HOSPITALITY

• Monterey hotels saw strong performance this summer (compared to 2024). Over Labor Day Weekend, occupancy rose 7.1% and average daily rates climbed 5.9%. August closed at 81% occupancy (up 1.9%), and year-to-date numbers through July show occupancy up 5.6% at 71.3%, with rates holding steady. Car Week also delivered a boost, with occupancy reaching 86.4% (up 2.4%), though rates dipped slightly.
• For comparison, Napa Valley’s growth has been driven primarily by group travel, with group occupancy up 9.7% while individual (“transient”) stays held flat.
• Conference Center business is projected to remain strong through the fall.
• See Monterey recently hosted its Annual Meeting, highlighting ongoing efforts to promote our region. View the FY 2025-26 Business Plan and FY 2024-25 Annual Report.

AQUARIUM

• Wrapping up two weeks of locals free admissions. On-line management led to a smoother process and increased ticket availability. Sold out almost all days.
• Following City of Monterey proposed admissions tax with concern.

PG&E

• There will be a planned power outage in Downtown Monterey that may last several hours during a yet-to-be-determined upcoming business day so that PG&E can perform upgrades at 470 Tyler Street, the historic Estrada Adobe, which is used for offices.
• The initial planned outage for Tuesday, September 16 from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM was canceled by PG&E to accommodate the Farmers Market on Alvarado Street.

TAXES

• A reminder that October 15 is the extension deadline for submitting most individual tax returns for 2024, and September 15 is the extension deadline for tax returns for S corporations. Remember that extensions are for filing returns and not for payment of taxes due.
• Some tax preparation professionals in our region will be attending the West Coast annual IRS Nationwide Tax Forum in San Diego on September 16–18, 2025. There will be many questions about the tax implications of H.R. 1 (the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act"), now Public Law No: 119-21.
• Note that some existing tax credits are about to expire, including the clean vehicle tax credit for purchase of a new plug-in electric vehicle (EV) or fuel cell vehicle (FCV). You'll need to sign a binding purchase agreement for such a car on September 30, 2025 or earlier to qualify for the tax credit.

MPCC

• Our Leadership Luncheon is this Friday, September 12. Few tickets are still available. Register here.

montereychamber.com

RIBBON CUTTING: Community Human Services

Tuesday, September 9 | 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

2511 Garden Road, Suite A165, Monterey

Register Now >>

MIXER: Bay Federal Credit Union

Wednesday, September 10 | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

The Brass Tap, Marina

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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.

Get Tickets >>

When California joined the United States in 1850, the County of Monterey was also born. As one of the original 27 counties, its nearly 4,000 square miles tell a dynamic, foundational story of California filled with a diverse cast of fascinating characters and innovations that changed the world. Check out the special bilingual history booklet and video honoring our past, present and future.

MPCC LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

Visionary

Cornerstone

Foundational