San Ramon has an opportunity to strengthen its retail economy. A regional comparison found substantially lower taxable retail and restaurant sales per resident here than in several nearby cities. A separate retail study also identified spending that local businesses were not capturing.
A stronger retail economy would mean more shopping and dining choices, more opportunities for local businesses and workers, and additional tax revenue to support essential city services.
How San Ramon compares
A study prepared for the Town of Moraga found that San Ramon generated just $2,184 in taxable retail and restaurant sales per resident in the second quarter of 2026, below the county average of $3,413 and far behind leaders like Walnut Creek and Livermore.
Taxable sales per capita in nearby cities
Quarterly taxable retail and restaurant sales per resident · Q2 2026
View chart data as a table
| City | Sales per resident |
|---|---|
| Livermore | $9,325 |
| Dublin | $8,367 |
| Pleasanton | $7,586 |
| Walnut Creek | $7,679 |
| Pleasant Hill | $6,406 |
| Concord | $5,577 |
| Pinole | $4,768 |
| Brentwood | $3,860 |
| Danville | $2,692 |
| Martinez | $2,495 |
| Lafayette | $2,387 |
| San Ramon | $2,184 |
| Moraga | $1,427 |
| Orinda | $1,310 |
| Clayton | $906 |
Among the ten central Contra Costa communities compared, San Ramon ranked above Moraga, Orinda, and Clayton in taxable retail and restaurant sales per resident.
We’re not attracting enough outside spending
San Ramon’s 2024 estimate indicates that approximately 32% of local sales tax revenue comes from nonresidents.
Compare that with Walnut Creek, which has estimated that approximately 50% of its sales tax revenue comes from nonresidents.
Sources: San Ramon sales tax measure FAQ (2024); Walnut Creek Measure O information.
San Ramon’s retail development study estimated approximately $280 million in annual retail spending leakage based on 2019 conditions. That historical estimate does not establish today’s gap or how much spending local businesses could realistically capture, but it provides a starting point for identifying opportunities. An updated analysis would help the city focus its efforts.
Source: San Ramon Retail Development Opportunities Analysis.
We should make it easier for residents to find what they need locally while giving customers from Dublin, Danville, Pleasanton, and beyond more reasons to visit.
Five ways to strengthen San Ramon’s retail economy
- Build on City Center to create a more connected downtown at Bishop Ranch. Work with property owners and businesses to create safe, convenient walking routes connecting shops, restaurants, entertainment, offices, parks, and housing. Build on what is already there to make the area a cohesive destination.
- Recruit more employers. Office workers and business visitors support restaurants, cafés, and shops throughout the day. Preserve commercial land and attract corporate headquarters, startups, and growing companies.
- Strengthen San Ramon’s economic development efforts. Build on the city’s existing work with dedicated staff responsible for business retention, recruitment, and assistance. Give businesses a clear point of contact, streamline permitting, and publish progress toward specific goals.
- Give people reasons to visit. Support farmers markets, festivals, outdoor dining, cultural events, and entertainment that attract regional visitors and generate foot traffic.
- Set measurable goals. Publish annual figures for taxable sales per resident, retail vacancies, spending leakage, and new business openings. Hold City Hall accountable for results.
Grow our economy, not our taxes
Voters approved Measure N in November 2024, and its one-percentage-point sales tax increase took effect on April 1, 2025. It is scheduled to expire in 2035.
Source: City of San Ramon Measure N update.
My goal is to prepare the city for that expiration through stronger recurring revenues, disciplined spending, and public reporting on our progress.
Strengthening our commercial tax base and attracting employers should be part of that work. The city should publish realistic revenue projections and explain how economic development efforts fit into its long-term financial plan.
More local economic activity can help fund public safety, parks, infrastructure, and essential city services. Preparing for Measure N’s expiration will also require careful budgeting and clear priorities.
San Ramon has the location, purchasing power, and opportunity to become a regional destination.
We shouldn’t settle for becoming a bedroom community where residents drive elsewhere to shop, dine, and work.
Let’s build a thriving economy that serves our residents and attracts visitors from across the Tri-Valley.