Tracy is a community in transition.

By Michael Maciel

Tracy has evolved from a railroad town, to an agricultural center, to a bedroom community, and now enjoys great potential for commercial and economic growth in a number of areas. Many retail businesses have realized success with the development of the West Valley Mall, Auto Mall and neighboring stores in the north-west corner of town. The north-east side of Tracy hosts an active warehouse and shipping industry. New industries, with quality employment opportunites should be in our future.

Now, faced with growth limits and softening housing markets, Tracy has evolved into a regional retail center and has the potential to host new industries. Manufacturing, health care, financial institutions, information services and high technology are all industries that can find a home in Tracy.

As a community, we should no longer be content to merely be a place for people who work "over the hill" to live. We must become a place for people to work and live. Over 40% of Tracy's work force drives to jobs in Alameda County. The number of jobs in Tracy has nearly trippled in the last 15 years, with over 31,000 in 2005. We have the potential for more and better employment opportunities, and to keep many of our commuters on this side of the "hill."

With this community's geographic proximity to the Bay Area, a quality and growing work force, reasonable (by Bay Area standards)land prices and ready access to three major highways, Tracy is a very attractive location for businesses seeking to expand, relocate or establish themselves. As a council member, I would strongly support city government to continue and expand efforts to bring new industry, commerce and jobs to Tracy.