Government Affairs Committee

Clearly one of the most important benefits of being a member of the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is having an organization larger than your own single business representing you and advocating on your behalf.

The Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce serves as a leading business voice on public policy. When the voice of the total business community is heard, more often than not, it supports a competitive business climate and can influence the outcome of critical decision-making that impacts commerce.

The Chamber's Government Affairs Committee (GAC) plays a key role to determine which issues those are and, when needed, can convene a coalition to speak together. This makes the chamber more relevant to its members.

By having a strong role in advocacy, the chamber staff and volunteer leaders do the day-to-day work that many business people simply do not have time to do. Many members—especially those small businesses—do not have the time to keep up on the issues—much less speak out on them. The Chamber provides a great service to these members by being their eyes and ears—and their voice.

Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

2026 Government Affairs Committee Goals and Objectives

Five Top Government Affairs Issues

Ensuring a Long-Term Sustainable Water Supply
1. Continue to support a portfolio of water supply projects (3-prong approach)
  1. 1. 1. Desalination Plant
        
        Pure Water Monterey: a Groundwater Replenishment Project of Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD) and Monterey One Water (M1W)
        
        Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR)
2. Oppose efforts to condemn and purchase Cal Am assets
3. Encourage distributed water supply and alternative water sources
4. Support new determinations of water allocations to reflect anticipated new water supply

Housing Affordability for Local Workforce - A Balanced Choice of Options
1. Provide a meaningful increase in the number of residential units for non-wealthy income levels (at least to fulfill the Regional Housing Needs Allocations) while preserving and protecting the international appeal of the regional environment and quality of life
2. Promote conversion of blighted public and private property to responsible residential mixed-use development, which may include commercial components in appropriate locations
3. Encourage density development in downtown urban neighborhoods and near transit centers
4. Encourage streamlined permitting for workforce housing and affordable housing
5. Encourage the development and implementation of Specific Plans or similar tools, which enable expeditious, thoughtful, and community-compatible development.

Quality of Life Issues
1. Support sustainable fishing programs
2. Monitor and evaluate policy proposals to control beach erosion and anticipated sea level rise
3. Support reasonable protections within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
4. Monitor and evaluate offshore energy facility proposals such as Morro Bay Wind Energy Area
5. Monitoring impending closure of Monterey Institute of International Studies at Monterey (MIIS) campus

Transportation Improvements
1. Monitor and evaluate the Highway 68 roundabout plan
2. Support improvements to Highway 156
3. Support the SURF! Busway and Bus Rapid Transit Project
4. Remain active on the TAMC Measure X Oversight Committee
5. Support US Highway 101 South of Salinas Safety Improvements Project
6. Monitor Imjin Parkway Improvements Project to ensure continued progress