manager Finds Mayor’s Challenge “Concerning…Alarming”, Claims it Diminishes Her Authority, Independence
Scott’s staff report further addressed the mayor’s challenge of the panel’s decision writing, “The City Manager finds it concerning and alarming that members of the City Council would request to diminish her legal and longstanding authority to award routine contracts and grants regardless of value, even if it is within her signing authority amounts. At no time in the past was this authority questioned of prior City Managers, including when the Mayor himself was the City Manager.”
Bernal served as Antioch City Manager from 2017-21. (See related articles here and here)
Scott wrote, “Within the Findings (of the Grand Jury Report), it is stated that a new City Manager’s success will depend, in part, on the Mayor and City Council creating an environment that while maintaining the oversight required by city ordinances, enables the City Manager to operate with independence, as also mandated by city ordinances.”
The City of Antioch has a Council-Manager form of government in which the council members are policy makers and hire a professional city manager to oversee day-to-day operations. The only other staff member the Council hires is the City Attorney.
“The actions described in this Staff Report reflect a departure from the governance structure mandated by the Antioch Municipal Code, as well as the essential duties and functions as outlined in the City Manager’s job description, and they pose significant operational, legal, and ethical risks,” Scott’s staff report states. “Continued encroachment on administrative authority undermines organizational stability and exposes the City to liability.”
She also claims Bernal’s challenge of the grant decisions is delaying the City’s economic development efforts.
“Too, non-adherence to established protocols has caused a significant delay in the carrying out of the 2025 Citywide Economic Development Initiative Grant Awards, as we push for, and desperately are in need of, economic development initiatives across the city,” Scott wrote. “Ensuring a well-functioning government requires that both the City Council and the City Manager operate within their defined roles and collaborate together with a shared goal of moving the city forward.”
Misinterpretations of Language in RFP
During public comments, Motts pointed out that Scott’s staff report incorrectly quotes that, “the RFP states that the goal was to award three groups up to $20,000” because it actually reads on page 4, “This RFP aims to award up to three (3) grants of $20,000 each.”
Yet, Motts was also incorrect in stating, “the RFP is clear that the City will award $60,000 in $20,000 grants to up to three projects. It does not say up to $20,000 and it does not say the grants will be changed to fit a project application.”
“Why would you manipulate the intent of the RFP?” she asked, directing her question to Scott.
However, the word “will” is not included and by using the word “aims” the language in the RFP allowed the panel to award all of the $60,000 allocated for the program to just one group or split the total among two organizations. They didn’t have to award funds to all three and the panel didn’t plan to according to Torres-Walker.
Concerns Politics Involved but Torres-Walker’s Efforts Result in Funds for CAF
Some residents are concerned that politics may be involved in the panel’s decision, since Motts ran unsuccessfully for city council placing second against Torres-Walker in 2020 and 2022, when the difference between the two was just four votes following a recount, and is expected to run against the incumbent councilwoman again, next year. But it was actually Torres-Walker who argued in favor of the $5,000 grant to CAF.
During council discussion of the item on Nov. 20th, Torres-Walker said, “I’m the only panelist who gave Celebrate Antioch a high score because they have been in the community and doing a lot of work in downtown…when others on the panel were considering completely denying the group’s proposal.”
“The proposal was not innovative. But I really appreciated the Farmer’s Market,” the councilwoman continued. “After hours of deliberating and actually only choosing two applicants – we did not choose a third applicant – Celebrate Antioch’s proposal was not going to be funded. I made a proposal…through the City Manager to staff that we at least consider a small grant to support the efforts of the Farmer’s Market, which was new and innovative to the City of Antioch,” Torres-Walker explained. “Staff deliberated and agreed with my proposal and moved forward as such.”
Options for Council
The council members can choose to approve the Review Panel’s grant awards by voting for the resolution included with the agenda item, choose different grant amounts for each of the three groups, or scrap the entire program.
The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall located at 200 H Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. It can also be viewed via livestream on the City’s website and the City’s YouTube Channel, on Comcast Cable Channel 24 or AT&T U-verse Channel 99.
