Business View Magazine | December 2019

288 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019 “We’re about 90 percent minorities and nearly 100 percent LMI,” Choy continues. “The mission of the San Pablo EDC was to come in and stabilize development, and diversify the local economy. We do that through the education and training of both workforce and businesses. Our whole concept is to work on both sides of that equation. As I work with the City to bring in new businesses, or help get new businesses started, I have a job-ready, skilled workforce able to do it.” Choy’s strategy aligns perfectly with San Pablo’s brand identity as a city that creates economic opportunity locally and level health equity for all. “We don’t just think of it as healthcare,” says Choy. “If you’re not giving people the means to participate meaningfully in the local economy, you’re not giving them access to healthcare. You’re not giving them access to living wage jobs that lead to a progressive wage career with benefits. If you’re not doing any of those things, you’re leaving your higher needs people in an area where they’ll never work their way out of it.” As the City of San Pablo looks to build up its economy, stay competitive locally, and grow through community involvement, its priority is to make the community a sustainable, healthy, and enjoyable place to live. One of the ways the City is doing this is by investing in resilient infrastructure. “I work with the Environmental Services Division of Public Works,” says Sarah Kolarik, Environmental Program Analyst for the City of San Pablo. “Within that department, we’re trying to find ways to integrate storm water infrastructure, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and resources for residents and businesses to lower energy costs and water usage.” The City has several ongoing projects with the goal of improving pedestrian and cyclist access, addressing flood issues and increasing urban greening. “One of the recent projects we’ve finished is the San Pablo Avenue Complete Streets Project, done in partnership with the City of Richmond, which added improved pedestrian