Hollister City Council proposes new business advisory commission for local entrepreneurs

The Hollister City Council convened on May 21, 2025, to discuss the establishment of a new Business Advisory Commission, a move aimed at enhancing economic development in the city. The meeting began with a staff report presented by City Clerk Jennifer Woodward, outlining the commission's proposed structure and purpose, which emerged from discussions surrounding the downtown entertainment district.

The proposed Business Advisory Commission would consist of five members, with each council member recommending one member for appointment. The commission is intended to include business owners who operate physical storefronts, with a focus on those generating sales tax revenue for the city. The council discussed the importance of representing small businesses and ensuring that at least one member is a downtown business owner.

Public comments were invited, with local business owner Omar Hernandez expressing strong support for the commission. He emphasized the need for a platform where business owners can provide input on policies that affect their operations, particularly in light of challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hernandez highlighted the potential for the commission to unify the business community and drive economic growth.

Council members echoed the sentiments expressed by Hernandez, with several emphasizing the need for authentic partnerships between the city and local businesses. Council Member Resendiz cautioned about the financial constraints facing both the city and businesses, urging flexibility in the commission's operations. The council agreed on the importance of prioritizing small business representation within the commission.

The council also discussed the frequency of meetings, agreeing that the commission should meet quarterly, with provisions for special meetings as needed. The discussion included the potential for the commission to help streamline city operations and improve the permitting process for businesses.

As the meeting progressed, the council reached a consensus on several key points regarding the commission's structure, including the focus on small businesses and the need for a clear definition of what constitutes a small business. The council plans to revisit the topic in future meetings, where they will review a draft resolution to formalize the commission's creation.

In addition to the Business Advisory Commission, the council addressed the status of existing advisory bodies, proposing to combine several commissions to improve efficiency and address vacancies. The recommendations included sunsetting the Historic Resources Commission due to a lack of participation and updating the meeting schedules for other commissions to meet quarterly.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further refine the details of the Business Advisory Commission and to ensure that the voices of local business owners are heard in shaping policies that impact the economic landscape of Hollister. The council expressed gratitude to the business community for their engagement and support in this initiative.