Economic development manager Gloria Ortega presented an Economic Development Update to the Union City Council on Tuesday, Jan. 28 highlighting efforts to attract new businesses, retain existing ones and address economic challenges.
“The Updated Economic Strategic Plan seeks to increase the visibility of Union City as a strategic location for innovative businesses and investors,” Ortega said.
The City Council adopted its first Economic Development Strategic Plan in 2015, updating it in 2019. A citywide strategic plan followed in September 2019, with its latest update in 2023. In June 2024, Strategic Economics was hired to revise the Economic Development Strategic Plan, incorporating input from the Economic Development Advisory Team, City Council and stakeholders.
The Updated Economic Development Strategic Plan will take into consideration current market conditions such as available real estate inventory, financial markets, available venture capital investment and the retail environment.
The city continues to focus on industrial and retail growth, with significant developments in the life sciences, manufacturing and semiconductor industries. Notable projects include the expansion of Azimuth’s semiconductor research facility, the transformation of a warehouse into Union City Labs for biotech innovation, and ongoing construction for new commercial and office spaces.
Union Landing Shopping Center remains a regional retail hub, boasting top-performing locations such as Texas Roadhouse and Buffalo Wild Wings. Meanwhile, the addition of a Columbia Employee Store and upcoming openings of Panera Bread and Jollibee signal continued retail expansion.
Challenges such as industrial space constraints and concerns over homelessness and property theft were also discussed, with city departments collaborating to address these issues.
Ortega emphasized that updating the city’s Economic Development Strategic Plan remains a priority to ensure long-term fiscal stability and attract high-value businesses.
