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Amid all of the doom-and-gloom stories about the economy and California’s failed government, it is exciting to hear about a city in which changes are happening — all well-planned, and all for the good.

The Real Story is talking this week with Marc Grisham, City Manager of Pittsburg, in eastern Contra Costa County. Pittsburg’s story is an interesting one, in which the city has charted a course for redevelopment without distancing itself from its past. The heavy industry that gave Pittsburg its name still provides jobs for many families who have been residents for four or even five generations. But the city is also very forward looking, actively recruiting business from as far away as China to bring more focus on creating prosperity for future generations as well.

Marc talks today about plans for the redevelopment of the Old Town area, bringing in compatible businesses to support growth and provide a reason for people to spend time there. The choreography of placing a bank, restaurants, a brew pub, local book seller demonstrates that the city is willing to act like a master developer. In fact, when Marc talks about the City buying a stalled mixed-use real estate project and turning it around, he sounds more entrepreneurial than governmental. His conversation is all about the possibilities — not the limitations — of what the city can do in effecting its own transformation.

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Marc Fox
Assistant City Manager – Internal Services
City of Pittsburg
Office: (925) 252-4876
Facsimile: (925) 252-4138
Email: mfox@ci.pittsburg.ca.us