4/8/2025 - 10:00 AM

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

Recap:

CITY OF MONTEREY

The city is developing a Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget with uncertainties about federal actions and concerns about how a possible recession would affect tourism
The city's budget is heavily dependent (perhaps as much as 50%) on transient occupancy taxes (TOT) (aka hotel taxes) and tourism-generated sales taxes
City of Monterey is working with See Monterey (the former Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau) on projections
There will be a Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, April 9 at 6:00 PM about sidewalk vendor permits, a response in part from Fisherman’s Wharf businesses about vendors who set up near the Wharf, adjacent to the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. The City Council will then discuss the issue at its meeting on Tuesday, April 15
At the recommendation of the Planning Commission, the City is considering the addition of a zoning clearance in addition to all business license applications as a second checkpoint

COUNTY OF MONTEREY

The county’s Economic Development Committee will meet again on Thursday, May 22 at noon
The March 25 Monterey County Board of Supervisors budget workshop revealed challenges in balancing budget. Hearings in May
A group reviewing the Countywide Comprehensive Economics Development Strategy (CEDS) for 2021–2026 recently met, with a Chamber representative in attendance. The third annual CEDS update will be released this summer
The county’s Revolving Loan Fund is near maximum capacity but $50,000 loans are available for small businesses

HOSPITALITY & TOURISM

Week of March 23, 2025 occupancy: 76.1% countywide, 78.4% City of Monterey
Marketing and sales activations with upcoming events: Pebble Beach Food & Wine, Whalefest, Sea Otter Classic
Wayfinding Workshop on Reaching New Visitors through Travel Trade to discuss international travel with industry experts from Visit California and American Tours International
"Another Day in Monterey" pilot program launched- offer running April to June to encourage hotel bookings
NYT had article about Carmel: 36 Hours in Carmel, California: Things to Do and See
James Beard Foundation event in May in NYC - local hotel chefs will attend

CITY OF SEASIDE

On Monday, April 7, two Seaside City Councilmembers held a Town Hall meeting to provide residents and other interested parties with the status of the Campus Town project, a mixed-use development on land long-occupied by blighted buildings of the former Fort Ord
Danny Bakewell Jr. spoke on behalf of the developer, KB-Bakewell Seaside Venture LLC. The company has overcome many regulatory, financing, and legal obstacles over the past five years to reach the point at which Phase 1 site preparation can finally begin
The Chamber was in attendance and also supported Campus Town when the city council approved it in February 2020

RHNA NUMBERS UPDATE

Your Chamber has now acquired the annual reports for Sand City and the County of Monterey that indicate the status of permits for new housing units and progress toward their Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) goals in the Housing Elements (of their General Plans) for the 6th Cycle (2023-2031). We also have a corrected report for the City of Del Rey Oaks. See below

Next teleconference will be held Tuesday, 4/22/2025 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

MIXER: Café Carmel — World Bake Week!

Thursday, April 10 | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Ocean Avenue, between Mission & San Carlos, Carmel-by-the-Sea

Please join us for the Cafe Carmel Mixer celebrating World Bake Week! Enjoy an evening filled with the aroma of baked treats, sip on your favorite beverages, and savor specially crafted baked goodies. Wine sponsor De Tierra Vineyards. Each guest will receive a complimentary recipe card.

Food for Thought: Champion Health, Inc.

Wednesday, April 16 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

MPCC Officers or Participate on Zoom

FREE

Join us as Colton Bentz presented "The Champ Plan". Learn how your company could save money for offering The Champ Plan while essentially giving your employees a raise and additional perks like $0 copays for primary care.

RIBBON CUTTING: DKomplex

Thursday, April 17| 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Middlebury Institute of International Studies, Casa Fuentes Building, Room CF434

Join DKomplex and as we celebrate the official ribbon-cutting and brand relaunch of DKomplex, the IT+ firm! This event is designed for local businesses and Chamber members looking to get more from their CRM investments. Enjoy networking, expert insights, and great food and drinks while supporting a local business and a meaningful cause.

MIXER: ARCpoint Labs — Laboratory Professionals Week!

Tuesday, April 22 | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

24560 Silver Cloud Court, #103, Monterey

Come join us for the ARCpoint Labs Mixer celebrating Laboratory Professionals Week! Enjoy a selection of fine beverages and gourmet bites as you mingle with fellow attendees. Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at their state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. Learn about the critical role medical laboratory professionals play in healthcare.

RIBBON CUTTING: West Coast Community Bank

Thursday, April 24 | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

300 Bonifacio Place, Monterey

Please join us for the West Coast Community Bank Ribbon Cutting! Celebrating their transition to West Coast Community Bank. Meet the team, enjoy refreshments and giveaways!