DATE: October 5, 2026
TO: Council Economic Development Committee
FROM: Chief Economic Development Officer
SUBJECT
Title
Hayward Amplified Program Update (Oral Report Only)
End
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
That the City Council Economic Development Committee receives an update on the implementation and progress of the Hayward Amplified Program.
End
SUMMARY
The Hayward Amplified program is designed to support local businesses while creating new events, activities, and experiences throughout Hayward. Through the program, the City partners with businesses to develop public-facing activations that increase foot traffic, encourage community engagement, and give residents and visitors new reasons to experience Hayward’s commercial areas.
Through Hayward Amplified, participating businesses receive financial and technical assistance to develop and host events. Grant funding can also support investments in equipment and infrastructure, such as televisions, projectors, sound equipment, and other improvements that build the capacity of businesses to host future events beyond the initial program. Economic Development staff also provides technical assistance with event planning, marketing, promotion, and development of digital content to help participating businesses successfully reach and engage their audiences.
Program Highlights:
• Business-Led Activations: Supporting businesses in creating events and experiences that are open to the public and bring additional activity to commercial areas throughout Hayward.
• Long-Term Business Capacity: Investing in equipment and infrastructure that businesses can continue to use for future events and activations.
• Marketing and Promotional Support: Providing technical assistance and content development to help businesses promote their events, expand their reach, and strengthen their marketing capabilities.
• Community Engagement: Creating new opportunities for residents and visitors to gather, experience local businesses, and participate in activities within Hayward’s commercial areas.
• Demonstrating the Value of Activation: Giving businesses firsthand experience with how events and activations can attract new customers, strengthen relationships with the surrounding community, and create additional reasons for people to return.
By combining direct financial assistance with technical support and hands-on experience, Hayward Amplified is intended to build the capacity of local businesses to become active partners in creating vibrant commercial areas. Rather than supporting one-time events alone, the program provides businesses with tools, resources, and experience that can encourage continued activation and community engagement beyond the City’s initial investment.
Full details of the program’s impacts, including highlights of several business-led events, will be presented at the October CEDC meeting.