Moreno Valley’s Economic Development team recently celebrated a leading award from CALED, the California Association for Local Economic Development. With more than 800 members, CALED is one of the largest economic development associations in the country. CALED promotes education on how economic development grows business, generates revenue to support community development and creates and retains quality jobs.

Every year, economic development organizations from across the state are encouraged to highlight their achievements through CALED’s annual Awards of Excellence. Moreno Valley claimed the Gamechanger prize for its development of The Quarter, a project that was transformational to the community and local economy.

The Quarter, a bustling commercial development at Day Street and Eucalyptus Avenue, was once the former location for Robertson’s Ready Mix, a leading supplier of concrete, sand and gravel products. Over the years, the City transformed the surrounding area into one of the prominent commercial centers in the City, including the Moreno Valley Mall, residential neighborhoods and a mix of restaurant, hospitality and medical developments.

Robertson’s Ready Mix’s activities didn’t fit with the surrounding businesses and were a source of dust, noise and roadway deterioration, so the City worked closely with Robertson’s over the course of several years to relocate the concrete manufacturer to a site with the appropriate zoning. Once the batch plant move was complete, the City approved a commercial site design that today employs approximately 300. The Quarter serves residents, regional vacationers, military personnel and corporate travelers with 3 hotels (Residence Inn by Marriott, Holiday Inn Express, Fairfield Inn & Suites), a service station and 22,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space.

The Quarter created opportunity for new business, jobs and revenue generation for the City. Additional hospitality and medical office uses are pursuing opportunities nearby.