Your Chamber Continues to Pursue Its Goal of “Housing Affordability for Local Workforce - A Balanced Choice of Options”

Your Chamber’s Government Affairs Liaison Kevin Dayton collected and dispersed ideas for housing policy at the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) Workforce Housing Solutions Summit on August 14 at the Oldemeyer Center in Seaside. He participated in the interactive “Pre/Post Entitlement Streamlining Action Station,” along with the Santa Cruz City Manager and the City of Monterey Principal Planner Christy Sabdo. Besides regulatory streamlining, there were five other topics for Action Stations: (1) Construction Costs: Reduction and Containment; (2) Gap Financing for Affordable Housing from Local, State, Federal, Philanthropic Sources; (3) Small and Mid-size Infill Developments (4-199 units); (4) Large-Scale Multi-Phase Developments (200+ units); and (5) Community Engagement & Pro-Housing Policy Development. Several Chamber members participated in the stations, including Board Chair Kathryn Avila. Monterey Peninsula Unified School District Superintendent PK Diffenbaugh was a panelist to discuss employer-based workforce housing.

Kevin notes that an example of streamlining is happening this week on August 20, as the Pacific Grove City Council considers combining its Architectural Review Board and its Historic Resources Committee. City staff says this will help the Pacific Grove with governance (fewer meetings, clearer accountability, less discretionary meetings for a project), staffing (consolidated support, lower resource requirements), application processing (unified processing that reduces applicant confusion and supports consistent decision making), policy (harmonized design/preservation standards), and public communication (easier applicant navigation of city processes while pursuing architectural and historic preservation goals).

Your Chamber Continues to Pursue Its Goal of “Ensuring a Long-Term Sustainable Water Supply”

Your Chamber’s Economic Vitality Committee meeting on August 8 featured a presentation by Elise Weiland, the Executive Director of the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy. In conjunction with California American Water Company (Cal Am), the Conservancy has just celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the demolition of the San Clemente Dam on the Carmel River. It is working to help Carmel Valley property owners to manage their parcels in a way that is environmentally responsible and legal. (Contrary to conventional wisdom, cutting down all the vegetation in a riparian environment can actually increase the risk of wildfire and erosion in the long-term, as invasive species move into cut areas formerly held by native species.) The Conversancy is also putting together a instructional program for catching water, such as raingardens, bioswales, rain tanks, and permeable pathways.

Meanwhile, Monterey One Water (M1W) expects the Pure Water Monterey Expansion (PWMx) project to be ready for operations before the end of the year. Construction of the Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF) expansion at the Monterey One Water Regional Treatment Facility is expected to be substantially completed by the end of September. Construction of Injection Wells Phase 4 is expected to be completed by the end of August. Permit approval from state agencies such as the State Division of Drinking Water (DDW) and Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) is expected to be completed in October.

And finally, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) made a final decision at its August 14 meeting that its projected water demand for the Monterey Peninsula is reasonable. Some people were arguing that the Monterey Peninsula doesn’t need more water for future needs after the Pure Water Monterey Expansion (PWMx) project is completed. Your Chamber, which supports reasonable economic growth and new housing construction, did not agree with that claim.

montereychamber.com

RIBBON CUTTING: The Key Addiction Treatment Center

Thursday, August 21 | 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

270 El Dorado Street, Monterey

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RIBBON CUTTING: First Tee — Monterey County

Thursday, August 28 | 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

MPCC Offices, 353 Camino El Estero, Monterey

Celebrate 20 Years of First Tee — Monterey County! Learn about the new 2025 Afterschool Program, which brings critical academic support, STEAM learning, enrichment activities, and sports to students at El Sausal, Harden, and La Paz Middle Schools. Guests will also have the opportunity to preview the 2025 “Win a Lexus. Change a Life.” vehicle and purchase tickets to support this life-changing initiative for youth and families across Monterey County.

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Annual Leadership Luncheon presented by California Resources Corporation

Friday, September 12 | 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Monterey Marriott, Monterey

Our Annual Leadership Luncheon gives community leaders, local business owners and engaged citizens an opportunity to gain further insight into the current business climate on the Monterey Peninsula. An impressive panel of federal, state and local elected officials cover topics such as: new projects taking place in their jurisdictions, new business coming to the region and important issues that have impact on the future viability of our local economy.

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In honor of National Nonprofit Day (August 17), Monterey Herald is shining a spotlight on the incredible nonprofits making a difference in our community and many are proud members of the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce! Explore the full section and discover the stories of those driving positive change in Monterey County and beyond.

The City of Monterey is hosting a services fair, City Hall in Your Corner, Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Hilltop Park Center, 871 Jessie Street, in the New Monterey Neighborhood. Come out and enjoy some hot dogs, games and activities for kids, and meet your City staff. This is a great opportunity to get to know the wide variety of programs and services offered for residents of all ages.

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