2/24/2026 - 10:00 AM

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

Recap:

COUNTY OF MONTEREY

• Monterey County Supervisors Glenn Church and Luis Alejo have been appointed for another year to serve on the county’s Economic Development Committee. The next committee meeting is on Monday, March 30.

CITY OF MONTEREY

• The Monterey City Council continues to consider ways to eliminate its projected structural budget deficit over the next five years. At its February 17 meeting, the city council declared a fiscal emergency and called an election on June 2, 2026 to ask city voters to approve a Supplemental Transactions and Use Tax at the rate of 0.375% for nine years. This would be in addition to the existing 0.5% (half-cent) sales tax approved by City of Monterey voters in March 2020 (as Measure G), after the city council declared a fiscal emergency in November 2019 because of a projected structural budget deficit. Measure G is in effect from July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2029.
• At its March 3, 2026 meeting, the Monterey City Council will consider imposing a tax on private parking lots in the city. There are an estimated 1100 parking spots in City of Monterey not already taxed for other purposes.

HEALTH CARE

• A reminder that the Monterey County Health Needs Collaborative released its 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) to analyze population health and health needs in Monterey County. Founded in 2022, the Collaborative includes the County of Monterey Health Department, Mee Memorial Healthcare System, Montage Health, Natividad, Salinas Valley Health, and United Way Monterey County. In 2025, California State University Monterey Bay and Central California Alliance for Health joined the collaborative.
• It was noted that the Pajaro Valley Health Care District is now "actively seeking a strategic operating partner to ensure long-term stability" for Watsonville Community Hospital, which became a public hospital in 2022 after private ownership declared bankruptcy. Federal changes in Medicaid reimbursement may reduce payments to this hospital by $10 million annually. Many small rural health care systems in California are struggling, including Mee Memorial, which serves the southern Salinas Valley, and Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital, the only hospital in San Benito County.

MONTEREY REGIONAL AIRPORT

• Construction starts next week on the roundabout at Monterey Regional Airport (at the intersection of Olmstead Drive, Garden Road, and the entrance to airport facilities).

TAXES

• A reminder that S corporations and multi-member LLCs taxed as partnerships must file 2025 tax returns by Monday, March 16, 2026. (It’s the day after the 15th because the 15th is a Sunday.) An automatic six-month extension to September 15, 2026 is available for filing the return, although taxes owed must be paid by March 16.

RETAIL

• As reported yesterday on KSBW, a “pop-up roller rink” is moving from the Monterey County Fairgrounds to Del Monte Center at the former Forever 21 site. (See Pop-Up Roller Rink Moving to Del Monte Center, Plans to Operate Daily.)
• An apparel company called Aerie is the latest tenant at Del Monte Center.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE - PUBLIC SECTOR

• The Monterey Peninsula College (MPC) board of directors is scheduled at its Wednesday, February 25 meeting to appoint Chamber President & CEO Monica Lal to its Citizens Bond Oversight Committee as the designated Business Representative. And tonight (Tuesday, February 24) the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (MPUSD) board of trustees is scheduled to appoint Government Affairs Liaison Kevin Dayton to its 7-11 District Advisory Committee on surplus properties.
• As a local businessperson, are you interested in serving your community as a member of local appointed government boards and committees? Please contact Monica Lal at monica@montereychamber.com or at (831) 648-5350.

Next teleconference will be held Tuesday, 3/10/2026 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

Dr. Jenny Gray named Monterey Bay Aquarium CEO

Monterey Bay Aquarium has appointed Jenny Gray to lead the organization as Nancy Burgermeister Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Gray is known in the zoo and aquarium industry for her work in animal ethics, welfare, and conservation. She has been Chief Executive Officer of Zoos Victoria, in Australia, since 2007 and served as president of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums for two years. Transitioning from Julie Packard, the Aquarium’s first and only executive director since it opened in 1984, Gray will start in May. Packard will continue to serve on the Aquarium board.

“The opportunity to lead Monterey Bay Aquarium provides a platform for me to contribute to ocean conservation, steward another iconic institution, and take on a new professional challenge,” Gray said. “Zoos Victoria will always hold a special place in my heart, and I leave with pride in our shared achievements and optimism for the future.”

“We’re delighted to welcome Jenny; she is an experienced leader who brings strategic vision, scientific acumen, and a deep commitment to collaboration to her work,” said Aquarium Board Chair Tegan Acton. “We’re confident that she will continue the pioneering work in ocean conservation, marine life exhibits, and environmental education the Aquarium is known for.”

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