From strengthening California’s workforce to contributing billions in statewide industry activity, the CSU’s massive economic impact is undeniable
By Jason Maymon, Senior Director & Amy Bentley-Smith, Director of Strategic Communications, CSU Media Relations & Public Affairs
On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, the California State University (CSU) released its 2025 economic impact report, underscoring the system’s broad contributions to fueling nearly every aspect of California’s economy
The report, Moving California Forward: The Economic Power of the CSU, details the role the CSU plays in strengthening the state’s key industries and preparing a skilled workforce essential to driving economic vitality. The report finds that in 2023–24 alone, CSU-related spending contributed more than $20 billion directly to California’s economy, generating $31.6 billion in statewide industry activity, supporting 210,800 jobs, and producing $2.3 billion in state and local tax revenue.
“This comprehensive report clearly demonstrates that resources entrusted to the CSU should not be considered an expenditure, but rather an investment – and an investment with a powerful and tangible return,” said CSU Chancellor Mildred García. “Importantly, the report measures not only dollars, jobs and industry activity, but also the CSU’s impact on our students’ lives and families, our contributions as a research powerhouse, and the countless benefits our universities deliver to our workforce, to communities across California, and to our nation.”
“Education opens doors — and there is no greater or more prestigious educational system than California’s public universities,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “These schools are a lifeline for first-generation and working-class students and channel vital talent straight into our workforce. From classrooms to clinics, fields to film sets, CSU graduates power the services, industries, and innovation that make California dominate and thrive.”
“Across California, the CSU is moving California and the state’s workforce forward,” said Stewart Knox, secretary of the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency. “Nearly half of all bachelor’s degrees awarded in our state come from the CSU – preparing talent that meets California’s evolving workforce needs in every region and major industry.”
Source: CSU’s 2025 Economic Impact Report
A Strong Return on Investment for California
For every dollar California invests in the CSU, the system generates $7.69 in statewide industry activity, which increases to $35.53 when factoring in alumni earnings, the report finds. CSU alumni, whose incremental earnings totaled $97.8 billion in 2024, create a ripple effect across industries and communities statewide.
Beyond the financial return, CSU’s role in educating more than half a million students delivers transformative social value by expanding access to higher education and accelerating upward mobility for the nearly 125,000 graduates who walk the commencement stage every year prepared to contribute and lead in their fields.
Source: CSU’s 2025 Economic Impact Report
Powering California’s Workforce and Key Industries
As the producer of nearly half of California’s bachelor’s degrees, the CSU is providing the diverse, educated and skilled professionals required to meet workforce needs in the state’s top in-demand industries. Specifically, within the education and health services and professional and business services sectors, which together account for more than 1 million projected job openings by 2033, the CSU is producing over half of related bachelor’s degrees. CSU’s engineering and construction program also provides more than half of the state’s general engineering graduates, which supports infrastructure growth.
In the 2023-24 academic year, CSU campuses conferred:
29,000 degrees in health care (representing 46% of such degrees awarded in the state)
23,000 degrees in business and professional services (48%)
14,000 degrees in humanities and social sciences (56%)
The CSU also produces:
78% of the state’s agriculture graduates
46% of graduates in public policy and criminal justice
49% of graduates in media, culture and design
37% of new multiple subject credentialed teachers
Source: CSU’s 2025 Economic Impact Report
Regional Impact: Strengthening Communities Across California
Each of the CSU’s 22 universities serve as anchor institutions, fueling job creation, innovation, and opportunity in their local community. The Economic Impact Report highlights significant regional benefits:
Bay Area: $4.8 billion in industry activity and 31,000 jobs supported.
Central Coast: $3 billion in industry activity and 31,500 jobs supported.
Inland Empire: $1 billion in industry activity and 9,218 jobs supported.
Los Angeles: $10 billion in industry activity and 74,900 jobs supported
North Coast: $718 million in industry activity and 6,598 jobs supported.
Sacramento Valley: $2.8 billion in industry activity and 24,613 jobs supported.
San Diego: $3.9 billion in industry activity and 32,760 jobs supported.
San Joaquin Valley: $2.6 billion in industry activity and 25,300 jobs supported.
These impacts demonstrate how the CSU powers California’s regional economies, ensuring that every corner of the state benefits from higher education, innovation, and workforce development.
For more information, view CSU’s 2025 Economic Impact Report at calstate.edu/impact.
