Economic Development Annual Report

Napa's Economic Development Division has released its comprehensive Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024-25, showcasing a year of significant achievements that build economic resilience and support local business growth throughout the community.

The 14-page report demonstrates our Division's wide-ranging impact across multiple sectors of Napa's economy. Through the Business Concierge program, the team provided direct, hands-on support to over 20 businesses, helping them navigate City processes and overcome regulatory challenges. This personalized approach contributed to a remarkable net gain of 376 new business licenses citywide, reflecting continued confidence in Napa as a place to start and grow enterprises.

The report also highlights the inaugural Napa Makes Makers Accelerator program, developed in partnership with the Solano-Napa Small Business Development Center. This six-week intensive program supported 12 local artisan-makers through hands-on curriculum, individual mentorship, and real-world business application. The program culminated in a showcase event at Guild where participants delivered polished elevator pitches and operated a pop-up market, demonstrating the practical skills gained through the accelerator experience.

The Economic Development team also advanced several major development initiatives that will shape Napa's future landscape. The First Street II redevelopment project, which will transform the former Kohl's site and Dwight Murray Plaza into a dynamic downtown centerpiece, saw significant progress through collaborative planning efforts. Additionally, our team secured a $95,000 Technical Assistance grant from MTC/ABAG to produce development strategy studies for key sites, including the former Cinedome location.

We also distributed over $500,000 in Tourism Improvement District grant funding to support placemaking initiatives and events that draw in visitors. These investments supported beloved local events like the Lighted Art Festival while introducing new attractions such as the inaugural Napa Valley Streamfest, which generated 150 hotel room stays and attracted hundreds of attendees from across the region.

The report confirms that Napa's economy is performing well. Napa has maintained a low average unemployment rate at 4%. Visitors continue to play a large role in supporting the local economy, with 3.6 million out-of-town guests spending $447.5 million in Napa. Hotels averaged a 61.6% occupancy rate, reflecting steady tourism demand that helps local businesses thrive and generates tax revenue for community services like parks maintenance, road work and public safety.

These initiatives and the team helping drive them received notable recognition this year. Our Economic Development Program Coordinator, Brendan Hurley, was named to the North Bay Business Journal's Forty Under 40, highlighting his emerging leadership in regional economic development. The RiverLine Strategic Plan received statewide recognition with an Award of Excellence from the California Association for Local Economic Development, underscoring the initiative's innovative approach to community-driven planning.

Looking ahead, the report outlines strategic priorities that align closely with the newly established City Council focus areas. These include expanding our successful accelerator programs to serve additional business sectors, implementing the completed Napa RiverLine Strategic Plan and developing enhanced site readiness strategies for priority development parcels throughout the city.

Check out the Annual Report to dive deeper into our program successes, economic data and plans for building a more resilient local economy.