Council Backs Standalone Economic Development Department as Commercial Vacancies Mount

Antioch's City Council signaled its most aggressive economic development pivot in years, unanimously directing staff to build a standalone department with a competitively paid director after two failed recruitment attempts. The same meeting saw council members defer an emergency fuel purchase over an insurance debacle, demand a citywide security RFP, and face an impassioned public push to save the nearly century-old El Campanil Theater before a church sale closes escrow.

• Council directs staff to create a standalone Economic Development Department with competitive salary, departmental budget, and recruitment RFP — due back Oct. 13
• Emergency $500,000 fuel authorization deferred after Mayor Pro Tem Freitas refused to approve continued deliveries from a vendor that can't prove insurance compliance
• Seven speakers urge council to save El Campanil Theater before Sept. 29 church sale; Assemblymember Avila-Farias' office pledges support
• Downtown security RFP ordered with expanded citywide scope after crime rises following lapsed contract
• Two Pruitt Water Park change orders ($141,267) approved amid sharp public criticism comparing spending to rejected Homekey housing
• Torres Walker asks council to reconsider Homekey Plus, saying HCD is still holding funds despite the city's formal rejection

The meeting's longest and most consequential discussion ended with a clear consensus: Antioch needs a standalone Economic Development Department with a dedicated director — not a split role, not a side hustle for an assistant city manager.