Economic Development

Economic development can be defined as "a sustained community effort to improve both the local economy and the quality of life by building the area’s capacity to adapt to economic change" (Loveridge and Morse). Ceres is committed to doing all it can to improve the local economy and enhance the quality of life for all Ceres citizens and visitors. While economic development can involve job and income growth, it also involves sustainable increases in the productivity of individuals, businesses and resources to increase the overall well-being of residents and maintaining or enhancing our quality of life.

Economic development in Ceres refers to the enhancement of economic activity in the community. Our focus includes business attraction, business retention and expansion, and workforce development. We cannot do these things alone. We succeed as we partner with other local, state and federal agencies - and you! Together we achieve! It’s our mission statement and we mean it!

In early 2020, the City has completed the initial phase of a Comprehensive Retail Recruitment and Development Plan, prepared with the assistance of The Retail Coach, a national retail consulting, market research, and development firm. We have identified new details regarding Ceres’ Primary Retail Trade Area and its socio-economic demographics, along with its retail opportunities through a detailed retail gap analysis. We’ve also identified development and redevelopment opportunities throughout our vibrant and growing community. Full copies of the information prepared following this economic development planning effort can be viewed at the following site: