Report on CALED Recognition of Eastvale’s Economic Development Initiatives

Introduction

At the 2025 California Association of Local Economic Development (CALED) Annual Conference, the City of Eastvale was honored with two Merit Awards acknowledging its innovative and collaborative economic development initiatives. These awards highlight Eastvale’s commitment to sustainable economic growth aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).

Awards and Recognized Initiatives

1. Staybridge Suites Hotel
   • Received a Merit Award in the “Collaborations in Real Estate & Finance” category.
   • Located at 12509 Schleisman Road, Eastvale, CA 92880, it is the city’s first hotel.
   • Features include a large banquet hall and the only rooftop bar/restaurant in Western Riverside County.
   • The project began in 2020 with close collaboration between the City and the developer, focusing on marketing and funding acquisition assistance.
   • This development supports SDG 8 by promoting sustained, inclusive economic growth and SDG 11 by enhancing local infrastructure and tourism.
   • More information can be found at Staybridge Suites Eastvale.
2. Business First Walks Program
   • Awarded a Merit Award under the “Programs and Promotions” category.
   • Launched in March 2023, this initiative involves city staff visiting local shopping centers to engage with every business in Eastvale at least once annually.
   • The program fosters meaningful connections, gathers feedback, and supports local business growth.
   • This initiative aligns with SDG 8 by supporting local entrepreneurship and SDG 17 by strengthening partnerships between the City and business community.
   • City staff provide tailored support and resources to address unique business challenges, promoting a vibrant and interconnected community.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Eastvale’s initiatives promote inclusive economic growth by supporting local businesses and attracting tourism through new infrastructure.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Development of the Staybridge Suites Hotel enhances urban infrastructure, providing community spaces and boosting local tourism.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The City’s collaborative approach with developers and local businesses exemplifies effective partnerships that drive sustainable development.

Conclusion and Contact Information

The City of Eastvale expresses gratitude to CALED for recognizing its efforts in fostering sustainable economic development through innovation and collaboration. These initiatives demonstrate Eastvale’s dedication to advancing the SDGs at the local level.

For further details on Eastvale’s economic development programs, please visit Eastvale Economic Development.

Inquiries can be directed to the City’s Economic Development Manager, Alexander Fung, at afung@eastvaleca.gov.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article highlights Eastvale’s economic development initiatives, including the opening of a new hotel and the Business First Walks program, which aim to stimulate local economic growth and support businesses.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The initiatives promote community growth, tourism, and vibrant local business environments, contributing to sustainable urban development and improved quality of life.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The City’s collaborative approach with developers and local businesses exemplifies partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 8 Targets
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.
   • Target 8.9: Devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
2. SDG 11 Targets
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management.
   • Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage (implied through promotion of local culture via tourism and community events).
3. SDG 17 Targets
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Number of new businesses and facilities established
   • Example: Opening of Eastvale’s first hotel (Staybridge Suites) indicates growth in local infrastructure supporting economic development.
2. Frequency and coverage of city-business engagement activities
   • Example: Business First Walks program aims to engage with every storefront at least once a year, which can be tracked to measure outreach and support effectiveness.
3. Tourism and event hosting metrics
   • Example: Usage of the hotel’s banquet hall and rooftop bar/restaurant as venues for local events can serve as indicators of tourism and community engagement growth.
4. Feedback and satisfaction levels from local businesses
   • Implied through the collection of valuable feedback during Business First Walks to support local growth.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: publicceo.com