Hello again from the Economic Development Newsletter! Summer is here, which means it's the perfect time to shop and eat locally. And we have so much to celebrate here in Napa!

The City is commemorating its 150th anniversary as it officially incorporated on March 23, 1872. Through the last century and a half, Napa has adapted, struggled and thrived. And in 2022, Napa is working to create an inclusive and service-minded municipality that serves every person who works, plays and lives here. We’re kicking off some fun events this summer so stay tuned to celebrate with us.

June is also Pride Month, which is a time to honor the struggles and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community in Napa and around the world. We pride ourselves in building a community that is all-embracing and supportive, regardless of where you come from, what you do for work or who you love. I hope all of Napa’s businesses will embrace a welcoming and accepting spirit this month and every month.

In this newsletter, we discuss some exciting, upcoming events, important resources for composting requirements and spotlight one of our up-and-coming commercial corridors, Lincoln Avenue. Thanks for being part of the Napa business community!

Neal Harrison
Economic Development Manager

Financial Resource Highlight: Redwood Credit Union

As a business owner, feeling confident and secure about how you control your finances is extremely important to making good business decisions. Redwood Credit Union, which has a local branch right here in Napa, could allow you to access all the benefits of a banking business account while also getting the support you need to achieve your financial goals.

If you become a member, you’ll enjoy their business checking and savings accounts, payroll services, insurance oversight and wealth management. Plus, Redwood Credit Union also offers a number of small business loans, commercial real estate loans and lines of credit to help your business grow. 

Stop by the local Napa branch at 1705 1st St. or learn more about Redwood Credit Union’s business membership here.

Corridor Callout: Lincoln Avenue

Lincoln Avenue, a diverse corridor for daily needs from food to fitness, is one of the City’s focus areas determined in the 2040 General Plan. In the coming years, Napa hopes to transform the commercial street into a community-oriented “main street” with a vision of adding apartments, offices, restaurants and storefronts while improving walkability and street conditions. All of the excitement to come adds to the already-thriving businesses on Lincoln Avenue that make it a great local destination. 

In honor of Pride Month and raising up inclusivity, the Napa Economic Development team wants to call out that Lincoln Avenue houses the Napa LGBTQ Connection Office. LGBTQ Connection engages with community members and their families to increase the safety, visibility and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ residents. 

At the Napa office, the community nonprofit offers free on-site LGBTQ-friendly counseling every Tuesday and Thursday. There are no forms or requirements to receive the counseling — you just have to show up or email [email protected] to make an appointment. They also host a youth book club that meets every third Thursday of the month to talk about all things LGBTQ+ in books: authors, themes, characters and more.

Lincoln Avenue has more to offer beyond great resources for our LGBTQ+ community. Start your morning off by working up a sweat at Napa Hot Yoga. The local studio offers a number of high-intensity workout classes like Hot Pilates to focused classes like Deep Stretch & Meditation. 

Replenish all those burned off calories by rewarding yourself with a delicious lunch at the Red Rock Cafe & Back Door BBQ — a Napa favorite for decades. Or, drop by Papa Joe’s Pizza to enjoy family-owned, counter-serve pizza made with hand-rolled dough and local ingredients.

Round out your afternoon by stopping into Garaventa’s Florist to pick up beautiful floral arrangements for a loved one or by the locally owned Clark’s Ace Hardware for any houseware or construction project needs.

Try your luck at California Blackjack or Texas Hold 'Em at the Ace & Vine casino and restaurant. Open 24 hours, Ace & Vine is a one-stop shop for gaming, entertainment, great food and delicious drinks. Plus, they are hosting a Drag Brunch in honor of Pride Month. 

And remember to keep your eye out this month for the 29 Pride banners, funded by the Tourism Improvement District, that will be hung up around downtown to proclaim the City’s support for our LGBTQ+ community members!

Click Here to view the City of Napa Economic Development Newsletter - June 2022