5/6/2025 - 10:00 AM

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

Recap:

CITY OF MONTEREY

At the Monterey City Council meeting tonight (Tuesday, May 6), a vote is scheduled on a second reading of a proposed new ordinance to establish additional regulations on sidewalk vendors. However, an outside attorney has just submitted a late letter that may compel the city council to delay the vote and consider further review of the proposal
The City of Monterey has released a draft of its Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget. The budget will be balanced but may need some adjustments to account for unexpected cost increases (such as insurance and utilities) and certain types of revenue collection not quite meeting projections (such as the transient occupancy tax - TOT). In addition, a substantial budget savings for the current fiscal year will be carried over into FY 2025-2026
A new Economic Development position will be included in the budget. Your Chamber supports creation of this position
Also at the May 6 city council meeting, the city's Public Works director will make a presentation on the state of city infrastructure and the need for capital improvements. At the next meeting, the Finance Director will present funding options for these capital improvements. Note that the Measure P and S city sales tax for street improvements expires in 2027. There may be proposals to ask city voters to renew this tax with expansion to additional purposes. Also, the community will be asked to consider whether some existing city facilities can be closed without harming quality of life
See Monterey (formerly known as the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau) made a presentation to the city council on Wednesday last week on the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Mid-Year Performance & Group Sales Trends. See the material here: Presentation from See Monterey

UTILITIES

Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) reports that its upgrade of the major Del Monte Substation near the intersection of North Fremont Street and Canyon Del Rey (Highway 218) is nearly completed and there will be a formal ceremony on Thursday, June 12 to recognize the completion of work. This project is expected to bring relief to electric capacity problems and reduce power outages. In addition, PG&E upgrades at the Monterey Substation at the downtown intersection of Del Monte Avenue and Figueroa Street are expected to be completed in early 2026

HOSPITALITY/TOURISM

This week is "National Travel and Tourism Week"
The Dean Runyan Associates annual study of the economic impact of travel on the state, regions, and counties was released on Monday, May 5. See it at 2024 Economic Impact of Travel
Travelers will encounter a full overnight closure of Highway 1 near the Rocky Creek Bridge starting Sunday, May 4 at 10:00 p.m. through Monday, May 5 at 6:00 a.m. For more information, go to See Monterey Travel Alert

MPCC

Your Chamber will hold a MPCC Non-Profit Mixer on Thursday, May 29 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Del Monte Center. Register here: MPCC Non-Profit Mixer
Your Chamber will hold a Quarterly Business Insights Breakfast on Friday, June 6, 2025 from 7:30 am to 9:00 am at the Ferrante's Bay View Room at the Ferrante's Monterey Marriott. The topic is "Ag-Tech in Monterey County: What Do Opportunities Look Like?" Register here: Quarterly Business Insights Breakfast

Next teleconference will be held Tuesday, 5/20/2025 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: Rice and Roots Grand Opening

Tuesday, May 13 | 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

422 Tyler Street, Monterey

Please join us for the Rice and Roots Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting! Rice and Roots serves fresh, authentic Vietnamese cuisine with modern touches.

Food for Thought: "Business Owner Solutions" with New York Life

Wednesday, May 14 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

MPCC Offices and on Zoom

FREE

Please join us for our ongoing member-based "Food for Thought" education series! Enjoy a delicious meal while gaining valuable insights on protecting your business, planning for the future, and setting yourself—and your team—up for financial security.

MIXER: Non-Profit Mixer & Networking Event

Thursday, May 29 | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

260 Del Monte Center, Monterey

This special event is an incredible opportunity for Non-Profit Members to showcase their mission, share community impact, and connect with fellow nonprofits, businesses, and supporters.

Quarterly Business Insights Breakfast: AgTech: What Do Opportunities Look Like and Can Monterey County Be A Leader?

Friday, June 6 | 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Ferrante's at the Monterey Marriott, Monterey

With agriculture at the heart of our local economy, technological innovation presents an exciting opportunity to not only improve efficiency and sustainability, but also to serve as a catalyst for new economic growth. This panel will explore the opportunities and challenges facing the industry, as well as what it would take for Monterey County to emerge as a national leader in agricultural innovation.

Panelists include:

Monterey County Farm Bureau : Norm Groot

Monterey County Supervisor: Chris Lopez

Stout Technology: Ryan Mazzuca

Gabe Yountsey:The VINE at UCANR

Walt Duflock : Western Growers Association

Get Tickets >>