August Highlights: Building Connections, Supporting Business, and Investing in Murrieta’s Future

August was a busy and exciting month for the City of Murrieta's Economic Development Department. From attending statewide conferences and advocating in Sacramento, to connecting with our local business community and celebrating key infrastructure projects, our team stayed focused on driving growth, collaboration, and opportunity in Murrieta. Here's a look at what we accomplished together this past month:

Expanding Knowledge and Partnerships

• Industry Insights: Management Analyst Martha Coleman attended the Southern California Industrial and Logistics Conference, where industry leaders shared the latest trends in industrial and logistics development across Southern California. Insights gained on emerging and cooling submarkets, investment outlooks, and future forecasting will help guide how Murrieta positions itself within this growing sector.
• Professional Development: Martha also completed the CALED Introduction to Economic Development Certificate Program (Keys Course), further strengthening our department's capacity to serve the community with innovative and informed approaches.

Sharing Murrieta's Story

• Statewide Leadership: Economic Development Director Scott Agajanian was invited to speak with the California Workforce Development Board about the Murrieta Innovation Center and how its work aligns with the California Economic Blueprint.
• Community Conversations: We presented at the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber's Coffee with the City event, where we highlighted ongoing projects, answered questions, and had meaningful discussions with community members about economic development in Murrieta.

Supporting Local Business

• Networking and Connections: Our team engaged with the business community at events including the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber's Monthly Mixer hosted by GOScH Ford Temecula, the Networking Breakfast at The Cove, and Renaissance Village's Leads & Leis. These opportunities help us stay connected to our business partners and ensure their voices are part of Murrieta's growth story.
• Weekly Walkabouts: We continued our weekly business visits, walking through different areas of the city to meet directly with local business owners and staff. These visits provide valuable feedback and strengthen our community partnerships.
• Trunk or Treat Support: We invited our grocery businesses to help support the City's annual Trunk or Treat event by donating candy. A huge thank you to Grocery Outlet, Ralphs, Albertsons, Walmart, Costco, and Sam's Club for stepping up to make this community tradition possible.

Celebrating Infrastructure Progress

• Murrieta Hot Springs Road Widening: We broke ground on the Murrieta Hot Springs Road Widening Project, which will expand the roadway from four lanes to six lanes between Margarita Road and Winchester Road (SR-79). This project will ease congestion, improve traffic flow, and support our growing business community. We are grateful to the many City departments and regional partners who made this milestone possible.

Advocating for Murrieta

• Sacramento Advocacy: Mayor Cindy Warren, Council Member Lori Stone, City Manager Justin Clifton and Director of Economic Development Scott Agajanian traveled to Sacramento to advocate for Murrieta in meetings with the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). Their work helps ensure Murrieta's priorities are heard at the state level and that our community remains well-positioned for future opportunities.

As summer winds down, we're energized by the partnerships, progress, and momentum built in August. The City of Murrieta's Economic Development Department remains committed to supporting businesses, fostering innovation, and investing in the infrastructure that keeps Murrieta moving forward.

Stay tuned for more updates next month!