By Corey Costelloe
Economic Development Coordinator
Highlighting success within the economic landscape of our community
Economic Development Update
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Corey Costelloe
City of Tehachapi leverages Placer.ai for economic data, business success and efficient operations
The City of Tehachapi has recently partnered with Placer.ai on a new artificial intelligence platform that will assist the economic development and other efficiency efforts within the City.
The technology leverages cell phone data to better capture trips to businesses, the trade area, brand affinity, demographics and spending habits in the City and surrounding trade area. These reports are especially useful for recruitment and expansion efforts, understanding customer patterns and trends and to assist with COVID-19 recovery of small businesses by gaining access to data before and after the pandemic restrictions.
This platform is updated daily with information and includes several tools to allow city departments to operate more efficiently and can even assist special event organizers with expectations based on previous attendance from prior years with data going back to 2017.
Early benefits of the program are allowing for better preparation for the upcoming Farmers Market downtown with expected traffic flows and visitor counts based on historic data. In addition, the data provides some demographic information which can assist with vendor recruitment, price points for goods and advertising best practices for return-on-investment spending.
The multiple data sets help provide an accurate picture based on a scientific algorithm drawn from cellular data. The information is also valuable for departments such as public works, engineering and development services to help with traffic counts, design of projects and best practices for customer efficiency. The data has already been leveraged and cited in conversations with potential investors as part of the International Council of Shopping Centers virtual conference currently taking place. This information paints a clearer picture of the desire for specific brands, best locations and puts the City on the same playing field as many of the largest brokers and retailers who already use such data for site selection.
The technology will allow the City of Tehachapi to leverage operations and other resources as a result of the data and residents' needs and habits. Business owners that are interested in reports for their businesses can contact Economic Development Coordinator Corey Costelloe at ccostelloe@tehachapicityhall.com or (661) 822-2200, ext. 121.
J Street Commerce Center approved
The J Street Commerce Center was unanimously approved by the City of Tehachapi Planning Commission. The project, at the old Home4Less site on J Street, will provide over 13,000 square feet of commercial and industrial business space and features a beautiful and enticing design.
Downtown restaurants: Farmers Market specials
In an effort to drive Farmers Market traffic to Downtown restaurants following shopping, the City of Tehachapi has created this cross-promotional program.
Summer event returns
The All-American 4th of July Festival, which experienced over 5,000 visitors in 2019, returns this Independence Day. The 5K run, pancake breakfast, food/craft vendors, live music and more will be available at Central Park starting at 7:30 a.m. Don't forget about Bad Bulls and the Fireworks Spectacular.
For more Economic Development News visit http://www.liveuptehachapi.com/303/Economic-Development-News.
