Welcome to the February issue of our Economic Development Newsletter! 

For February, we wanted to highlight several efforts to enhance community engagement and forge a more inclusive economy.

First, we highlight how our Community Development Department’s Parking and Economic Development Divisions have been teaming up to discuss parking and mobility management in the Downtown and the Oxbow. In the interview with Tony Valadez, City’s Parking Manager, we describe how he is seeking community input to ensure we tackle challenges and pave the way toward holistic solutions that improve parking, walkability, reduce CHC emissions and support our business community.

Our Partner Resources features the Napa Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (NHCC) Executive Director, Lee Miller, who provides support and resources to local Hispanic and minority-owned businesses. The Economic Development Team is working closely with the NHCC and other workforce and support organizations to improve services to all businesses. Please check out our Business Concierge Services designed to help businesses navigate city services and connect to resources.

We are also providing several business development resources and special events geared towards our businesses. Check those out!

Finally, I hope everyone is also enjoying the Napa Lighted Arts Festival! Remember to attend the Lantern Parade on February 11th at Veterans Park, which is an excellent public event for the entire community!

Neal Harrison
Economic Development Manager

City Employee Feature: Tony Valadez

You may have heard that the city has launched community meetings to discuss parking management solutions, including paid parking in downtown Napa. We sat down with Tony Valadez, the City of Napa’s Parking Programs Manager, to hear directly from him on the program and his progress....Read the full industry resource article.

Industry Resource: Business Development Tools

We have compiled a list of resources available to support our business community, and in honor of Black History Month we’re highlighting resources tailored to minority-owned businesses: Read the full business spotlight article.

Partner Resource: Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Minority-owned businesses can look to the Napa County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (NCHCC) for resources and an encouraging community to help them achieve their business goals. With a mission to promote, support and encourage the advancement and development of Hispanic and minority-owned businesses, NCHCC serves as a pillar for entrepreneurs in Napa — no matter the stage of career development...Read the full partner resource article.

Special Events for this Month

- February 11: 6:30pm – Lantern Parade at the Lighted Arts Festival

- February 13: 10am-11am – Career Point WIOA Orientation

- February 15: 10am – SBA & IRS: Small Business Tax Overview

- February 15: 10am-11am – Creative Ways to Fund your Business

- February 19: Last day of the Napa Lighted Arts Festival

- February 20: 10am-11am – Career Point WIOA Orientation

- February 22: 5:30pm-7:30pm – February 2023 Redwood Credit Union Mixer

- February 22: 12pm-1:30pm – Before you Borrow: Improve your Business Credit Score

- February 27: 10am-11am – Career Point WIOA Orientation

- March 31:  Applications due for Food Trucks to serve at American Canyon’s Seeking food trucks for the Meet Me in the Street fair on June 14, July 12 and Aug. 9 from 5 to 8 p.m.The cost is $125 per event for vendors. Applications are due March 31 for all three events.

Email: [email protected] with questions.