News/Blog

July 03, 2025

Santa Clara County property values up while growth slows

By Brittney Sherman

Santa Clara County property values have reached a record $726 billion, even as overall growth slows to its lowest rate in over a decade due to economic uncertainty and a cooling development market. According to County Assessor Larry Stone, home sales—up 3%—accounted for 86% of the growth in the latest assessment roll.

Stone, who will retire on July 7 after decades of service, noted a sharp shift in the commercial real estate landscape. “Just a few years ago, office buildings were the star,” he said. “Now we’re seeing weekly foreclosures in offices, hotels, and industrial properties.”

Read more HERE!

June 30, 2025

Sidewalk Saturdays keep it local in Morgan Hill

By Brittney Sherman

Starting June 14, downtown Morgan Hill’s Third Street becomes a lively marketplace every second Saturday of the month, hosting up to 50 local vendors from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through December.

Sidewalk Saturdays offers a platform for small businesses, artisans, and youth entrepreneurs to sell their goods and connect with the community. The rotating vendor lineup ensures a fresh mix each month, featuring everything from handmade jewelry and clothing to face painting.

With part of Third Street closed for the event, visitors can enjoy a walkable, family-friendly atmosphere while supporting local creativity and commerce.

Read more HERE!

June 26, 2025

California Competes Tax Credit Opens July 21: $308M Available for Growing Businesses

By Brittney Sherman

The 2025–2026 application cycle for the California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is kicking off soon, with $308 million in tax credits available to businesses that are looking to expand or stay and grow in California. The first application window opens July 21, 2025, and companies creating quality, full-time jobs in the state are encouraged to apply.

This year, priority consideration will be given to businesses operating in sectors identified as “strengthen” and “accelerate” in the California Jobs First Economic Blueprint. These categories align with the state’s long-term economic growth and equity goals.

The online application will be available at www.calcompetes.ca.gov, where you can also find application instructions, FAQs, and technical assistance resources to help navigate the process.

For businesses new to the program or looking for guidance, free webinars are available:

July 23, 2025

July 31, 2025

More information HERE!

June 26, 2025

Grocery Stores Stay Resilient in a Changing Market

By Brittney Sherman

In 2025, grocery stores continue to show resilience despite inflation, shifting habits, and rising competition. Shoppers are making shorter, more frequent trips, driving steady visit growth. Traditional grocers have held their market share, especially in coastal states, even as dollar stores and big-box retailers expand.

Smaller formats and niche players are gaining ground. Fresh, value-focused, and Hispanic grocers are seeing increased traffic, and compact stores are outperforming larger ones. These trends highlight the grocery sector’s ability to adapt and stay relevant in a changing retail landscape.

Read more HERE!

June 23, 2025

Specialized expands Morgan Hill footprint

By Brittney Sherman

Specialized Bicycle started in 1974 and has been headquartered in Morgan Hill since 1984. Although they have consistently grown their footprint in California, in 2023 they purchased a building in Colorado to be used for equipment development and for the Retul fitting. on Specialized said it is expanding its facilities in Morgan Hill and relocating employees from Colorado to its longtime headquarters. 

Local sources told BRAIN that Specialized employed about 50 workers in Louisville who were offered jobs in Morgan Hill. 

Specialized said it is making a "significant investment" in its Morgan Hill facility. "Already home to its Win Tunnel, Research & Development center, and Human Performance Lab, this investment expands the cutting-edge Innovation Center based on Human Performance and Body Geometry innovation in equipment," the company said in a statement to BRAIN.

"The brand will be relocating its Boulder team to Morgan Hill to streamline collaboration and align around product development, scientific rigor, and performance. This shift reduces complexity, sharpens focus, and strengthens the ability to serve riders, support retailers, and drive the mission forward."

Read the full article HERE.