12/6/2022

MISSION: To support Member success and promote the regional economy

Recap

1. City of Monterey. Monterey 2031 is a City of Monterey project to update the Housing, Land Use, and Safety Elements of the city's General Plan to respond to emerging issues and new state laws related to housing. The City will host a series of "Listening Sessions" on December 6, 7, and 8 as forums for residents to learn about the project, voice their priorities, and share their perspectives. For more information, go to haveyoursaymonterey.org/monterey2031. Under state law, the City of Monterey is required to provide 3,654 additional housing units under its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) established by the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG). One of the obstacles to reaching this goal is a lack of adequate water supply. Some analysts believe that even the implementation of the planned Pure Water Monterey Expansion project will not produce sufficient water to allow the Monterey Peninsula region to achieve its housing goals. Two new members of the Monterey City Council will be sworn in tonight - Tyller Williamson as Mayor and Dr. Kim Barber as the Councilmember for the new District 1 seat. Mayor Clyde Roberson and Councilmember Dan Albert will leave the council. In the evening, the Monterey City Council will discuss how to fill the vacant at-large seat that Dan Albert held. Eleven applications were submitted for the vacancy (including your Chamber’s Government Affairs Liaison). By law, the appointment must occur by December 19. For more information and to see the eleven applications, go to haveyoursaymonterey.org/councilvacancy2022. City of Monterey will hold joint Planning Commission and City Council in a permittable framework. The Planning Commission is appointed by the City Council.
2.  Healthcare. CHOMP is busy for several reasons: (1) there have virtually no flu cases past few years as many people have been in isolation,  (2) the number of COVID cases is creeping up, (3) backlogged surgeries due to COVID restrictions, and scheduled surgeries before year end (4) it’s the end of the year so people are getting surgeries done, (5) CHOMP and other Northern California hospitals are seeing numerous children with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection. Montage recommends that residents get a flu shot and COVID booster shot and go to urgent care unless breathing conditions are really bad. CHOMP has set up a respiratory tent for triage outside of its emergency room. Montage offers a free e-visit program to community members with respiratory symptoms at montagehealth.org/care. 
3. Real Estate/Commercial Properties. The frenzy with multiple offers is gone, there are new listings but on market for longer. Interest rates aren’t an obstacle for some looking for houses in Monterey Peninsula market.
4. Hospitality. The Monterey Bay Aquarium had strong attendance over Thanksgiving week and expects the trend to continue through the New Year. On January 21-29 there will be a Community Open House with free admission to local residents in the Tri-County area. Posters, postcards, and social media will be distributed in cooperation with regional business groups, which will be welcome to promote restaurants and hotels in conjunction with the open house. Please consider shopping locally at Monterey County businesses; Monterey County holiday gift guide here. 
5. Financial. Monterey County has funds available to lend through its Small Business Revolving Loan Fund, which is ideal for micro businesses who struggle to obtain capital in traditional ways. Go to Small Business Revolving Loan Fund for more information.
6. MPCC. Applications for Leadership Monterey County are now open. Visit their website for FAQs about the program and the application itself. You can also watch their new video of retired Congressman Sam Farr explaining the value of participating in Leadership Monterey County (a program of MCBC). Deadline for applications is January 6, 2023. City of Monterey updated map with Chamber indicated as visitor center. International visitors are still coming. 
7. Building Business Back. Survey here.

Next teleconference will be held Tuesday 12/13/2022 at 10:00 AM.

If you are interested in participating on the teleconference or being added to the list please contact monica@montereychamber.com.  We seek to provide timely, informative updates on regional topics relevant to our members. Participation is one of your many member benefits.

24th Annual Golf Classic - "Day at the Hay" Presented by Premier Hyundai of Seaside

Thursday, December 8 | 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

The Hay, Pebble Beach Resorts, Pebble Beach

HOLIDAY MIXER: Oscar's Playground

Thursday, December 15 | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Oscar's Playground | Cannery Row, Monterey

FREE

Please join us for the Oscar's Playground Grand Opening Holiday Mixer! Enjoy local wines from Cannery Row wineries, beer, seltzer, soda, sparkling and still water provided. Food and refreshments provided by local catering company, light snacks, charcuterie boards, and holiday faire. There will be raffle giveaways and Carolers onsite.

Register Now >