Economic Development and Environmental Protection
Economic development and environmental protection go hand-in-hand. Without one, you will not have the other.
To create a community where we can live, work and play, we need to focus investing in economic development that creates higher paying jobs in the City of Novato so most of us will not have to commute for those jobs that sustain our quality of life.
In my meetings with business leaders, I have been impressed by the fact that they chose to locate their businesses in Novato for the same reasons we choose to live here. These executives want to see open space, breathe clean air, and enjoy the small town character of our community. They like to look out of their office windows and see our open space and wetlands. If we want to encourage economic growth, we must not do it at the sacrifice of the environment. If we don’t protect our environment, we won’t have the main drawing card that brings and keeps the kinds of companies we want in Novato. If we maintain a balance between economic health and environmental health, we will be able to continue to provide our community with a very high quality of life.
In 2022, we entered into an agreement with San Francisco Brewing Company to bring a proposal for dining and other amenities at our old Downtown Depot at the end of Grant Avenue. The new owners of the old Pini Hardware building on Grant Avenue has proposed retail on the ground floor along with 1 story above dedicated for commercial parking; along with 4 floors of housing. This proposal has not been finalized and there will be ample opportunity for public engagement. The new owners of the old Fireman’s Fund buildings has also proposed housing for this site which will be subject to public involvement.
By building on the growing industries such as biotech, video games and other high tech industries that have made Novato their home, we can enhance endeavors to get higher paying jobs so we do not have to commute outside of our town for those high paying jobs. We’re making progress on a variety of issues. I know we’re not done yet – and, with your help, I’ll continue to work side-by-side with you to make Novato even better.