Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP)

In July 2023, the City Council adopted an updated Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP). The overarching goal of the plan is to continue to advance the economic vitality of the City of San Luis Obispo and develop strategies that strengthen the City's economic development efforts while integrating the principles of sustainability, diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, the 2023 EDSP applies an emphasis on the retention of current businesses, the continued expansion of the arts and culture scene, and ongoing efforts to contribute to the vibrancy of Downtown. The city has also recognized the need to expand the traditional function of economic development to include practices that incorporate sustainability and social equity to maximize the community’s economic vitality. The EDSP has created broad themes that encompass the three following key pillars and their subsequent action plans:

1. Business & Entrepreneurship Vitality
2. Placemaking & Promotion
3. Talent Development & Attraction

This update is meant to reflect the City’s new priorities, where appropriate, along with its ever-evolving economic landscape. Careful consideration was made to ensure that the recommendations that follow fall within the scale and scope of the City’s economic development function.

Background & Purpose of Update

The newly adopted EDSP was updated in 2023 to be consistent with the City Council's Vision Statement and Major City goals. This update continues to advance the economic vitality of the City of San Luis Obispo and encourages job creation, support for infrastructure development, public-private and public-public partnerships, and business retention and expansion. This updated plan incorporates sustainable and socially equitable practices by aligning with the City's Climate Action Plan (CAP) as well as the DEI Strategic Plan. An Executive Summary of the EDSP is also available.  

EDSP At a Glance

EDSP Data

Economic Content Analysis 

 The menu on the next page includes interactive detail on population, demographics, internet accessibility, employment trends and specialization, the regional talent pipeline, and environmental risks and opportunities.  

Community Vision Survey Results 

The menu on the next page includes interactive data on respondent characteristics and community vision from the survey.  

EDSP Implementation Matrix

EDSP Implementation Matrix Update October 2024

The EDSP Implementation Matrix is updated quarterly. The most recent update is posted above.

Overview of City of San Luis Obispo’s Consulting Firm - TIP Strategies, Inc. 

 For the 2023 update, the City has commissioned TIP Strategies, Inc. (TIP) to update the existing Economic Development Strategic Plan. Established in 1995, TIP is a privately held Austin-based firm providing consulting and advisory services to the public sector and the private sector. Their core competencies include strategic planning for economic development. TIP’s team is experienced in leading economic development planning projects across the US and internationally and assisting with the implementation of economic development plans for cities, counties, regions, and states. Committed to equitable development, diversity, equity, and inclusion are also guiding principles for all of TIP’s strategic planning work. 

For more information, please contact the City’s Economic Development and Tourism Manager, Molly Cano via email at mcano@slocity.org.