2/10/2026 - 10:00 AM

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

Recap:

QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUES

• The Monterey City Council and other local governments in the region are taking positions and joining coalitions to oppose federal actions that would allow the possibility of oil drilling in Monterey Bay. Off-shore drilling was discussed at the February 9, 2026 meeting of your Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee, and there will be additional discussions following presentations at the March 9 meeting. Your Chamber leadership is interested in hearing from members. Please contact Monica Lal at monica@montereychamber.com or at (831) 648-5350.

CITY OF MONTEREY

• Dante Hall is the new City Manager for the City of Monterey. See the city’s February 4, 2026 press release: City Council Appoints Dante Hall as Monterey’s New City Manager.
• Congressman Jimmy Panetta has announced federal funding for various local projects, including $1.92 million for emergency repairs to Municipal Wharf 2 in the City of Monterey. See his February 6, 2026 press release: Rep. Panetta Secures Federal Funding for Local Projects Across California’s 19th Congressional District.
• Monterey Public Library Friends & Foundation is holding its 21st Annual Chocolate & Wine event on February 21, 2026. Go to this website for more information: Fundraiser Benefiting the Monterey Public Library Through the Friends and Foundation.
• The City of Monterey is participating in the Monterey 1000 initiative. According to See Monterey (the former Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau), "Monterey 1000 traces a thousand years of stories shaped by land, sea, and the people who have called this place home."
• On February 17, the Monterey City Council will consider a position in opposition to a proposed eleven-story, 239 residential unit project on unincorporated county land at 711 Viejo Road, on the ridge to the east of Highway 1, overlooking the Del Monte Center. This project is advancing under “Builders’ Remedy,” a state law that loosens local authority for residential development decisions for cities and counties fails to submit a credible Housing Element to the California Department of Housing and Community Development by the statutory deadline. The deadline for the County of Monterey to submit its 6th Cycle Housing Element for 2023-2031 was December 15, 2023.

HEALTH CARE

• The “Monterey County Health Needs Collaborative” is a partnership of hospitals, health organizations, and community agencies dedicated to “improve the health and well-being of Monterey County residents.” This organization has funded and commissioned a report identifying health care needs in Monterey County. A press conference on Wednesday, February 11 will introduce the report to the public. Go to this website for information: Monterey County Health Needs Assessment.

TAX PREPARATION

• If you earned $69,000 or less in 2025, United Way Monterey County is offering you assistance in preparing your taxes. Go to Monterey County Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) for more information.

MONTEREY REGIONAL AIRPORT

• Monterey Regional Airport has been busy with the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am starting this week and the spillover from Super Bowl visitors. More capacity is coming to the airport, with a larger plane connecting to Los Angeles on April 30 and to Denver on May 21. The new Chicago flight starts on May 23. The Dallas flight resumes on February 12.

Next teleconference will be held Tuesday, 2/24/2026 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

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: "Energy Efficiency for Your Business"

Wednesday, February 11 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

MPCC Offices or on Zoom

FREE

American Energy Partners, a California-based energy efficiency firm helping local businesses reduce operating costs through PG&E’s On-Bill Financing Program—which allows projects to be completed with no upfront costs.

Register Now >>

Help Us Crown the 2025 Business of the Year! 

We’re calling on MPCC members to cast their vote and help recognize an outstanding local business that truly goes above and beyond. Members are invited to help select the 2025 Business of the Year from last year’s Business Excellence Award winners — finalists who represent the very best of our local business community.

The winner will be revealed and celebrated at our Annual Awards Dinner on March 14 at the Monterey Conference Center. Cast your vote and be part of the celebration!

MPCC LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

Visionary

Cornerstone

Foundational