This report focuses on the supply-side infrastructure that lets cities respond to investment interest with clarity, discipline, and certainty.

When municipal leadership embraces a demand-driven economic development philosophy, the intention is sound: create an open-door climate that welcomes private investment. But without operational guardrails, staff can quickly become consumed by every inbound inquiry, spending too much time responding to interest that may never convert while higher-value opportunities wait for clear direction.

When major industrial employers look at a region, momentum often stalls after initial interest. The issue is rarely land availability, environmental review, or zoning—it’s the Utility Bottleneck. By pivoting from speculative mega-projects to the "Mid-Scale Sweet Spot," cities can land immediate wins while building long-term infrastructure in parallel.

The adoption of a Specific Plan is a milestone, but it is not an outcome. For many municipalities, the transition from "Plan Adoption" to "Vertical Construction" is a valley of stalled momentum. This report outlines the tactical steps required to bridge the gap between regulatory approval and market realization, focusing on site readiness, infrastructure financing, and developer attraction.

Local policy may set the stage, but it’s California’s funding, zoning reforms, and licensing alignment that turn co-located childcare and housing into real, buildable projects.

The "last mile" of family stability isn't just a home—it's the care that allows a parent to go to work. In this edition of RBC Reports, we explore why co-locating childcare with affordable housing is the strategic move cities need to make in 2026.

If 2024 was the year of "doom loop" headlines and 2025 was the year of tentative recovery, 2026 is shaping up to be the year of strategic stabilization.

If 2024 was the year of "doom loop" headlines and 2025 was the year of tentative recovery, 2026 is shaping up to be the year of strategic stabilization.

In our last few RBC Reports, we’ve explored the immense value of "site readiness"—the work of preparing a property with the right zoning, utilities, and access to attract major investment. But even when a site is perfectly positioned and the vision is clear, there is often one massive hurdle standing in the way of a shovel in the ground: the price tag.

Vacant land can feel like a puzzle for local jurisdictions: is it just a minimal tax burden—or the foundation of a thriving economic hub? The answer often comes down to one thing: preparation.

Vacant land can feel like a puzzle for local jurisdictions: is it just a minimal tax burden—or the foundation of a thriving economic hub? The answer often comes down to one thing: preparation.

In California, cities and counties provide different services based on their governance structures and responsibilities. These differences are crucial for residents to understand, as they determine the availability and quality of various public services.

In California, cities and counties provide different services based on their governance structures and responsibilities. These differences are crucial for residents to understand, as they determine the availability and quality of various public services.

Let’s dive into the differences between full-service and non-full-service cities in California, as these distinctions play a significant role in urban development and community living throughout our state.

Are you planning a development project? Before you dive into the application process, consider the substantial advantages of scheduling a pre-application meeting with your local jurisdiction.

We're excited to share insights on a key component of economic development: the permit process! While essential for ensuring safety and compliance, the current permitting system can often be a challenging and time-consuming hurdle for businesses and developers.

It's that time of year again—budget season for local government agencies. With new council members elected, this year's budgeting process holds even more potential for change and growth.

We are excited to introduce RBC Reports, the new e-blast from Rachael Brown Consulting! Our goal is to keep you informed and engaged with the latest insights, news, updates, and event information related to economic development and community growth.