GUSTINE — Business leaders and residents gathered at City Hall on Sept. 17 to share ideas for boosting economic prosperity in Gustine, as part of a collaborative roundtable hosted by the City of Gustine, the Gustine Chamber of Commerce and the Gustine Downtown Business Association.

The event drew local business owners and community members who offered input on strategies to support growth and development. Their feedback will help shape future actions under the City’s Economic Development goal—one of six priorities outlined in its three-year Strategic Plan approved by the City Council.

“We were very fortunate to have business owners and others in the community spend part of an evening to share their ideas and thoughts,” said Jami Westervelt, Economic and Community Development Director for the City of Gustine. “This Roundtable is one of several steps that the City is making to ensure the community has had the opportunity to be a part of the process,” she said.

Residents, business owners and building owners who were unable to attend still have an opportunity to contribute. The City’s Economic Development survey is available online through Oct. 15 and includes tailored questions for each group. Responses will be shared with the City Council as it evaluates potential actions and sets priorities for future initiatives.

“We know that life is busy but we also know that the people in this community care very much about its future,” Westervelt said. “The survey seeks to provide a very convenient way for individuals to share their insights and opinions at a time they find most convenient.”

The survey can be accessed at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/COGEDSURVEY25, and a QR code is also available for mobile access. City officials hope to see widespread participation across Gustine.

“Please take the survey and we encourage you to share it with others,” Westervelt said. “Your participation matters and is very much appreciated.”