2/11/2025 - 10:00 AM

MISSION: We seek to provide timely, informative updates on regional topics relevant to our members.

Recap:

City of Monterey

• Trends in sales taxes for California local governments: sales tax revenue has flattened, and commerce is continuing to shift from brick-and-mortar to electronic transactions
• This creates a dilemma over fair distribution of revenue from the state to the county and then to the cities
• Also, gasoline sales are in decline because of electric vehicles (EVs), which are now about 15% of all vehicles on the road. How does the state collect revenue that reflects their use and impact on transportation infrastructure?
• On the state level, there has been a net loss of population in recent years, which brings up the question of why that doesn’t lead to more housing availability. The prevailing theory is that population decline is reflecting smaller household sizes rather than fewer households
• There are community objections to a gun shop operating in an area of the City of Monterey that is currently zoned to allow gun shops (C1). The Monterey City Council may respond with actions
• Monterey Bay Defense Alliance released an economic impact report on January 31. The Cities of Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel, and the Monterey County Business Council helped to fund it and the Chamber supported the release event
• Military installations generate more revenue than hospitality and employs as many people as hospitality, but economic studies about the region neglect the military. You should be able to access the full report: Matrix Monterey MEIR 2024 [FINAL].pdf or the 2-pager: Matrix Monterey MEIR 2-Pager 2024 [FINAL].pdf
• Newly legal cannabis shops - Off the Charts on Lighthouse has opened

Tourism & Hospitality

• The booking pace for 2025 has been solid. The county overall was up 1.2% in 2024 with a relatively flat ADR (Average Daily Rate). Group and International travel have still not fully recovered
• Viewership was significantly higher this year for the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. The shift to orient the tournament to serious golf competition and downplay celebrity presence is in its second year

United Way Monterey County

• Milestone - Today is the 16th anniversary of the establishment of 211 Monterey County. 261,000 contacts over the 16 years as a low to no cost community resource
• United Way Monterey County has three significant federal grants for about $500,000. Looks like those will be OK this year but long-term the organization and the non -profit sector in general will need to assess the impact to services in the short and long term

Imjin Parkway Widening and Roundabout Project

• Construction activities for the Imjin Parkway Widening and Roundabout Project, which will see its one-year milestone this week, continue as weather permits toward completion of phase one work before moving into phase two of the projected two-year and four-phase effort
• The project is split into different phases in an effort to minimize construction impacts along the roadway as well as attempting to increase efficiencies to complete the project as quickly as possible
• Scheduled work through the end of this week includes the continued placement of sidewalks, curb, gutter and drainage features along Imjin Road, the installation of streetlights near Imjin Road and Marina Heights Drive, the continued installation of irrigation service lines along Imjin Road and the continued excavation and installation of bioswale soil material along Imjin Parkway and at Imjin Road
• Upon completion, the Widening and Roundabout Project will provide transit and pedestrian improvements, add on-street buffered bike lanes, stormwater treatment areas, retaining walls and a sound wall

MPCC

• First Ribbon Cutting of 2025 to be held today—Armanasco Public Relations, Inc. celebrates 40 years! Join us from 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM at 585 Abrego Street in Downtown Monterey to celebrate.
• Save the Date: Annual Awards Dinner to be held Saturday, March 29, 2025 at the Portola Hotel & Spa. Honorees to be announced soon!

Next teleconference will be held Tuesday, 2/25/2025 at 10:00 AM.

If you are interested in participating on the teleconference or being added to the list, please contact monica@montereychamber.com. Your feedback is welcome.

montereychamber.com

RIBBON CUTTING: Armanasco Public Relations

Tuesday, February 11 | 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

585 Abrego Street, Monterey

Join us in celebrating the 40th anniversary of Armanasco Public Relations with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony! Light appetizers, water, soft drinks, and wine will be offered.

Register Now >>

MIXER: Piccolo & Reflections Elegante Fine Art Gallery

Thursday, February 27 | 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

NEW LOCATION: Piccolo, Coast Guard Pier, Monterey

Join us for a Valentine's Day themed Mixer with Piccolo & Reflections Elegante Fine Art Gallery. Explore the current display of artworks, refreshments and a fun evening of networking.

Register Now >>

Honorees for the Citizen of the Year, Robert C. Littlefield Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding Service, Ruth Vreeland Public Official of the Year, and Community Impact Award will be announced soon. Business of the Year will be announced at the event.

Love Local This Valentine's Day!

Whether you're looking for handcrafted jewelry, artisanal chocolates, or a custom-made bouquet of flowers, shopping local can add an extra layer of thoughtfulness and meaning to your gift-giving. Check out our Member Directory for florists, bakeries, local dining and shopping, unique experiences and so much more!

The Crush Cycle Ribbon Cutting previously scheduled for Thursday, February 13, is postponed. We are excited to celebrate their new business at a later date, to be determined.

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