on densification,” Mayor González says, with an objective of increasing the number of people living and spending time downtown.This, in turn, supports local businesses and contributes to the area’s economic vitality. Recent beautification initiatives include expanding the city’s “cleaning ambassadors,” a dedicated team ensuring the downtown stays tidy and attractive. Additionally, automated trash cans with sensors notify when they need emptying, preventing overflow and keeping streets clean. On the development front, Mayor González details several significant housing projects near downtown, increasing the local population while enhancing commercial activity.“Within 1 to 2 blocks of downtown, we’ve built three projects,” he notes, highlighting a new building near the San Leandro BART station that will soon house 200 residential units. The ground floor will feature commercial spaces, including a boutique grocery store and a coffee shop—venues carefully chosen to complement the local character and serve the growing population. INDUSTRIAL REVITALIZATION AND BUSINESS APPEAL San Leandro is seizing new industrial and commercial development opportunities, repurposing legacy spaces, and spurring innovation. Mayor González points to Gate 510, a former auto plant that now houses tech startups across sectors like biotech, food tech, and clean energy. “It has transformed into a hub for cutting-edge industries,” he says.Another key project, the former Bayfair Mall, is also developing. While it retains retail space, much is being converted for light industrial and research purposes. The mayor proactively courts clean energy and tech companies, attends industry conferences, and personally engages with CEOs. “As a smaller city, we’re nimble,” he says, pointing out how San Leandro’s smaller bureaucracy allows it to fast-track permitting and other processes that can be bogged down in larger cities. This flexibility is a selling point for businesses looking to avoid red tape while benefiting from the Bay Area’s proximity to worldclass research institutions and capital investors. Regarding attracting businesses, Mayor González emphasizes San Leandro’s affordability and strategic 214 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11
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