drive the city forward. “The folks at Gate 510 and B3 investors have been great partners,” he notes, referring to redeveloping critical city areas. He also commends nonprofit developers like Eden Housing for their contributions to affordable housing projects, stating, “They’ve delivered what I call visually indistinguishable affordable housing—where you can’t tell it’s affordable housing just by looking at it.” For Mayor González, these partnerships show what can be achieved when all parties work toward a common goal. LOOKING AHEAD: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AS A CORE FOCUS As San Leandro looks toward the future, Mayor González is clear that economic development sits at the top of his agenda.“Economic development is the single highest priority,” he says, noting that this goal is multifaceted and deeply interconnected with other key aspects of city planning. Housing development is crucial, as bringing in more residents creates a stronger foundation for local businesses. Similarly, attracting the right mix of companies and investors is vital for long-term growth. Quality of life is another crucial part. “Creating or enhancing the quality of life feel in the city enhances economic development,” Mayor González says. He adds that the city must look clean and welcoming to attract new businesses and residents. “People come and check out your city before investing,” he adds, highlighting the importance of making a positive first impression. This means ensuring that public spaces are well-maintained and traffic flows smoothly without disruptions like reckless driving or frequent red-light runners. “We’ve got to take care of the basics,” the mayor asserts, whether keeping the city visually appealing or ensuring public safety remains a top priority. These seemingly small details—clean streets, safe neighborhoods, well-maintained parks—play a pivotal role in making San Leandro an attractive destination for businesses and residents.“When you 218 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11
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