He Who Reframes

Caregiver Instruction, Economic Development, Black Prosperity, Traditional Indigenous Spiritual Systems

[He Who Reframes @TheGoatAdjacent]

Two years in the making, this terminal can be a preview into the city's bright future and the potential that has been invisible to too many for too long. #AMPORTS #OpportunityLivesHere #economicdevelopment

[He Who Reframes @TheGoatAdjacent]

Nineteen Cities. One Region. One Mission: Helping Contra Costa Businesses Access Capital!

Calling all entrepreneurs, small business owners, and aspiring business leaders throughout Contra Costa County! The 2026 East Bay Capital Summit is coming to Concord on October 22, and were inviting businesses from across the region to take advantage of this opportunity to connect with lenders, explore financing options, and access resources to start, sustain, and grow their businesses. One of the most powerful aspects of economic development is recognizing that collaboration is greater than competition. From City of Pleasant Hill, City of Martinez, City of Antioch, City of Walnut Creek, City of Concord, City of El Cerrito, City of Brentwood, CA, City of Pittsburg, and City of Pinole, our communities share a common goal: building a stronger, more inclusive regional economy by helping local businesses access the capital and resources they need to succeed. As the Economic Development Manager for the City of Pleasant Hill, I believe our greatest opportunities emerge when we work across municipal boundaries to connect entrepreneurs with the institutions, expertise, and investment that can help them thrive. Hosted by the East Bay SBDC, the Capital Summit offers

Access to Capital: Explore loan and equity financing opportunities for startups and established businesses.

Meet the Lenders: Connect directly with financial institutions and capital providers.

Business Growth Resources: Learn about financing options for different stages of business development

One-on-One Advising: Discuss your financing needs with professionals who can help you evaluate your options.Event Details📅 Thursday, October 22, 2026🕙 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM📍 Cal State East Bay Concord Center4700 Ygnacio Valley Road, Concord, CA 94521

Whether you're launching your first business, expanding an existing operation, or exploring your next growth opportunity, this event is designed to help you move forward. Economic opportunity doesnt stop at city limits, and neither should our efforts to support entrepreneurs. I encourage our business communities across all nineteen cities—and throughout Contra Costa County—to come together, build relationships, and take advantage of this regional resource. Lets continue building an East Bay economy where access to capital, entrepreneurship, and opportunity are available to businesses in every community.#EastBayCapitalSummit #ContraCostaCounty #EconomicDevelopment #AccessToCapital #SmallBusinessDevelopment #EastBaySBDC #PleasantHill #Martinez #Antioch #WalnutCreek #ConcordCA #ElCerrito #BrentwoodCA #PittsburgCA #Pinole #RegionalCollaboration #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessGrowth

[He Who Reframes @TheGoatAdjacent]

"I remained loyal through the fog when the picture wasnt clear and the contracts was flawed"

It was a pleasure representing the City of Pleasant Hill Economic Development team at the AIR CRE Contracts Training at Bishop Ranch, where we joined our economic development colleagues from the City of Concord, City of Walnut Creek, and City of Martinez as event sponsors.

Commercial real estate is a critical driver of local economic development. Understanding the contracts, transactions, and relationships that shape the commercial real estate market helps economic development professionals better support business attraction, business retention and expansion, investment, and redevelopment opportunities. Thanks to Lauren Hwang and the team at Colliers, we were able to sit next to over 100 commercial brokers from across Northern California. Events like this also provide an opportunity to strengthen relationships between the public sector and the commercial real estate professionals who help businesses find the right locations to grow and thrive.

What made this event particularly meaningful was the steps we are taking in central Contra Costa to demonstrate what regional movement looks like. I appreciate the milestones I am able to hit due to the counsel of Melissa Rea, Mike Nimon, Kesava Washington and Michael P. Cass. While each of our communities has its own economic development priorities, we recognize that investment, job creation, and commercial activity don't stop at municipal boundaries. By working collaboratively, we can position Central Contra Costa County as a competitive destination for businesses, developers, brokers, and investors.

