Yuba-Sutter Economic Development Corporation Analyst Cynthia Roderick and President Brynda Strantix gave an annual progress report to Yuba City officials.

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - More business is welcome here.

That is Mayor Shon Harris’s mantra after receiving the Yuba-Sutter Economic Development Corporation (YSEDC) 2023 Annual Performance in late March.

“The staff has laid the foundation and communicated opportunities to the business community and the message has gotten out,” Harris said.

According to Harris, residents want “smart, planned, appropriate growth,” which would generate much-needed revenue to enhance the quality and longevity of Yuba City.

Yuba-Sutter Economic Development Corporation analyst Cynthia Roderick broke down the annual progress of the five-year comprehensive planning evaluation for the Yuba City Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which consists of Yuba, Sutter, Live Oak, Marysville, Wheatland counties, and Yuba City.

The employment workforce is on the rise, with all trends looking up, including employment growth at 1.6% from 2022 to 2023, with an addition of 900 new jobs, 175 of which were at the new Costco.

 Yuba-Sutter Economic Development Corporation 2023 Annual Update shows increased workforce in annual wages and labor.

“Seven businesses opened in Marysville, creating at least 58 jobs, and four businesses opened in Yuba City, creating approximately 100 jobs,” Roderick said.

Councilmember Marc Boomgaarden said officials have streamlined processes, reviewed and modified development fees and hired staff focused on attracting new business.

“We are seeing the results of these actions now and expect them to continue to result in growth in both our existing businesses and new business,” Boomgarden said.   

Positive results are also seen in the labor force, which is up 5.7% from 2022, and annual wages, which are at 5.6%, equating to $1.724 more. However, the 2023 unemployment unadjusted rates remain around 8% for both 2022 and 2023.

“Although it does appear to be high, these last two figures were a result of layoffs through temporary farm jobs,” Roderick said. “It is now dropping.”

Roderick compared the 2022-23 economy in Yuba City to U.S. averages, showing the difference between local and national poverty levels, median household income, annual wages, and Gross Domestic Product. Yuba is looking up on all levels, beginning with the downtrend of poverty at 1.4% in the last couple of years, going from 14% to 13.8% compared to the national average of 12.6%.

Yuba’s rise in annual salary to $55,907 is now closer to the U.S. average of $70,319, and the median household income of $71,066 is up almost $10k from 2022 at 15.2%.

“However, we are not close to California, which is $10,000 on top of that,” Roderick said.

According to Roderick, despite dropping agriculture costs, the Gross Domestic Product looks good at more than $600 million from 2022, along with an $11.7 million investment in four construction/renovation projects at Beale Air Force Base.

“Beale is a big economic driver for our region, and we really need to be aware of them and what they do and stay in touch with Beale Air Force Base,” Roderick said.

Roderick detailed the Yuba-Sutter Transit plans for rail and facility projects, which adopted a plan in May 2023 totaling $55.8 million.

“In the works is a regional rail project, which will improve our tourism and services and cut down on emissions,” Roderick said.

Some affordable housing projects are ongoing, according to Roderick, in addition to completed and ongoing improvements at the Bridge Street Corridor and Walton Avenue.

Harris detailed that new businesses generate revenue to update infrastructure, ensure public safety and provide a high quality of life.

“In addition to recognizing and providing the services and amenities our residents and visitors need and want, it is important to recognize that times are challenging right now, and there are only so many dollars to go around,” Harris said.

That is why Yuba-Sutter Economic Development Corporation has 11 consortium partners, which provide local businesses with training, consulting, networking events, scholarships, and workforce development to help create a competitive region. Harris said tools like these are critical to smart and managed growth.

“Our business owners need to stay current on trends and opportunities locally, regionally, and beyond to stay competitive, scale, and thrive,” Harris said.

Yuba-Sutter Economic Development Corporation helps make that happen, according to Councilmember Boomgaarden, who said Yuba City greatly values its partnership.

“They are an integral part of the efforts to both retain and attract business and support cultural activities,” Councilmember Boomgarden said. “They are able to provide complimentary resources to those currently in Yuba City and to those who may choose to come to Yuba City.”