City of Irvine Advances Bold Economic Development Blueprint, Laying the Groundwork for an Innovation Center

Continuing a commitment to Irvine's long-term economic success, the Irvine City Council approved a blueprint at its January 13 meeting to guide the City's economic development efforts and lay the groundwork for the launch of the Irvine Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

The Economic Development Division Blueprint for 2026-2028(link is external)defines the mission, vision, and core responsibilities of the Economic Development division, positioning it as the centralized leader for previously fragmented activities. The Blueprint prioritizes business retention, attraction, and expansion; growth of Irvine's venture capital and innovation ecosystem; workforce and talent-pipeline development; and enhancement of Irvine's national and global competitiveness.

As part of this strategy, the City is partnering with the Greater Irvine Chamber to help implement select initiatives, leveraging external expertise, expanding reach, and creating a force multiplier that advances Irvine's economic development goals.

The Irvine Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship is envisioned as a catalytic platform for inclusive economic growth and innovation. It will serve as Irvine's front door to the innovation economy and will:

• Connect entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem partners;
• Accelerate early-stage venture development;
• Reduce barriers to innovation-driven entrepreneurship; and
• Expand access to capital, education, and technical resources.

"We are at such a remarkable stage of our City's development," said Mayor Larry Agran. "This Blueprint and the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship will strengthen our position as a leading innovation hub, while driving long-term job creation and economic growth. I am excited to see what comes of this as we look ahead to the future."

The Blueprint builds upon the City's coordinated approach to delivering meaningful resources, strategic planning, and forward-looking initiatives that benefit businesses of all sizes. Through partnerships with leading regional organizations, including the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center, the SBA Veterans Business Outreach Center, and the Orange County Workforce Development Board, the City has provided free, high-impact support to more than 300 businesses within the past year. Key initiatives included the Small Business Capital and Growth
Conference, small business clinics, a pitch competition, a contracting workshop, and multiple engagements with the OC Workforce Solutions Mobile Unit.

To further support informed business decision-making, the City launched its Available Property and Community Analytics Dashboard(link is external), an interactive tool that combines commercial real estate listings with demographic, labor force, and consumer expenditure data. In addition, the City conducted its most comprehensive Community Development customer survey to date, reaching out to more than 15,000 customers and using the results to identify perceived regulatory challenges and inform process improvements that reduce barriers to business startup and expansion.

With these initiatives underway, 2026 promises to be a transformative year for Irvine's economic development efforts. To stay informed about upcoming news, events, and resources designed to support business success and innovation, subscribe to City of Irvine Economic Development updates.