Mayor’s Welcome


The San Francisco Bay Area is the innovation capital of our state, country and arguably the planet. The region provides the entrepreneurial spirit, technological development and bold thinking that is changing industries, commerce, policy and the ways we live, learn and play here at home and around the globe. It is a distinction owing to our region’s natural beauty, commitment to environmental protection, world-class academic and research institutions, progressive attitudes and standing as a beacon to immigrants, migrants and risk-takers for generations.

Within the Bay Area, as a place of business and to do business, the City of Hayward offers an unparalleled combination of competitive advantages. From a commercial standpoint, we are strategically located at the center of the region and tied to markets regionally, nationally and globally through a robust transportation network of multiple highways, heavy and light rail, airports and maritime shipping lines operating through the Port of Oakland.

When it comes to employee recruitment and retention, Hayward businesses draw on a highly educated regional workforce within short commute distances. As a lifestyle proposition, the city is home to a highly diverse and welcoming community with relatively affordable real estate and housing costs; two- and four-year college campuses in Chabot College and California State University East Bay; and easy access to San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose entertainment and culture and expansive parks and open spaces, including shoreline and ridgeline hiking trails.

Increasingly, business owners and investors are discovering Hayward. The city’s industrial crescent is a veritable ecosystem of commerce and creation with thousands of companies and firms of all sizes across a multitude of sectors – information technology, advanced manufacturing, biotech and life sciences, transportation and logistics, food and beverage manufacturing and business and financial services among them. Meanwhile, the city has more than 3,000 units of new housing in the pipeline – either under construction, ready to break ground or approved for development. A 2019 update to our downtown-specific land-use plan encourages even more housing, retail and commercial office growth.

At city hall, we understand that being a “business-friendly” location isn’t enough. We want to be a partner in your success. Our economic development division offers one-stop business concierge services and other programs to support business site selection, project development and a range of operational, marketing and workforce activities. We also are investing in public infrastructure and services to enhance our business climate and quality of life, including new renewable energy sources, a new recycled water distribution system and other utility improvements, improved roadways and a new 21st century library and community learning center. It is with great pride that I say, welcome to Hayward.

Sincerely,
Barbara Halliday
Mayor of Hayward