Thank you to AIR CRE for bringing the commercial real estate community together and to our partners in Concord, Walnut Creek, and Martinez for demonstrating the power of regional economic development collaboration. When one of our communities succeeds, our entire region benefits.#EconomicDevelopment
#CommercialRealEstate #AIRCRE #PleasantHill #ConcordCA #WalnutCreek #MartinezCA #ContraCostaCounty #BusinessAttraction #RegionalCollaboration #CommercialDevelopment #EastBayEconomy #CRE

[He Who Reframes @TheGoatAdjacent]

At BACC 17: From Resiliency to Power, we’re bringing together three leaders who have seen the power of collaboration firsthand:
Bret Alexander Sweet — Economic Development Manager, City of Pleasant Hill
Jose Cordon — Founder and Poet, Corahlu LLC
Titi Ikhile — Chief Program Officer, Working Solutions CDFI

Together, they’ll join us for the panel:
Building Strong Small Business Ecosystems Through Collaboration
Bret, Jose, and Titi were all part of the Antioch Business Collaborative, an experience that brought together different perspectives and resources around a shared goal of supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses.

At BACC 17, they’ll come together again to discuss what meaningful collaboration can look like in practice—and how cities, community organizations, capital providers, entrepreneurs, and other partners can work across sectors to create stronger ecosystems for small businesses.

Because supporting entrepreneurs shouldn’t happen in silos. When organizations combine relationships, resources, expertise, and access, we can create more pathways for small businesses to grow and thrive.
📅 Thursday, October 15, 2026
⏰ 10:30 AM–4:00 PM
📍 BLOC15 | Oakland, CA
🎟️ Get your ticket: https://t.co/OuDxqA7zLd
#BACC17 #AllianceBayArea

[He Who Reframes @TheGoatAdjacent]

"Making my way on expressway the best way I know how, up in the sky, east, west, no clouds"

It was a pleasure attending the San Francisco Business Times Corridors: The Opportunity Along I-680 event, joining business leaders, developers, investors, and economic development professionals to discuss the future of one of the East Bay's most important economic corridors. The I-680 corridor represents a tremendous opportunity for regional economic growth, connecting communities, employment centers, commercial districts, and innovation hubs throughout Contra Costa County and beyond. Working in economic development for the City of Pleasant Hill, I see firsthand how important regional connectivity is to attracting investment, supporting local businesses, strengthening commercial real estate markets, and creating sustainable economic opportunities.
Leadership on the panel from Kathy (Green) Hemmenway, Scott Gregerson, Guy Bjerke and Tim Haile pointed shaped the importance laying a foundation for future actors to execute upon. It was also great to share a room with Alyson Escarzaga, Melissa Rea, Mike Nimon, and Charles R. Ching.

Three themes continue to stand out in conversations about the future of our region:

Economic Competitiveness: Positioning our communities to attract and retain businesses, talent, and investment in an evolving economic landscape.

Commercial Real Estate and Development: Understanding how changing workplace trends, retail demand, housing development, and mixed-use opportunities are reshaping our commercial corridors.

Regional Collaboration: Recognizing that economic development doesn't stop at city boundaries. The success of Pleasant Hill is connected to the success of Concord, Walnut Creek, Martinez, San Ramon, and our neighboring communities.

For City of Pleasant Hill, our strategic location along I-680, access to regional transportation networks, vibrant commercial districts, and strong business community position us to contribute to the corridors continued evolution. Thank you to Amy Levinson Sosnick and Mike Fernald for convening the regional conversation and bringing together the people and organizations helping shape the East Bays economic future. The opportunity along I-680 isn't just about connecting places. Its about connecting people, businesses, capital, and ideas.

