Politics & Government

Mayor: 'Shopper-Friendly' Town Center to Spur Aliso Economy

Mayor Carmen Cave lays out the city's economic development plans.

The following is a message from Aliso Viejo Mayor Carmen Cave:

Our city is forming an innovative model and cooperative partnerships that are laying the foundation for sustainable economic development. In essence, economic development is about building a healthier economy so we can have a healthier community. The goal is to attract and retain businesses, create jobs and spur our local economy.

A number of efforts are underway. We are working on implementing the Town Center Vision & Opportunities Plan to attract new businesses and add amenities so folks will have a more "shopper-friendly" environment at the Aliso Viejo Town Center.

Find out what's happening in Aliso Viejowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Our staff is meeting with property owners and managers to garner current leasing information and develop an owner/tenant database. In that same vein, we are establishing a working group of property owners and managers to enhance communications and cooperation.

Since technology plays a huge role in everything we do, we are expanding our economic development website and using social media more to encourage interaction with existing and potential businesses. Soon, we'll spotlight local businesses and their successes on our website. We are enhancing our smart phone application for residents and plan to roll out a new "Buy in Aliso Viejo" program in the fall. Magazines showcasing "things to do in Aliso Viejo" will encourage visitors to shop, dine and play in our city.

Find out what's happening in Aliso Viejowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

City staff is hosting business and "meet and greet" workshops and is partnering with the Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce to help new businesses by providing helpful tips and resources, hosting ribbon cuttings and co-sponsoring business programs and events.

In an effort to keep our businesses community safe, we are developing a Business Watch Program through the Orange County Sheriff's Department. We are also working to attract new private investment in Aliso Viejo by looking at the best uses for some key sites in our city. This is just the tip of the iceberg of our efforts, which will benefit our quality of life. After all, more local tax dollars and employment opportunities benefit the entire community as a whole.


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