Source: CSU’s 2025 Economic Impact Report
Bay Area Regional Impact
CSU spending through campus operations, capital investment and student spending on and off campus stimulate the economy of the Bay Area region. As detailed in Appendix B of the report, the direct spending for each campus is estimated using CSU financial data, enrollment figures, average student budget estimates and an analysis of California-based alumni earnings over time.
CSUs in the Bay Area had a direct spend of over $3.6 billion during the 2023-24 academic year, comprising the following four categories:
$1.7 billion on operational expenditures
$279.6 million on capital expenditures (four-year average)
$206.2 million on auxiliary expenditures
$1.4 billion on student expenditures
Many CSU alumni from campuses in the Bay Area region remain in California, contributing to the local economy. In 2024, they earned $19.5 billion in incremental earnings due to their CSU degree. That money, when spent in the local economy, sparked secondary impacts.
Source: CSU’s 2025 Economic Impact Report
During the 2023-24 academic year, CSUs in the Bay Area region generated a substantial economic impact across the region, supporting over 31,000 jobs and contributing $2.2 billion in labor income. Campus operational activities were the largest driver, accounting for more than 20,000 jobs and $1.4 billion in wages. Student spending and auxiliary services supported more than 8,000 jobs and injected nearly $1.7 billion into industry activity. Capital expenditures, while smaller in scale, supported 2,300 jobs and over $230 million in wages. Altogether, these activities culminated in $4.8 billion in industry activity and $321 million in tax revenues, underscoring the campuses’ vital role in regional economic vitality and public finance. Table 3 provides a further breakdown of results.
About the California State University
The California State University is the nation’s largest four-year public university system, providing transformational opportunities for upward mobility to more than 470,000 students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. More than half of CSU students are from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds, and more than one-quarter of undergraduates are first-generation college students. Because the CSU’s 22 universities* provide a high-quality education at an incredible value, they are rated among the best in the nation for promoting social mobility in national college rankings from U.S. News & World Report, the Wall Street Journal and Washington Monthly. The CSU powers California and the nation, sending nearly 125,000 career-ready graduates into the workforce each year. In fact, one in every 20 Americans holding a college degree earned it at the CSU. Connect with and learn more about the CSU in the CSU newsroom.
* Transition to 22 universities in progress (Cal Poly SLO and Cal Maritime integrating). The integration process is anticipated to be complete by fall 2026.
Public comment through Dec. 18 on Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+, EIR for housing, transportation, economic development and the environment
East Bay WebinarNov. 5
By Veronica Cummings, Principal Public Information Officer, Engagement & John Goodwin, Assistant Director of Communications, Metropolitan Transportation Commission
After more than two years of public discussion, technical analyses and refinement, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) today released Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ and the Plan Bay Area 2050+ Draft Environmental Impact Report for public review and comment.
Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ charts a course for the future of the Bay Area over the next 25 years. Designed to guide growth and investment across the region’s nine counties and 101 cities, the latest plan aims to advance an integrated vision for a Bay Area that is affordable, connected, diverse, healthy and vibrant for all. The plan contains 35 strategies for public policies and investments that can be implemented to help the Bay Area build more homes, reduce commute times, and create vibrant downtowns and natural areas for everyone to enjoy. These strategies also aim to keep people safe from natural hazards, support a strong economy and provide stable housing.
Unique to this plan cycle is Transit 2050+, a parallel and first-of-its-kind planning effort conducted by MTC and ABAG in partnership with Bay Area transit agencies to re-envision the future of Bay Area public transit.
