Economic Engine of Yolo County

Driving Economic Growth in Davis
$13.18 Billion Annual Impact

UC Davis, 337 local businesses, and 67,000 residents form one of California's most dynamic small-city economies. The chamber connects all three.

Explore the Economy Business Resources
$13.18B
UC Davis annual economic impact on the region
337
Member businesses in the chamber network
100+
Miles of bike lanes, 25 bike bridges
1905
Year founded, 121 years of service
The Davis Model

Economic Ecosystem

How research, commerce, and community create a self-reinforcing cycle of growth.

🎓

UC Davis

Research university, $13.18B annual impact, talent pipeline

🤝

Chamber

Connection hub linking research to commerce and community

🏢

Local Business

337+ businesses growing through chamber programs and grants

🏠

Community

67,000 residents enjoying 5 annual events and quality of life

Strategic Focus

Five Economic Priorities

🎓

Talent Pipeline

Connecting UC Davis graduates with local employers to retain world-class talent in the region.

39K+ students
📈

Small Business Growth

Grants for businesses with fewer than 10 employees. SBDC free consulting and advising.

<$500K eligible
💡

Innovation

UC Davis Venture Catalyst and DISC Village connecting startups with resources and capital.

#1 Vet School
🌿

Sustainability

Village Homes, first bike lane in 1967, DMG MORI advanced manufacturing campus.

100+ mi bike lanes
🎉

Quality of Life

Farmers Market (50th anniversary 2026), 5 signature community events, vibrant downtown.

90 vendors
By the Numbers

Davis Economic Dashboard

$13.18B
UC Davis annual economic impact
Largest employer in Yolo County
67,000
City population
337
Chamber member businesses
100+
Miles of dedicated bike lanes
25
Bike/pedestrian bridges
50th Anniversary
Davis Farmers Market celebrates 50 years in 2026 with 90 weekly vendors
Business Relocation

Why Davis?

The smartest small city in California for business

With a world-class research university, an educated workforce, exceptional quality of life, and a chamber that has been connecting businesses for 121 years, Davis offers everything a growing business needs.

  • UC Davis talent pipeline: 39,000+ students and world-class researchers across agriculture, engineering, medicine, and veterinary science.
  • Bike infrastructure: 100+ miles of bike lanes and 25 bike bridges. First city in the US with a bike lane (1967). Low commute stress.
  • Quality of life: Farmers Market (50 years), vibrant downtown, 5 annual community events, proximity to Sacramento, Napa, and Lake Tahoe.
  • Yolo County agriculture: Gateway to one of California's most productive agricultural regions. Farm-to-fork economy.
Davis community event at twilight
Business Calendar

Upcoming Events

April 2026

Chamber Golf Tournament

Annual networking tournament at Davis Municipal Golf Course. Sponsorship opportunities available.

Networking
May 2026

Celebrate Davis

Signature spring festival. Live entertainment, local vendors, food, and community celebration in Central Park.

Community
Summer 2026

Family Fun Fest

Summer community celebration with games, food trucks, live music, and activities for all ages.

Community
October 2026

Dia de los Muertos

Cultural celebration with altars, live music, traditional dance, artisan vendors, and community gathering.

Community
December 2026

Make Davis Sparkle

Holiday celebration in downtown Davis with tree lighting, caroling, and festive shopping.

Community
Ongoing

SBDC Business Advising

Free one-on-one business consulting available year-round through our Small Business Development Center partnership.

Education