Menifee’s Economic Development Team Receives Two Awards for Innovative Programming

The City of Menifee’s award-winning Economic Development team continues to
gain state and national recognition from industry leaders for their innovative programs that help
spark business growth and prosperity in the community. At the recent California Association for
Local Economic Development (CALED) Annual Conference, the Economic Development
Department received two Awards of Merit for the Menifee Workforce Development Center and the
City’s Business Incentive Program.

The Menifee Workforce Development Center, hosted in partnership with Riverside County
Workforce Development, is available for free to qualifying residents and provides job candidates
with several services including career coaching assistance, resume writing, job search assistance,
skills development, specialized recruitment events, and workshops. The center also features a
state-of-the-art computer lab staffed by Riverside County Workforce Development personnel.

“Prior to the Menifee Workforce Development Center, there was no local branch of its kind in all of
southwest Riverside County and residents would have to travel to outside cities to receive these
services,” said Economic Development Director Gina Gonzalez. “Thinking outside the box and
partnering with the County’s Workforce Development Department and developing a pilot program,
the city utilized Community Development Block Grant funds to open a pilot local workforce
development center at the Senior Center and Menifee Library providing vital workforce services
directly on both ends of the city.”

The City’s Business Incentive Program was also recognized by CALED for its success in helping
to attract Savage Chef Bar and Grill to Menifee. The Business Incentive Program was approved
by the Menifee City Council in 2014 and is aimed at assisting in the acquisition of the most sought
amenities, restaurants, and entertainment requested by residents and visitors. The Economic
Development Department used this resource to develop a limited sales tax reimbursement
agreement with Chef Dylan Soro, approved by the Menifee City Council, to bring a high-end,
upscale restaurant to Menifee. Since opening in 2022, Savage Chef Bar and Grill continues to be
a regional favorite and culinary success.