Plan Bay Area includes all nine Bay Area counties and 101 cities. Source: Plan Bay Area
MTC and ABAG have scheduled a series of webinars and public hearings for comment on Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ and associated supplemental reports, as well as on the Draft Environmental Impact Report for Plan Bay Area 2050+. All interested people, agencies and other organizations are encouraged to attend a webinar or public hearing, where they can ask questions and offer comments on these documents. Full event details are listed below:
Webinar #2 — West Bay Wednesday, October 29, 2025 6-7:30 p.m. Zoom link: https://bit.ly/westbaywebinar Webinar ID: 831 4140 5598 Passcode: 096944 888-788-0099 US Toll Free
Webinar #3 — South Bay Thursday, October 30, 2025 6-7:30 p.m. Zoom link: https://bit.ly/southbaywebinar Webinar ID: 822 2561 7467 Passcode: 356845 888-788-0099 US Toll Free
Webinar #4 — East Bay Wednesday, November 5, 2025 6-7:30 p.m. Zoom link: https://bit.ly/eastbaywebinar Webinar ID: 869 8283 4999 Passcode: 682098 888-788-0099 US Toll Free
In addition to these webinars, MTC and ABAG will host three public hearings around the Bay Area to provide opportunities for all interested agencies, organizations and individuals to comment on the Draft Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Report. The full list of hearings is as follows:
Public Hearing #1 — MTC Planning Committee and ABAG Administrative Committee Friday, November 14, 2025, at 9:40 a.m. or upon the conclusion of the Bay Area Infrastructure Financing Authority Network and Operations Committee, whichever is later. Bay Area Metro Center -or- Zoom Boardroom, 1st Floor 375 Beale Street, San Francisco
Public Hearing #2 — Fremont Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 6 p.m. Olive Hyde Art Center and Gallery -or- Zoom 123 Washington Boulevard, Fremont Zoom link: https://bit.ly/drafthearing2 Webinar ID: 875 7625 3306 Passcode: 178983 888 788 0099 US Toll Free
Public Hearing #3 — Novato Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 6 p.m. Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn -or- Zoom 215 Alameda del Prado, Novato Zoom link: https://bit.ly/drafthearing3 Webinar ID: 898 0347 9624
Passcode: 129009
888 788 0099 US Toll Free
Interested Bay Area residents, agencies and organizations also are encouraged to view and comment on the draft plan online at planbayarea.org/draftplan. Comments will be reviewed by officials from both ABAG and MTC as they consider the adoption of Final Plan Bay Area 2050+, slated for early 2026.
Written comments will be accepted via mail to MTC Public Information Office, Attn: Plan Bay Area -or- Draft EIR Comments, 375 Beale Street, Suite 800, San Francisco, CA, 94105; or via email (Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ inbox: info@planbayarea.org; Draft EIR inbox: eircomments@bayareametro.gov). Comments by phone can made at (415) 778-2292.
The comment period for all documents will close Dec. 18, 2025, at 5 p.m.
Do you need an interpreter or any other assistance to participate? Please call (415) 778-6757. For TDD or hearing impaired, call 711, California Relay Service, or (800) 735-2929 (TTY), (800) 735-2922 (voice) and ask to be relayed to (415) 778-6700. We require at least three working days’ notice to accommodate requests.
¿Necesita un intérprete u otra asistencia para participar? Por favor llámenos con tres días de anticipación al (415) 778-6757. Para telecomunicaciones para personas sordas y discapacitadas, favor de llamar al 711, el Servicio de Retransmisión de California (CRS) para TTY/VCO/HCO a Voz o para Voz a TTY/VCO/HCO al (800) 855-3000 y pedir que lo retrasmitan al (415) 778-6700.
ABAG is the council of governments and the regional planning agency for the 101 cities and towns, and nine counties of the Bay Area. MTC is the transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area.
By City of Antioch Economic Development Department
The City of Antioch received funding from the National League of Cities (NLC) to pilot a grant program aimed at advancing local jobs through collaboration between Antioch businesses and nonprofits. The City invites teams of three or more Antioch-based small businesses and/or nonprofits to propose creative projects that will help residents, especially those with low incomes, find and grow in meaningful employment.
This is a pilot grant program. A total of $20,000 will be split between 2–4 selected teams ($5,000-$10,000 per team). All grant funds must be spent by June 1, 2026.
New Antioch Community and Economic Development Director Zach Seal. Photo source: City of Antioch
Zach Seal brings over 25 years’ experience in city planning, economic development in East Bay
By Jaden Baird, PIO, City of Antioch
ANTIOCH, CA — Following City Manager Bessie Scott reorganizing and combining the City of Antioch’s Community Development and Economic Development Departments, it was announced today, Friday, September 5, 2025, the appointment of Zach Seal as its new Director. He will officially begin his role on October 6, 2025.
