For Economic Development Committee Meeting November 19, 2026
TO: Honorable Economic Development Committee Members
FROM: Christina Taylor, Community Development Director
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Discussion on Business Incentive Programs
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BACKGROUND
Community Development staff has been working to establish a comprehensive Economic Development Incentive Program for business attraction, retention, expansion, and revitalization of the City’s downtown.
The objective is to create a flexible, performance-based incentive framework that allows Rialto to compete for new businesses, encourage reinvestment in existing commercial properties, support local entrepreneurs, and revitalize Downtown Rialto.
Initially staff has outlined four incentive programs, each with its own eligibility requirements, funding limits, and measurable economic benefits.
These programs should emphasize:
Attracting new restaurants, retail establishments, and employment-generating businesses.
Revitalizing Downtown Rialto and activating vacant commercial buildings.
Supporting existing small businesses and encouraging business expansion.
Leveraging private investment while limiting the City's financial exposure.
The following are proposed programs for consideration:
Restaurant and Retail Attraction Incentive Program
Small Business Assistance, Modernization and Adaptive Reuse Grant Program
Downtown Outdoor Dining Activation and Assistance Program
Façade Improvement Program
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
Each of the programs will have their own application process and program guidelines. A scoring matrix can be incorporated into the program for competitive evaluation or awards can be based on applicants meeting the eligibility requirements. The programs could be structured to allow a business to participate in more than one program. A brief summary for each program is provided below, and the program overviews are included as attachments to this report.
Restaurant and Retail Attraction Incentive Program
This prog...
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