#EconomicDevelopment #I680 #PleasantHill #ContraCostaCounty #EastBayEconomy #CommercialRealEstate #RegionalCollaboration #BusinessAttraction #RealEstateDevelopment #SanFranciscoBusinessTimes #EconomicGrowth

[He Who Reframes @TheGoatAdjacent]

This OutKast episode is incredible #Lanterns

[He Who Reframes @TheGoatAdjacent]

In July 2023 I released a RFP for small business resources providers to assist small businesses in the City of Antioch. We attracted interest from across the country and more than was realistic. My local government guru and city manager Kwame Reed had the idea to fund based on how each need in the city was met so no single resident was left out. When I looked at the %’s, I saw a portfolio that reminded me of my time in venture capital.

In January 2024 our team was joined by an Economic Recovery Corps fellow you know as Gaby Seltzer. They looked at the pending contracts for the eight economic development organizations and saw a cycle. We launched the program, brought the providers together with the goal of collaboration over competition and saw immediate outcomes with the businesses. We needed a name and democracy got us the #AntiochBusinessCollaborative.

In October 2024 we were visited by Corianne Rice Tomeka Lee, MPH and Samantha Pedrosa from the National League of Cities who told us about a hub and spoke model in Wilmington created by Renata Beata Kowalczyk, MBA, MS. We studied up and brought that in too.

2025 started. I went home to New Zealand. Gaby and Kwame called me on the #avengers phone to tell me we won four awards for our model. We got flown across the country to talk about our work and try to teach the model. #Detroit #Chicago #Durham

We held capital summits and non-profit expos. Unheard of idea of in #contracostacounty but simple enough to do as they were on weekends and accessible. Hundreds attended. The outcomes grew.

The East Bay Community Foundation got wind. The East Bay Economic Development Alliance caught a vibe. The East Bay Leadership Council saw a vision. They asked how Contra Costa county could access the program. The #eastbay reached out.
I gave them a very determined idea.

Then one morning, they all gathered -

municipal economic developers: Kieron Slaughter Salvador Morales Melissa Rea Robert Hicks-Carrera, MPA George Carter Tim Rood

chamber presidents: Aaron Alencastre Holly Sonne

private capital Marble Bridge Funding Group

workforce developers: Xavier Nazario, MPACharles Brown III Vincent Manuel

banks Christie Scourtes Yakov “Jacob” Shklovsky

foundations Max Shoka Sabrina Wu

venture capitalists Bay Angels

and CDFIs Titi Ikhile Anita Russell

all with the explicit purpose of building a #ContraCostaBusinessCollaborative.

If you blink, it will be right in front of you before you know it.

#EconomicDevelopment #SmallBusinessDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #AccessToCapital #PublicPrivatePartnership #EcosystemBuilding #CollaborativeLeadership #CDFI #ImpactInvesting #VentureCapital #MunicipalGovernment #CALED #IEDC #BayArea #EconomicRecoveryCorps #NLC

[He Who Reframes @TheGoatAdjacent]

@GoodBrotherMars @Tizthalife77 But we wouldn't have wasted time on skits and tr808 super hero outros

[He Who Reframes @TheGoatAdjacent]

“Dear summer…..”

I walked in expecting the role. I had a year to prepare. I had two years to study under Jordan Davis and then Eleanor Hollander, AICP - the last year being a direct collaboration. I walked into that PG&E office ready and honored to step into the role of Chair of the East Bay Economic Development Alliance. I was ready to tell you good people the following:

Serving alongside an incredible network of public, private, and nonprofit leaders, I look forward to advancing our shared vision for the East Bay economy. As we navigate new opportunities and challenges, collaboration will continue to be the foundation of our work—supporting businesses, fostering entrepreneurship, attracting investment, and creating communities where everyone can prosper. Thank you to the past and current leadership of the organization, and I’m excited for what we will accomplish together in the year ahead.

What I was not ready for was to see the sound, video, and IT managed by my former student Carlos Almodovar. A full circle moment as I taught him in the BUILD program in the inaugural class at Aspire Lionel Wilson College Preparatory Academy. To see his journey from high school and BUILD to college to a leadership position at Pacific Gas and Electric Company in Oakland was another milestone of remembering that the sacrifices are worth it.

