5/5/2026 - 10:00 AM

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

Recap:

CITY OF MONTEREY

• At their meeting tonight (Tuesday, May 5), the Monterey City Council will conduct the following business:
• Receive Protests of the City's Proposed Stormwater Utility Fees and Determine If a Majority Protested The Fees
• Vote to Issue Two New Storefront Retail Cannabis Business Permits and Conduct a Drawing to Determine Their Zones
• Vote to Submit Application to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for $1.2 Million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds
• See the meeting agenda here: Monterey City Council Meeting Agenda - May 5, 2026.
• The City of Monterey has held three public meetings to explain the Measure D sales tax on the June 2, 2026, ballot. Measure D would add another 0.375 percent to the sales tax within the city. It would generate about $4.5 million per year.
• The Monterey City Council held a workshop on April 29 to discuss budget cuts necessary to balance the budget. A Chamber representative spoke during public comment.

MONTEREY REGIONAL AIRPORT

• Construction continues with a new shift in late May for the location and entrance for long-term parking.
• Seasonal nonstop service from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) with United Airlines is now open for booking, with weekly Saturday flights beginning May 23, 2026.
• Use of the airport remains strong, and parking was at capacity last weekend (showing the extent of local residents using the airport)

UTILITIES

• Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) is our local “community choice aggregation” joint public power agency, originally established in 2017 as Monterey Bay Community Power. It is offering an "Electrify Your Ride" program to 3CE customers as a “one-stop-shop” for transportation electrification rebates and support. Rebates are available for electric vehicles, Level 2 and Level 3 (DCFC) EV chargers, and EV readiness (electrical work related to charger installation).Commercial customers enrolled in 3CE service related to a commercial, agricultural, non-profit, multi-family housing, or industrial entity as well as public agencies are eligible to apply for the Electrify Your Ride Program. For more information, see Electrify Your Ride – Commercial.
• Through the state association for community choice aggregation public power agencies, California Community Choice Association (CalCCA), 3CE is supporting two bills in the California legislature to improve "affordability" for its customers. Assembly Bill 1761 (AB 1761) is related to how the California Public Utilities Commissions approves electric rates and charges. AB 1761 is opposed by investor-owned utilities. Senate Bill 1138 (SB 1138) would establish resource adequacy requirements for all load-serving entities (electrical corporations, electric service providers, and community choice aggregators). It has no public opposition at this time.

CHAMBER BUSINESS

• Representatives of your Chamber and the City of Monterey will be attending the Defense Communities National Summit (ADC50) on May 11-13. This is an opportunity to promote the capabilities of the existing military bases in Monterey County, in fulfillment of one of the five Government Affairs goals for your Chamber.
• Register for the Chamber’s May 26 Quarterly Business Insights Breakfast, featuring Dr. Michael McDermott, CEO of Montage Health, talking about the current state of health care. This is an excellent opportunity to network and develop business relationships while learning from subject matter experts in a beautiful setting. Register here: Current State of Healthcare in the Region.
• Also, register for a second Quarterly Business Insights Breakfast on June 11. This will feature representatives of the various local government special districts and the Public Affairs Field Coordinator for the Coastal Network of the California Special Districts Association. Register Here: Monterey County Special Districts Panel.

Next teleconference will be held Tuesday, 5/19/2026 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.

Calling all young artists! Enter the Monterey County Elections’ Future Voter Sticker Contest and show your creativity. Deadline is May 31. Winning designs will be printed and celebrated by the Board of Supervisors and the Elections Office.

Thank You to our MPCC Leadership Circle!

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