Keeping Economic Development in Motion at the 2026 CALED Annual Conference

Last month, East Bay EDA joined more than 400 economic development professionals from across California and beyond at the CALED Annual Conference in Palm Springs, CA, to discuss and learn how to build, reimagine, and strengthen their local and regional economies amid a changing economic environment. This year’s conference – appropriately titled “In Motion” – charged attendees to make sure that they continuously remain in position to address and respond to the rapidly evolving needs of their businesses and communities.

The East Bay region showed up big again this year, and many cities were spotlighted at this year’s conference, with representatives from more than a dozen East Bay cities in attendance. Four different jurisdictions also received awards through the CALED 2026 Awards of Excellence Program, which highlights achievements in four different categories: 1) Collaboration in Real Estate & Finance; 2) Programs and Promotions; 3) Innovation in Digital Media; and 4) Local Economic Development Champion. East Bay EDA would especially like to congratulate the City of San Leandro for taking home CALED’s highest-level award, the Award of Excellence for economic development collaboration in Real Estate and Finance.

Award of Excellence – Collaboration in Real Estate and Finance
City of San Leandro: Speedway at Bayfair

Award of Merit – Innovation in Digital Media
City of Newark: Flavors of Newark Restaurant Guide & Restaurant Roulette App

Award of Merit – Economic Development Programs & Promotions
City of Pleasant Hill: KSPANNU LLC, Pleasant Hill Night Market

Award of Merit – Economic Development Programs & Promotions
City of Walnut Creek: Outdoor Dining PODS Grant Program

All of the East Bay cities listed above were recognized for their outstanding work at the Celebrating Success Awards Luncheon during the second day of the conference. East Bay EDA Executive Director Stephen Baiter, one of the Vice Chairs of CALED, also helped to present this year’s “Golden Bear” award to California Labor Secretary Stewart Knox during the luncheon. The “Golden Bear” award is the organization’s highest award for career achievement.

Reflecting on both the awards luncheon recognition ceremony and the conference as a whole, Baiter said: “The East Bay continues to show how the depth, breadth, and talent of people driving economic development in our region are truly making a difference and helping all of our cities and communities maximize economic development opportunities.”

We encourage you to visit the CALED website for more information about the organization and its impressive group of 2026 awardees!