The mission of Pleasanton's Economic Development Program is to provide a positive business climate and a stable economic base for the provision of goods, services, and facilities desired by the community.

Consider Pleasanton's Strengths:

As a product in the economic development market, the City of Pleasanton has many strengths. To remain competitive, it is important to build upon those strengths while realistically addressing challenges that can be directly controlled or influenced by the City.

An analysis of Pleasanton's economic development profile has revealed the following specific strengths and challenges.

Pleasanton benefits from a central location in the Bay Area. Located along the I-680 and I-580 corridors, mid-way between Oakland and San Jose, Pleasanton businesses are well-positioned as a portal to serve markets in Nevada and Oregon as well as throughout California. This location gives Pleasanton businesses good access to the sizable markets and resources within the Bay Area.

Pleasanton has excellent transportation accessibility. Access to all modes of transportation is a major locational asset for Pleasanton. The I-580/I-680 intersection makes Pleasanton easily accessible for people and motor freight. The BART line, Altamont Commuter Express, and the local transit service Wheels provide additional transit options for commuters. The major airports at Oakland, San Jose, and San Francisco are within reasonable distances. The Livermore Airport provides general aviation services for the area. The San Francisco/Oakland port system is also easily accessible for water freight transportation.

Pleasanton has a highly-educated and skilled work force. In addition to the diversified regional laborshed, the Pleasanton area has a good base of executive, managerial and professional people. It is a community of highly-educated, highly-skilled individuals. The Pleasanton laborshed extends to an approximate 45 minute commute range which includes the South and East Bay, as well as the Stockton and Modesto areas. Within this laborshed, employers have access to people with a wide range of skill levels including one of the nation's largest concentrations of scientific and engineering talent.

Pleasanton schools are among the best. Pleasanton schools are known for academic achievement and extracurricular opportunities. Expansion Management Magazine identified the Pleasanton Unified School District as a "Gold Medal" district in its 1997 Education Quotient. Pleasanton's two middle schools, two high schools and five of the eight elementary schools have been recognized by the State as "California Distinguished Schools". Pleasanton's continuation high school received the State Department of Education's "California Model School Award". There are a variety of fine private schools in the Tri-Valley as well.

Pleasanton has good access to higher education. As part of the Bay area region, Pleasanton has access to a wide range of two and four year colleges and universities, including the University of California at Berkeley, Stanford University, California State University at Hayward, St. Mary's College, Mills College and Las Positas College. University extension classes are currently offered within Pleasanton and its neighboring city, San Ramon.

Pleasanton is a safe community. Crime rates in Pleasanton are very low. In particular, violent crimes per capita are significantly lower in Pleasanton than in comparable cities in the region and state.

Pleasanton is a high-profile community with an exceptional quality of life. Pleasanton is an attractive and friendly city with strong heritage, active and involved residents, a wide variety of services and recreational opportunities, well-planned business areas, and an historical downtown. Pleasanton's quality work force has generated highly committed and involved volunteers in Pleasanton, which also contributes to the City's fine quality of life.

Pleasanton has a wide range of quality housing. Pleasanton is a high-end residential community with a wide range of housing types. Pleasanton offers excellent executive housing and, at the same time, has 25% of its housing stock as condominium and apartment units.

Pleasanton has the necessary infrastructure for turnkey business opportunities. Through public and private infrastructure investment, a quality foundation has been established for business growth, including fiber optic cable, utilities, transportation network, and public safety facilities.

Pleasanton has the climate and the recreational opportunities desired by today's active employees. With a mean daily maximum temperature of 73 degrees, Pleasanton invites outdoor activities. The City boasts the largest active sports park in Northern California and has an enviable variety of team, cultural and recreational activities.

Pleasanton provides abundant shopping experiences. From delicious specialty cuisine and luxury cars to contemporary gift shops and antique stores, you can find it in Pleasanton's 30 shopping centers and plazas, or its historic downtown.

Pleasanton enjoys an excellent civic reputation and image. Pleasanton cares about its customers and strives to be the best. The City has a fine reputation, is highly regarded, and is widely known for good service and qualified staff. In 1997, Pleasanton received the California League of Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence in Financial Management.

For personal assistance, contact:
Pamela Ott, Economic Development Director
Telephone: (925) 931-5040
Fax: (925) 931-5482
Email: pott@ci.pleasanton.ca.us