ELK GROVE, Calif. — Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh Allen said she felt like it was just yesterday when she gave her first 'State of the City' address at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but so much has improved citywide since then.
"Last year alone, there were more than 400 new business licenses issued to companies starting in Elk Grove," she said Friday. "In December, we celebrated the opening of the western distribution center for Kubota Tractor Corporation. This $70 million state of the art facility is serving dealers and customers throughout the West."
The over 600,000 square foot facility sat empty before Kubota Tractor Corporation purchased the facility.
Among the biggest announcements from Singh-Allen were the upcoming zoo construction, which she says will be the first new major zoo built in the U.S. since 1998.
Elk Grove's new library set to occupy the former Rite Aid building will see $8 million in funding, she said, increasing the size of the library by 5,000 square feet.
Singh-Allen also gave praise to the Wilton Rancheria Tribal Council and celebrated their recent purchase of 20 additional acres of land near the Sky River Casino for further expansion. Other businesses opening or set to open this year include:
- Coatza Brewing Company
- Humidor
- Mendocino Farms
- Pig Latin
- Whole Foods
- Yard House
Elk Grove city officials adopted the Brewery, Restaurant and Winery Incentive Program last year with the use of Measure E funds to draw more of these business owners.
"Their anticipated openings are generating a buzz on social media, but we'll do even more for our economy when they're open," Singh-Allen said. "There are other industries emerging in our city, too."
Elk Grove's startup incentive program Invest Elk Grove provided funding to six companies who have moved out of their garages and created more than 80 jobs in Elk Grove since 2018.
They awarded more than $15,000 to regional startups at their last pitch competition in May, the next one is in September. A separate cybersecurity and infrastructure support training program gave opportunities to 120 residents, Singh-Allen said.
Jobs and other innovation in the area will spur growth in the Grant Line Business Park development, as city officials made room for millions of square feet for new warehouses and manufacturing facilities.
"To innovators looking for a great place to set up shop, we want you to know Elk Grove is open for business," Singh-Allen said.