I was also surprised by that cake from Mariposa Baking that Carline Au and Nina got me for my birthday. Fantastic to support a local business, eat some gluten-free desert and celebrate another solar run.
With so much momentum, I had to take that wind in my sails to my safe space - the gym. With the East Bay on my back, I ran sprints and lifted repeatedly. This is the focus I bring to my work. Relentless pressure. Ending the week at #StudyHall, a view from the top across the East Bay. Just happy to be alive, wiser and raised in the East Bay. 

#EastBayEDA #EconomicDevelopment #EastBay #RegionalCollaboration #Leadership

[He Who Reframes @TheGoatAdjacent]

@ANTHONYBLOGAN To defy the outsider narrative that hip hop is only for young kids who self destruct

[He Who Reframes @TheGoatAdjacent]

@PopcornPost_ Superman

[He Who Reframes @TheGoatAdjacent]

Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to work the City of Pleasant Hill booth at the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce Art, Wine & Music Festival.

One of the things I enjoy most about economic development is that it is ultimately about people. Sometimes that looks like major projects, investment attraction, or strategic planning. Other times it looks like standing in a booth, talking with residents, meeting business owners, answering questions, and listening to what people want to see in their community.

Festivals like this matter more than people realize.

They create foot traffic for local businesses. They give artists, makers, wineries, breweries, and musicians a platform. They strengthen civic identity. They remind people that community is something you actively build and participate in.

What stood out to me most was how many conversations centered around connection. Residents talking about why they love Pleasant Hill. Families introducing their kids to local art and music. Entrepreneurs asking questions about opportunities in the city. People simply wanting to engage with one another in a positive environment.

That energy is economic development too.

Thank you to the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce, the organizers, volunteers, performers, vendors, and everyone who stopped by the City booth throughout the weekend. Events like this help make Pleasant Hill not just a place people live, but a place people feel connected to.

#PleasantHill #EconomicDevelopment #NeighborhoodEconomicDevelopment #EastBay #SmallBusiness #Placemaking #ArtsAndCulture #LocalBusiness

[He Who Reframes @TheGoatAdjacent]

There are seasons in economic development where you can feel the momentum shifting in real time.

The last few weeks have been one of those moments.

From attending the East Bay Capital Summit 2026 at California State University - East Bay, East Bay to connecting with entrepreneurs and community leaders at the City of Oakland Multicultural Chamber Mixer, to engaging regional leaders at the East Bay Economic Development Alliance Economic Summit at Bishop Ranch, it has been powerful to witness the East Bay continuing to evolve as a region that understands collaboration is a competitive advantage.

Then closing out with Treasurer Fiona Ma’s Fireside Chat in City of Pleasant Hill was a reminder that public finance, entrepreneurship, small business growth, housing, infrastructure, and community development are all deeply connected.

What stood out most across every event was the shared recognition that economic development is no longer about isolated cities competing against each other.

It is about ecosystems.

It is about partnerships between chambers, municipalities, educational institutions, entrepreneurs, developers, capital providers, and community organizations all working toward a stronger regional future.

As both an Economic Development Manager for Pleasant Hill and Chair Elect of the East Bay EDA, I continue to see how much potential exists when we stop thinking in silos and start building collectively.

The East Bay is filled with innovators, builders, cultural leaders, small businesses, and public servants doing transformative work every single day.
Grateful to be in rooms where ideas become partnerships and partnerships become action.

#EconomicDevelopment #PleasantHill #RegionalCollaboration

[He Who Reframes @TheGoatAdjacent]

@jeffcharlesjr Do you seriously think only poor black children were bring fed?

[He Who Reframes @TheGoatAdjacent]

Nathan is the abbreviated Nathaniel. Keep in mind Gen Xers have southern black parents.

They may have cut yall pell grants but they cant cut when I run tell that.

