Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development.

Existing law provides for various state programs and services for the purpose of attracting and retaining businesses in the state. Existing law creates the Office of Small Business Advocate in the Office of Planning and Research in the Governor's office. Executive Order S-05-10 created the Office of Economic Development in the Governor's office, for the purpose of coordinating economic development activities in the state. This bill would create, within the Governor's office, the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development, which would be administered by a director appointed by the Governor. The bill would require that the office serve the Governor as the lead entity for economic strategy and the marketing of California on issues relating to business development, private sector investment, and economic growth, and would authorize the office to exercise various powers, including, among others, making recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature regarding policies, programs, and actions to advance statewide economic goals. The bill would create the California Business Investment Services Program, as specified, within the office, under the authority of the director, for the purpose of serving employers, corporate executives, business owners, and site location consultants who are considering California for business investment and expansion. The bill would also move the Office of Small Business Advocate to the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development.