Seal brings over 25 years of experience in city planning and economic development throughout the East Bay. His impressive track record includes leadership roles in Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Oakland, Alameda, and with the Association of Bay Area Governments, where he has consistently delivered high-impact results for local communities.
In his most recent position as Economic Development Manager for the City of Pleasant Hill, Seal played a pivotal role in revitalizing a key area of downtown by attracting Osaka Marketplace, a unique grocery store and restaurant market hall, to a long-vacant building. He also authored much of the City’s $500,000 Merchant Support Initiative, which included launching an award-winning Technical Assistance Grant Program for small businesses.
Seal’s previous work includes negotiating the agreement that brought the Martinez Sturgeon professional baseball team to Waterfront Park and establishing the public-private partnership that launched Oakland’s free Broadway Shuttle, connecting downtown residents and workers to the Jack London waterfront.
Earlier in his career, Seal served as a City Planner for the City of Alameda and the Association of Bay Area Governments, where he helped shape regional planning strategies and oversaw a range of private development projects.
“Zach’s depth of experience, creativity, and proven success in economic revitalization make him a tremendous asset to the City of Antioch,” said City Manager Scott. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to the team as we continue building a vibrant, business-friendly community.”
According to his LinkedIn profile, Seal holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from U.C.L.A. and a Master’s Degree in City Planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Outside of work, he is a proud father of two young daughters and, by his own account, a recently minted expert in dad jokes and hair bows.
Seeking experienced firms; proposal deadline: July 16
The City of Antioch invites Antioch-based organizations to propose projects that advance economic development interests throughout the city. This request aims to award up to three grants of $20,000 each to the best projects. Proposals are due July 16!
The City of Antioch is seeking an experienced firm that can enter into a Contractor Agreement for economic development projects in Antioch, CA. The City is looking for organizations that have the ability to produce the advancement of economic development outcomes and will enter into a contractor agreement for a specific period of time.
The city boasts a variety of commercial corridors that serve as key hubs for business and economic activity. Antioch has designated areas like the Downtown Area also known as Rivertown as well as Western Antioch Commercial Focus Area, which includes regional commercial zones such as Somersville Towne Center and Delta Fair Shopping Center. Additionally, the Highway 4 Corridor plays a significant role in the local economy, with ongoing real estate developments and business expansions. The Commercial Infill Housing Overlay District has also introduced new zoning regulations, allowing for mixed-use developments in commercial areas like Lone Tree Way and Buchanan Crossings. These corridors provide retail, office, and industrial spaces, contributing to Antioch’s growing economy and community development.
Awardees should design and implement projects that result in tangible improvements to Antioch’s economic ecosystem. Projects funded under this RFP should aim to achieve at least two or more of the following outcomes:
Increased Economic Activity – Boost foot traffic, sales, or commercial occupancy rates in key corridors.
Business Retention or Expansion – Provide support or services that result in business stabilization, retention, or physical/operational growth.
Entrepreneurial Development – Foster new business creation, especially among underserved populations or within underutilized areas.
Job Creation or Workforce Upskilling – Generate new employment opportunities or improve job readiness among residents.
Community Engagement – Increase stakeholder participation, visibility of small businesses, or community pride in economic corridors.
The scope shall include but shall not be limited to:
Advances current economic development strategies. Examples of this may be to hold convenings of Antioch merchants or activation of an economically depressed location
Firm must demonstrate history of similar work in Antioch
Submit reports, invoices and documentation in a timely manner
Maintain an active business license
Proof of non-profit status
Follow terms of contract
Maintain communication with City and attend regular check ins
Show how the City of Antioch and its commercial areas will prosper with your company/firm
To evaluate the success of funded projects, grantees will be expected to measure and report on relevant key performance indicators such as increases in foot traffic, customer engagement, and retail sales; the number of businesses supported, retained, or expanded; the launch of new businesses or entrepreneur support efforts; the activation or improvement of underutilized commercial spaces; the creation or retention of jobs and workforce training outcomes; and/or levels of community participation, awareness, and satisfaction.
All grantees will be required to submit quarterly reports on progress made, as well as a final report at the conclusion of the grant term, which should include how the outcome was achieved and how the grant funds were expended. Reports will inform the City’s assessment of program impact and future funding considerations.
