Economic Development – City of Hollister, California

Office Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30am-Noon and 1:00pm-4:30 pm (Closed for Lunch 12noon-1pm)
Office Location
339 Fifth Street, Hollister, CA 95023
Phone: (831) 636-4316

How to Best Organize for Economic Development in Hollister?

The City of Hollister is updating the Economic Development strategy with representatives from Retail, industry, airport, agriculture, tourism, education and business development organizations such as the business Council, Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Corporation and Hollister Downtown Association for the next two years (June 2012 to June 2014) to maintain positive direction and achieve new economic growth. In the interim, the Hollister community will continue to organize local economic development efforts to pursue a few key targets industries, the expansion of retail services, explore pop-up retail and local tourism. Highlights of current economic development programs generally fall into the following categories:

Business Climate & Market Assessment
Support Local Business, Employees & Customers
Select a Few Key Target Industries for Outreach & Recruitment
Prepare Marketing, Create Leads & New Business Prospects

Hollister Sales Tax Incentive Notices

Hollister Farms Retail Development

Hollister Retail Update - October 2008

Sample of Commercial/Retail Property Available (as of October 2008)

Retails Pads at Guerra's/Lowe's Legacy Center w/ 4,000 to 15,000 sq.ft. Will design to suit for tenants. Available in Summer 2009.
Office/Retail Building on San Benito Street, 1 st floor retail & office on 2-3 story w/ 7,400 sq. ft. (for sale or lease)
Commercial Condo Offices on San Felipe 1,000 to 2,000 sq. ft each (for sale)
Downtown Commercial/Retail with two 4,000 sq. ft. units (for lease)
Downtown office building on 6 th Street, 1 story w/ 1,465 sq. ft (for sale)
TBB for Retail/Commercial, vacant development site w/ .6 acre on San Benito (for sale)
Former Dick Bruhn Retail Building w/ 7,840 sq. ft. (for sale)
Retail/office space in former Penney's Building w/ + 12,000 sq. ft. (for lease)
New retail space @ McCray Street, 2,000 to 12,000 sq. ft in several buildings (for sale or lease)
Future shopping center site. Level 17.0 acres w/ frontage on new CA Route #25 at gateway to Hollister. All utilities available. (Land for sale)

Trade Area Profile: (For Retail Analysis specifics)

"In virtually every retail category, with the exception of "Grocery and Liquor", the demand for these products exceeds the three (3) and ten (10) mile supply, some by a staggering margin. Examples of only the three-mile leakage (of local consumer dollars):

Furniture and Home Furnishings...$9.9 million;
Electronics and Appliances...$12.2 million;
Building Materials and Garden Equipment...$39.3 million;
Health and Personal Care...$10.3 million;
Gasoline Stations...$35.1 million;
Clothing and Clothing Accessories...$29.3 million;
Sporting Goods, Hobby, Books and Music...$11.0 million;
General Merchandise (Department, Warehouse Stores)...$42.6 million;
Full-Service Restaurants...$12.0 million.

From: Retail Areas Analysis, Strategies & Recommendations , prepared by Jim Harrigan, Principal of Economic Development Systems, September 2008

Nine Economic Development Priorities for the City of Hollister

The Economic Development Advisory Committee and Staff view the following actions as strategic priorities, directing work for immediate implementation. These actions can likely have the greatest sustainable positive impact on the City.

1. Complete a new Waste Water Treatment Plant constructed with modern sewage treatment technology for the existing community. Ends threat of state sanctions, updates technology & assure future expansion for new residential, commercial & industrial users. The City of Hollister announces a new fully operational WWTP is ready to go online as of October 2008.

2. Assure construction of new Highway 25 Bypass in cooperation with San Benito COG and Caltrans to provide needed traffic link between north and south sides of the City. Take advantage of new land development opportunities along the Corridor, support development of new commercial/ retail projects adjacent to the rightofway & minimize traffic impact on residential neighborhoods. With Construction nearly complete, the Highway 25 Bypass is expected to be complete in late 2008.

3. Set a citywide target for job creation & retention. Keep pace with Jobs/Housing Balance and assure creation of 2,500 new & replacement jobs over next five years in Hollister. Create opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs to gain support and start companies. Hollister can benefit from programs that encourage and assist citizens starting their own businesses. A strong collaboration between the public and private sectors must occur to ensure its overall success. Look to support local business expansions. Focus on companies in target industry categories & expansion of sustainable business practices. Help support startups, young businesses and new ideas. New & existing employers contact: City's Economic Development Office of the Successor Agency at (831) 636-4316.

4. Continue to expand the strong agricultural heritage that provides an economic base in San Benito/ Hollister. Explore new opportunities in sustainable agriculture with local producers & prepare for transition with relocation or closing of existing produce packing operations. Work to create pride in the community & promote a continued renaissance.

5. Guide Redevelopment of Downtown District to include office and executive space, downtown retailers, restaurants & mixeduse residential development. The City of Hollister encouraged completion of an updated downtown revitalization plan, keeping business, retail, and office space in mind, as well as amenities for increasing overall quality of life. Actively support construction of new towncenter Courthouse & office complex; retain those key jobs downtown. Downtown sites may offer opportunity for higher density residential & affordable housing projects. Hollister Downtown Association contracted with RBF Consulting/Urban Design Studio to prepare an updated a Downtown Plan by mid2008. Contact: HDA staff at (831) 636-8406 or visit their website at www.downtownhollister.org to become involved.

6. Adopt a Plan and Budget to support the Master Plan for Hollister Airport, and implement the Airport Land Use Plan to include development of Industrial/Business Campus, as well as service and education facilities and programs. The Master Plan must be fully developed to realize the potential of Airport & Airport Supported Industries. This will facilitate the recruitment of quality companies and bringing them to the community. Contact: City s Airport Manager at (831) 636-4365.

7. Work with the Chamber, the Business Council, EDC & other entities to sponsor specific business support programs and resources. Small & medium size companies comprise the largest part of the San Benito County economy. Focus on supporting existing companies, as well as new businesses. Recommended programs should be implemented to address immediate needs, as well as longterm goals. Other small to medium sized owneroperator firms from within the Northern California region are most like to be attracted to relocate in Hollister. Contact: San Benito Chamber of Commerce at (831) 637-5315 or online at www.sanbenitocountychamber.com.

8. Assist Gavilan College to locate and build new campus with connections & proximity to downtown. Ensure development of programs offer growing companies talented and trained workers. Identify other programs to increase the number of skilled workers that are needed by target industries and work to gain funding for their implementation.

9. Support creation of important community facilities & sponsor events (such as YMCA, library & community stage) to expand cultural & recreation opportunities; improve Hollister quality of life. Hollister s population is relatively young and family oriented. Encouraging development of recreational and cultural opportunities creates a balanced community and increases growth in the service economy.