3/24/2026 - 10:00 AM

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

Recap:

CITY OF MONTEREY


• Yesterday (March 23, 2026) an “Amber Alert” was issued by the California Highway Patrol on behalf of the Monterey Police Department regarding a child abduction at a North Fremont Street hotel in the City of Monterey. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office reports that the child was safely located and the suspect was taken into custody.

MONTEREY REGIONAL AIRPORT


• Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents at the Monterey Regional Airport continue to report for duty despite going three weeks without a paycheck. None have quit, unlike at other airports. However, the Monterey Regional Airport recognizes that some agents may be struggling to pay their bills. The Airport has established a secure drop-box at the terminal TSA checkpoint to collect gift cards and monetary donations for local TSA personnel relief.
• If you have questions about this gift box or other potential means of financial assistance, send an email to operations@montereyairport.com or call (831) 648-7000 and explain the purpose of your call to the receptionist.

HEALTH CARE

• Montage Health notes there were 29 measles cases in California in the first three months of 2026, although none of them were in Monterey County. Symptoms are fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, white mouth spots, and face-to-body rash. One way to protect yourself, your family, and the community is to get an MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine if it is out of date or if you’ve never had one.
• Check your personal records or consult your doctor if unsure, and these is also a California Immunization Registry (CAIR) that has child information and some adult information.
• On March 16, 2026, Montage Health announced it will be a partner with California State University, Monterey Bay (Cal State Monterey Bay or CSUMB) to establish the Montage Health Helen Baszucki School of Nursing. The program will offer a four-year pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
• See Cal State Monterey Bay partners with Montage Health to expand nursing education: Montage Health has made a gift commitment of $15 million to bolster CSUMB's nursing education program and CSUMB receives $15 million gift from Montage Health to establish Montage Health Helen Baszucki School of Nursing.
• Montage was also instrumental in the establishment of the Monterey Peninsula College nursing program, and all faculty there are affiliated with CHOMP (Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula).

TRANSPORTATION AND CONSTRUCTION

• Construction continues on the new roundabout at the intersection of Carmel Valley Road and Laureles Grade. Temporary traffic lights at the location will remain through April 20, 2026—the expected opening date for the roundabout. According to the County of Monterey “this will give crews more time to complete striping and marking on the asphalt before the roundabout finally opens and traffic moves freely.”
• See a County of Monterey press release: Date Modification: Carmel Valley Road and Laureles Grade Roundabout Temporary Signal Removal Postponed until April 20, 2026.

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

• As your Chamber continues to advance its Government Affairs goals related to housing, water, and keeping the local military bases, we’re also hearing concerns from members about the economic effects of warfare in the Middle East.
• Monterey Regional Airport notes that jet fuel prices have gone up (like gasoline prices) and this may affect future passenger numbers and also airline decisions regarding flights.
• While commercial and retail developments such as Cannery Row report strong performance right now because of the exceptionally sunny and warm weather, gas prices may ultimately affect business and household travel decisions.
• Interest rate volatility is noticed by real estate agents and also by businesses that borrow money to invest in growth.
• For most local businesses and households, domestic and foreign stability and peace encourages greater confidence in long-term investment and financial planning.

Next teleconference will be held Tuesday, 4/7/2026 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.

All are welcome! This event will focus on Clean Slate services information and immigration rights updates and resources. The Clean Slate program helps individuals clear eligible past convictions, opening the door to better opportunities in employment, housing, education, and access to public benefits.

Thank You to our MPCC Leadership Circle!

Visionary Members

Cornerstone Members

Foundational Members