Economic Development

Millbrae Overview

Located in the middle of San Mateo County, City of Millbrae is adjacent to the San Francisco International Airport. Millbrae is gently cradled in the sun-warmed hills that separate the Pacific Ocean from the San Francisco Bay. Major freeways border both it's eastern and western boundaries, making Millbrae easily accessible from all parts of the Bay Area. Many hillside homes enjoy beautiful bay views. The City has twelve local parks and the Green Hills Country Club that add to the charm of the residential community.

Why It's Smart to Do Business in Millbrae

Millbrae's economic community is a vital mix of retail, shopping, restaurants, service businesses and hotels. Located just 15 miles south of the City of San Francisco, Millbrae's proximity to world-famous cities, transportation networks, and an affluent community, and abundance of prime real estate along heavily trafficked corridors, represents an attractive opportunity for potential business.

Key Assets

  • Access to a highly educated and skilled workforce
  • Available properties located along major transportation corridors, including historic El Camino Real, Broadway, and Millbrae Avenue
  • A major hub for biotechnology and life sciences 
  • Economic Development Packet (PDF)
  • Economic Development Plan 2013 (PDF)
  • High median and household income
  • Home to Mills High School, the highest-scoring high school in San Mateo County
  • Located in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, the birthplace of world-class businesses
  • Located within 45 minutes of two major college research institutions: Stanford University and the University of California at Berkeley
  • Most convenient access to San Francisco International Airport
  • Situated between two major highways: Interstate 280 and Highway 101
  • Downtown is within a 3 minute walking distance of Millbrae Station, the busiest transit station on the peninsula, providing access to BART, Caltrain, and SamTrans, and a future California High-Speed Rail station

For more information about how to start a business in Millbrae please visit Millbrae's website, call the Community Development Department at 650-259-2341, or visit City Hall located at:

  • 621 Magnolia Avenue
    Millbrae, CA 94030

City of Millbrae Downtown Business Survey - August 2021

The Economic Vitality Advisory Committee (EVAC) assisted the Economic Development team in creating a City of Millbrae Downtown Business survey. The survey was distributed in May 2021 and EVAC provided outreach to merchant/business owners from May to August. There were a total of 22 merchants that took the survey and provide valuable feedback on many topics that relate to their businesses.

The 2021 Millbrae Downtown Business Survey results are now available: 

Some key highlights include the following:

  • Most important changes for downtown Millbrae
    • More parking
    • Safety and cleanliness
  • Business owners are looking for more coordinated events in downtown
    • Food and wine events
    • Music festivals and other live events
  • Business owners have interest in forming a merchants/business association
  • Parking is a problem
  • Supported retention of outdoor dining
  • Expressed the need to bring more people to downtown Millbrae