[GUAP @guapdad4000]

THE BAY AREA INVENTED IT
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[He Who Reframes @TheGoatAdjacent]

@KeySystemRecrds Fantastic that he referenced that place in light of all the events of recent

It would seem like attracts like

[He Who Reframes @TheGoatAdjacent]

@robpursey Society Of Soul blueprint

[He Who Reframes @TheGoatAdjacent]

@Its_AKing I like peace too....

But I am not an industry guy any more. I move markets

And I am not EVER going to let people act like Reggie, Dallas, you and that space ship didnt do it #FIRST

#losjets

[He Who Reframes @TheGoatAdjacent]

I love what I do. Not as much as I love my ancestors and family but I love what I do. Can you tell? Have you met me?

What I love are moments in economic development where you see a concept move from idea…to activation…to impact.

And then there are moments when that work gets recognized at the highest level.

I’m proud to share that the City of Pleasant Hill was awarded a California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) Award of Merit for its Night Market initiative.

What started as a vision to create energy, connection, and identity has quickly become one of the most vibrant community activations in Contra Costa County.

Held at Chilpancingo Park, the Pleasant Hill Night Market brings together food vendors, local entrepreneurs, cultural performers, and families in a way that feels both intentional and organic.

It was not lost on me that the event happens at Chilpancingo Park, which is Nahuatl for “place of swallows”. It was not lost on me that I got this award in Palm Springs, where indigenous people have used economic development to liberate themselves and their neighbors.

The work we are doing is not just an event.
It’s a platform. It is an example of how residents, local government and economic development can work.

Should work.

A platform for small businesses to test, grow, and scale.
A platform for cultural expression that celebrates roots in Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities while connecting diversity here.

A platform for residents to connect across backgrounds in a way that defines what community actually looks like.

And that last point matters.

But when they work, they help a city define itself.
That’s what we’re seeing in Pleasant Hill.

From a strong first season in 2025 to an expanded return in 2026, the market has demonstrated sustained demand, consistent foot traffic, and real economic opportunity for local vendors.

This recognition from CALED is a reflection of a broader strategy:
We are not just building programs—we are building places where people want to be.

And in today’s environment, place-making is economic development.
Grateful to the team, partners, vendors, and community members who continue to show up and bring this to life every month.

This is what it looks like when a city invests in belonging, culture, and local economy—all at once.

If you come to this page a lot, you know what to expect. Five awards in 12 months. I am not slowing down one bit: I want my belts.

On to the next.

#EconomicDevelopment #PlaceMaking #PleasantHill #CALED #CommunityImpact #SmallBusiness #EastBay #ContraCosta

[He Who Reframes @TheGoatAdjacent]

Attending the 2026 @CALED_EconDev Conference in @CityofPS reinforced that economic development relies on effective collaboration.

This year, the increasing alignment among Contra Costa cities was especially notable, as was the @EastBayExpress ongoing role in supporting this progress.

Through East Bay EDA, we are building trust, coordinating strategy, and presenting a unified regional approach. This is exceptionally evident in both @WalnutCreekGov and @CityPleasant being highlighted. This leads to stronger partnerships, improved competitiveness, and better outcomes for the communities we serve.

Whether addressing workforce development, site readiness, or small business support, one message is clear: regional collaboration is essential to our work.

I am grateful to be part of a network that is actively shaping Contra Costa’s future through collaboration.

Let me tell you about this award Pleasant Hill won though….

#EconomicDevelopment #CALED2026 #EastBayEDA #ContraCosta #RegionalCollaboration

[East Bay EDA @eastbayeda]

Day 2 of the 2026 CALED Annual Conference in sunny Palm Springs is buzzing with energy! The East Bay is shining bright as we dive into learning, sharing best practices, and celebrating our incredible cities and economic development leaders from all over California. #eastbayeda

[He Who Reframes @TheGoatAdjacent]

@KeySystemRecrds "Lynch mob. Also in the group"