Selma’s communications director, Jose Moreno, presented Placer AI estimates showing notable year-over-year gains for Small Business Saturday: staff reported an estimated 1,000 visitors in 2024 and 1,700 in 2025, with dwell time increasing from roughly 61 minutes to 108 minutes. Moreno said local visitors rose from 30% to 44% and cited increased visitation from neighboring cities including Fresno.

“Placer AI said it was a 112% increase,” Moreno reported on the comparative metric and suggested the data can help the city better target event promotion and vendor support.

On capital projects, A&M representatives and city engineering staff updated council on the 2nd Street revitalization and a proposed off-ramp monument featuring a bear and an American flag. Staff said Caltrans encroachment approval remains the last step before bidding; design is expected to be completed this fiscal year with construction funding requested next fiscal year through federal TIP/CMAQ programming. The park-and-ride will add parking and include a proposed bus stop adjacent to the lot.

What’s next: Staff will finalize Caltrans encroachment submittal for the monument, continue the park-and-ride design toward bidding, and use event analytics to support future downtown marketing.