A new partnership has been formed between Sunstone Cities LLC and the Alliance for SoCal Innovation to help municipalities and special districts develop economic development strategic plans and other forward-looking planning.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in mid-February. Sunstone Cities will be the lead in engagement with cities and the Alliance will be the consultant providing expert assistance.
“We’re excited about this opportunity to partner with a nonprofit so experienced in use of innovation to offer new avenues of economic development,” said John Keisler, CEO of Sunstone Cities. “They have spent the last eight years bringing together Southern California’s top researchers, investors and more to bridge critical gaps in the SoCal innovation system.”
While the MOU addresses a specific project, the partnership is designed to be a framework for multiple projects going forward, according to Ryan Phong, Associate Project Manager at Sunstone Cities. Steve Gilison, interim executive director and COO at the Alliance, agreed, with a separate agreement crafted for each project within the MOU guidelines.
Alliance personnel will do much of the on-the-ground work, conducting comprehensive SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analyses, facilitating stakeholder engagement activities, including interviews with key stakeholders including business leaders, community organizations and city officials and advisory services throughout the development.
In order to provide a seamless product for municipal clients, regular project meetings will take place to ensure communication and alignment of efforts. Sunstone Cities representatives and Alliance personnel will be part of all meetings with the municipal client in order to maintain transparency and inclusion.
Sunstone Cities LLC was created last year, evolving from the Economic Development Department of Sunstone Management. Sunstone is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
“Like the Alliance, we have long supported and promoted innovative startup companies,” Keisler said. “Partnerships, particularly public-private partnerships, are cornerstones of our business approach.
“This is another great opportunity to advance that concept,” he added. “Welcome to the Alliance for SoCal Innovation!”
For more information about Sunstone Cities, go to sunstonecities.com or call Jayro Sandoval, Economic Development Officer, at 949-771-1764.