CITY OF MILPITAS

AGENDA REPORT

(AR)

Item Title: Review and Approve the Proposed Storefront Crime Prevention Program (Staff

Contact: Madison Nguyen, Interim Economic Development Director, 408-586- 3046)

Category: Community Development

Meeting Date: 6/16/2026

Recommendation: Approve the proposed Storefront Crime Prevention Program strategy

BACKGROUND:

On December 2, 2025, City Council allocated $100,000 of one-time funds to support a Storefront Crime Prevention business initiative. Staff have developed an implementation strategy for the City Council’s review and consideration. The program is designed to provide financial assistance to small businesses, defined as twenty-five (25) or fewer employees, for security-related physical improvements to mitigate property damage, vandalism, and retail theft.

Small businesses constitute approximately 90% of all enterprises in Milpitas. Unlike larger corporations, small businesses often lack sufficient capital reserves to recover from repetitive property damage or invest in high-end security infrastructure. The initiative is designed to help bridge that gap by funding physical security enhancements to mitigate the impacts of burglary, vandalism, and retail theft.

ANALYSIS:

The financial framework for this initiative is based on a total funding pool of $100,000. The proposed eligible item for funding is the purchase and installation of shatterproof window film, with an estimated cost of $230 per 48” x 25’ roll. The installed cost of the material is estimated at $10 to $12 per square foot, and $5 per linear foot of caulking where necessary. Individual businesses could be eligible for up to a $4,000 grant covering both materials and installation, which enables the program to support a minimum of 25 projects. This balances the needs of any single business while maintaining the program's goal of maximizing reach. Grants are capped at $4,000 per business; costs for larger storefronts may exceed this cap, with out-of-pocket costs determined by the size of each business's windows and doors. Storefront glass requirements can range from 90 square feet for smaller shops to upwards of 500 square feet for larger retail spaces.

Staff conducted an analysis of various security deterrents, including bollards, roll-down metal gates, and surveillance systems. Shatterproof window film was identified as the most viable security improvement that can be implemented by a program of this scale for the reasons detailed below:

• Cost Efficiency and Scalability: The window film option allows the City to maximize the $100,000 allocation. This enables the program to serve a greater number of small businesses, whereas more expensive structural options (like bollards and roll-up doors) might fund significantly fewer projects.

• Passive Deterrence and Delayed Entry: Security film does not stop glass from shattering; however, it is engineered to hold glass shards together upon impact. By preventing “smash-and-grab” entry, it forces intruders to spend significantly more time and effort to gain access to a business. This may lead to the intruder abandoning the attempt before they are able to enter the business. Additionally, security film can provide a “transparent shield” without the less desirable appearance of solutions like metal bars.

• Operational Continuity: Traditional glass breakage results in high clean-up costs and temporary business closures. Window film helps maintain the structural integrity of the storefront even after an attempted breach, allowing businesses to remain operational while awaiting permanent glass replacement.

https://milpitasca.portal.civicclerk.com/event/2539/files/report/813

• Reduced Administrative Burden: Unlike roll-down doors or exterior bollards, window film would not require permits from the Building Department or an architectural review.

Outreach to the Business Community

Since 2023, 996 property-related crimes have been reported in the areas around Milpitas’ shopping centers. In 2025 alone, 305 property crime cases were recorded. Staff conducted in-person outreach to a variety of small businesses in the city to assess interest in the Storefront Crime Prevention Program and in the window film option. Contacted businesses were broadly supportive of the proposed shatterproof window film approach, with several citing recent break-ins and the high cost of glass replacement. If City Council approves the proposed program, staff will execute a comprehensive outreach strategy to all small businesses in the city that will include direct in-person outreach and digital outreach to notify potential applicants of the program.

Eligibility Requirements

To ensure funds are used effectively and legally, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a for-profit small business located within Milpitas city limits

• Employ 25 or fewer people

• Operate a physical storefront with windows that are potential points of entry

• Must possess a valid Milpitas Business License and have no outstanding City code violations

Application Process

Staff will conduct direct in-person outreach and leverage the City’s digital marketing channels to raise awareness about the program and encourage businesses to apply. The proposed application process is detailed below:

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility and review program guidelines.

2. Complete the fillable PDF application that includes the size of windows and provide a copy of the active

Business License to econdev@milpitas.gov.

3. The Office of Economic Development will confirm eligibility and determine grant award.

Implementation

The City will enter into a contract with a vendor to both purchase and install the shatterproof window film for approved applicants. The value of each grant will vary, as different businesses have different needs depending on storefront and window sizes. This approach would require the City to launch a competitive bidding process, per the City’s municipal code, due to the program’s value. It will not require businesses to pay up-front costs for the purchase and installation of the materials. The resulting agreement will be executed under the City Manager's purchasing authority.

POLICY ALTERNATIVE(S):

Alternative 1: Reduce the maximum grant amounts to allow for the program to support a larger number of small businesses.

Pros: Increases the potential number of businesses that the program can benefit.

Cons: This option may result in small businesses with larger physical storefronts having to pay a portion of the cost of materials and/or installation.

Reason for Not Recommending: Requiring upfront capital may introduce a financial barrier for some businesses, ultimately risking reduced program adoption and inequitable outcomes.

Alternative 2: Do not approve the strategy as presented and request that Staff return with an alternative implementation strategy for consideration.

Pros: Allows Council to direct staff toward different security improvements or program structures.

Cons: This option will delay the launch of the Storefront Crime Prevention Program.

mailto:econdev@milpitas.gov

Reason for Not Recommending: Staff evaluated multiple security improvements and identified window film as the most cost-effective and scalable option that does not require Planning or Building permits; returning with an alternative strategy would delay assistance to businesses without a clear benefit.

PROJECT SCHEDULE/KEY MILESTONES

Pending City Council approval, staff will launch the competitive bidding and vendor selection process. Once a vendor is selected, approved, and under contract, staff will launch a marketing campaign. Staff is targeting an October 2026 start date for the program, which will continue until appropriated funds are exhausted. Staff will provide a report to City Council on outcomes after one year of implementation that will include performance indicators such as conversion rates, completed projects, and qualitative data from the business community.

FISCAL IMPACT:

On December 2, 2025, the City Council appropriated $100,000 in one-time funds for the Storefront Crime Prevention Program. Sufficient funds are available, and no additional appropriation is required to implement the program.

CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA):

This item is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guideline 15378(b).

ATTACHMENT(S): None.

https://milpitasca.portal.civicclerk.com/event/2539/files/attachment/1915