6/30/2026 - 10:00 AM

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

Recap:

CITY OF MONTEREY

At a special meeting on June 24, 2026, the Monterey City Council received a presentation on polling results and approved placement of a measure on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot to renew the existing Measure S sales tax, which expires in March 2027.
This is the sales tax first approved by 74% of voters in 2014 as Measure P and then renewed by 82% of voters in 2018 as Measure S. It funds improvements and repairs to city streets, sidewalks, and storm drains.

WATER SUPPLY UPDATE

As announced by the City of Monterey, Monterey Peninsula local governments are preparing for an initial State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) hearing on July 20 to consider amending or rescinding the state's 2009 "cease and desist order" that prohibits Cal-Am from creating new water service connections or expanding use at existing service connections. On October 21, 2025, Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD) filed an application with the SWRCB asking it to rescind the order.
MPWMD and others argue there's now enough water available for what the Monterey Peninsula truly needs. It is true that Monterey Peninsula water demand has significantly declined in recent years because of consumer conservation and reduced system leakage. However, often omitted from the discussion is that ongoing population decline and other demographic changes are major reasons for plummeting water demand. While some people regard our region's population decline and school enrollment decline as a solution, your Chamber does not believe these trends are positive and desirable.
There is measurable progress in increasing water supply. Since September 2020, Monterey One Water (M1W) has been recycling treated wastewater for consumption and storage through the Pure Water Monterey (PWM) project. The project was expanded and began producing even more water in October 2025. In addition, the Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project has been producing water in the past few years because of adequate rainfall. But these are two of the three components of the three-legged stool that was supposed to provide a sufficient water supply. Desalination is the third leg.
Cal Am argues that it is legally required to provide sufficient water for its customers, and rescinding the order makes the company vulnerable to liability if there is a multi-year drought or other incident that compromises the water system. If such a situation ever happens, it's likely that businesses will be asked to restrict their operations as part of water rationing.
Your Chamber recognizes that lifting the cease and desist order will allow opponents of the desalination plant to claim it isn't needed. (They always claimed it wasn't needed, going back to 1993.) Nevertheless, the three-legged stool of recycled water, aquifer storage and recovery, and desalination is critical. It will end the practice of certain groups and individuals to exploit water supply as a legislative and legal weapon to stop housing construction, business growth, and reasonable economic development.

MONTEREY REGIONAL AIRPORT

Vertical construction of the new airport terminal has begun with mass timber structural installation. It's expected this work will be done and the terminal enclosed in late August or early September, before the rainy season begins.
The airport has increased plane seat capacity by 10% for the summer, and numbers of passengers have increased by 10%.
The airport enjoyed hosting the annual California Rodeo Salinas mixer on June 16. It was jointly sponsored by your Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce.

ENJOY INDEPENDENCE DAY IN MONTEREY

Your Chamber reports notable interest from the public about 4th of July events in the City of Monterey. These include the 4th of July Parade in Downtown Monterey, the Firefighters Pancake Breakfast, and other events. The websites of the City of Monterey (Fourth of July - Monterey's Independence Day Celebration 2026) and the Old Monterey Business Association (Monterey 4th of July) have lists of activities with links for information and/or registration.

Next teleconference will be held Tuesday, 7/14/2026 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.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: "Building your Business: Tools, Support & Access to Capital" presented by MCSC Women's Business Center

Wednesday, July 8 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

MPCC Office or on Zoom

FREE

Join us for "Building your Business: Tools, Support & Access to Capital." You will learn about the resources and support available to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in Monterey County.

MIXER: Bethlehem Lutheran Church 101st Birthday

Thursday, July 9 | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

800 Cass Street, Monterey

2026 Business Excellence Awards

Thursday, July 23 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Hyatt Regency Monterey, Monterey

The Chamber's annual Business Excellence Awards (BEA) Dinner increases public awareness of the vital role business plays on the Central Coast and gives recognition to those businesses that have achieved excellence in their fields. 300-plus Peninsula business and community leaders attend to show their support for the local businesses that make up the backbone of our community. 2,000-plus votes are cast by Chamber members as well as the general public, and awards are presented to the top businesses in 16 categories.

Get Tickets >>