Paso Robles 1Q Sales Tax Highlights

Paso Robles’ tax receipts from January through March were 19.2% above the first sales period in 2021. The largest factor in this improvement was a 44% surge in receipts from local service stations due to the higher prices for gasoline at the pump. Casual dining restaurants rebounded 41% from last year’s pandemic-impacted results as people got out of the house to come together again, seeking meaningful ways to connect with others after the isolation of the Covid-19 epidemic.
Read the report HERE.

Cal Poly Proposes Next Steps for Spaceport/Tech Corridor Project

In April, the City of Paso Robles and Cal Poly signed a Letter of Intent to collaborate on the Spaceport and Tech Corridor project, providing Cal Poly with "learn by doing" opportunities in aeronautics and space, to support its
educational mission.  On August 16, Cal Poly presented to Council a proposal to advance the next phase of the Spaceport licensing process with the FAA.  Cal Poly also proposed working closely with the City in developing public-private sector partnerships for technology and innovation in the space, ag-tech and supporting industry ecosystems for the Tech Corridor, to attract higher-paying tech jobs to Paso.  Additionally, Cal Poly and Cuesta College propose developing training programs for Workforce Development in tech-related fields. A video of the presentation to Council can be viewed HERE.

Congressman Panetta Tours Spaceport and Tech Corridor Areas

On August 23, Congressman Jimmy Panetta toured the proposed Paso Robles Spaceport and Tech Corridor areas on a visit organized by the Government Relations Office of Cal Poly.  Accompanying the Congressman was Cal Poly Vice-President/CIO William Britton, Mayor Steve Martin, City Manager Ty Lewis, and Director of Community Development Warren Frace.  City staff presented the significant economic development and diversification opportunities the project presents for the community, as well as the infrastructure needs in upgrading access to the airport area.

Trades on Display at Mid-State Fair

Trade professionals collaborated on a demonstration project to build a tiny house on wheels in partnership with Operation WEBS (Women Empowered Build Strong). WEBS builds tiny homes on wheels as a sustainable solution for displaced & homeless women veterans struggling to transition back to civilian life after their military service.  Participating trades included the Southwest Carpenters, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and UA Plumbers, Welders, Pipefitters and Refrigeration Fitters from Local Union #403, among others. The professional trades offer career training through paid apprenticeship programs leading to Journeyman upgrade training, competitive wages and benefits that set the standard in the industry. Learn more about local apprenticeship opportunities HERE.

National Black Business Month

According to data from the Annual Business Survey and Non-employer Statistics by Demographics, there are more than 3.2 million Black-owned U.S. businesses employing over 1.18 million workers, based on figures provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The value of entrepreneurship has long been a major influence in the Black community, making it an essential contributor to the nation’s economy.  Here are 10 Ways To Celebrate National Black Business Month!

Union/Golden Hill Detours & FAQs

The intersection at Golden Hill and Union is closed for construction. Please use posted detours to avoid impacting residential neighborhoods. With school now open, please plan your route and departure time to account for traffic impacts. We apologize for the inconvenience, it will be worth it in the end! Read the FAQs about the closure.

The City of Paso is Hiring!

You can now apply online by clicking on the job title you are interested in and clicking on the "Apply" link.  After viewing the Job Description, click the 'Apply' tab.  After your account has been established, you can import your resume from LinkedIn, upload it from a saved document on your computer, or manually enter your personal information.  Visit the City Career Pages to learn more!

North County Job Boards

Looking for work or looking to hire staff? 
Here are two North County Job Boards listing a wide range of available positions:

• Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Classifieds
  
  
• Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce Job Board

The "Pipeline" Report

Check out the numerous projects in process in our community.  The City of Paso Robles Community Development Department publishes The "Pipeline" Report with the status of Planning Entitlements and Building permits throughout the City. Click here to learn more.

Career Training Programs

Online courses and career training programs prepare you for a new career, or help you advance within your current occupation. Learn new skills and prepare for industry-recognized certifications.

Choose Your Next Career

New skills bring new opportunities, and SLO Partners offers professional training programs in high demand areas including:

• Digital Marketing
• Web Development
• Precision Manufacturing
• Cyber Security

Cal Poly Extension Tech Bootcamps

Powered by award-winning Fullstack Academy, the Cal Poly Extended Education Tech Bootcamps provide condensed, immersive programs taught by industry experts in convenient 100% live, online formats.
Bootcamp graduates leave ready for lucrative high-tech careers.  There’s no experience required to apply, be accepted, or succeed.

Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship Program

The Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship Program with Local Union #403 is a five (5) year training program. Apprentices earn while they learn, working on the job with Journeymen.  The beginning apprentice wage starts at $21.10 per hour with a package rate (benefits included) of $25.81 per hour. As of September 1, 2018, the Journeyman wage is $46.88 per hour with a package rate (benefits included) of $74.30 per hour.  
For information on additional programs visit https://www.pipecareers.com/

New Tools Added to Library’s Employment Resources

With funding from the California State Library, the Paso Robles City Library is pleased to make available several new tools from some of the top online learning companies to help library users with job training, skill building, test preparations and professional development.

Workforce Development Support

JobNow and VetNow programs offer learning, career, and veteran support tools, such as resume and writing labs and an extensive list of resources, in addition to in-person support, such as live job coaching, live veteran benefits eligibility, and live tutoring.  An Unemployment Benefits Navigator has recently been added to JobNow to assist patrons struggling to file for unemployment benefits. Find out more at the Paso Robles City Library.

Southland EDC

The Southland Economic Development Corporation is a non-profit Certified Development Company chartered to assist the small business community of California since 1980. Their mission is to be a resource to local small businesses in an effort to foster job creation and retention through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 504 loan program.

Loan Guarantee Program

The Small Business Loan Guarantee program helps businesses create and retain jobs, and encourages investment in low- to moderate-income communities. The program promotes statewide economic development by increasing opportunities for entrepreneurs, the self-employed, microbusiness and small business owners to have better access to capital and other technical resources.

Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a U.S. government program that helps many low income households pay for broadband service and internet connected devices.

SBA COVID-19 Relief Options

Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. The SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.  COVID-19 portal

How To Apply for a Business License

Find out how to apply for a business license, including fees, taxes, and other required permits and forms.  The Department of Administrative Services is responsible for providing service to the general public, business license applicants and each existing licensee. Our objective is to assist each business in obtaining the proper business license and/or permit and to ensure proper compliance to the business license code for all businesses transacting business within the city.  

City Website Business Tools  

The City has updated the Economic Development section on the City website.  Details on related programs along with specialized business development tools can be found in this section, including tools for Business Data, Smart Mapping, Demographic Data, Talent Pool, Opportunity Zone, Community Profile, and links for researching commercial property listings.

Public Mapping Applications

The City IT department has been hard at work developing and implementing the City’s new ArcGIS Enterprise system. This new platform will replace ArcReader and has allowed for the development of both public and staff GIS desktop and mobile applications. There are a number of applications already being utilized with additional functionality and layer content on the way.  Visit the City website and take the new mapping tools for a spin!

THE SANDBOX Paso Robles

THE SANDBOX Paso Robles is a co-working, shared office & event space offering a variety of dedicated and private desks and offices as well as meeting spaces that are perfect for remote workers, entrepreneurs, startups, small businesses, freelancers and more.

Three Key Principles to Help Your Business Work for You

What do you do when your business takes over your time and money? What happens when hard work isn’t enough to get it back? It’s time for your business to help you live the life you want instead of taking it away. In this webinar, our expert presenter will show you how to build a business that works for you by developing yourself as a leader, creating an environment for your team to take on more tasks, and putting systems in place that produce consistent results.

Email Marketing Strategies to Propel Your Business Growth

Research says that for every $1 spent on email marketing, there is an average $44 return on investment. You must implement the right strategy if your business wants to generate similar results. In this webinar, expert presenter Patty Ross will show you the fundamentals and the advanced techniques of email marketing that will help propel your email efforts into a positive return on investment.

How to Start a Business for Creative Types and Idea People

Are you an artist, a writer, a professional cook, or maybe you’ve got a talent that can save people time and money? If you’re considering selling your creativity as a product, now is the time to take your talents to the business level.
In this webinar, creative business expert Robin Blakely will share how you can transform your professional dreams into a creative business.

Get in the Marketing Mindset

What mindset do you need to be an effective marketer? This webinar will guide you through the key principles you must focus on before leveraging marketing tactics. You will learn:

• Who is your perfect customer?
• Do you know them better than they know themselves?
• Billion-dollar brands are not your competitors.
• The power of winning in small markets.
• Follow-up, frequency and engagement are your tickets to successful marketing.