Access Sacramento Yields Results

The recent trip to Sacramento by members of the Chamber’s Advocacy Council resulted in some significant wins, highlighting how we can influence issues of importance to our members. "I was really pleased with the trip," said Jonathan Coe, Chamber President. "We were able to meet with all of our representatives in the Senate and Assembly as well as members of some of the key committees that influence legislation we care about." (see Marc Levine's and Mike McGuire's tweets below)

Working with other area Chambers, the group focused on three broad policy areas: transportation and highway funding, housing, and homelessness. There was significant progress in all areas.

The group met individually with the Secretary of Transportation, Brian Kelly; the Chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee; and the lead staff member for the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee. From these conversations it is clear that our representatives understand the importance of funding our roads. However, it is unlikely that a comprehensive new funding bill will emerge until after other budget issues are resolved.

On a more regional level, there were several significant transportation related successes:

  • Senator McGuire is brokering an agreement to reallocate $20 million in federal dollars unused at the Port of Sonoma, apportioning approximately $5 million to the San Rafael Transportation Center with the rest going to fund widening Highway 101 through the Sonoma Marin Narrows.
  • Assemblymember Frasier indicated that construction will begin this fall to open a third lane (currently unused) on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge to improve traffic flow. This is a big win for our friends in San Rafael.

We also discussed housing issues with our representatives. This is clearly a key issue, and although no specific proposals to increase funding for housing have emerged, we lobbied in support of a bill sponsored by the Bay Area Council that will improve processes for creating “granny” units and added rental spaces in existing houses. Specifically endorsed by Gov. Jerry Brown, SB 1069 would make it easier and less expensive to add accessory dwelling units by reducing parking requirements and streamlining the permitting process, among other features. The bill was passed by the State Senate earlier this month and has now moved to the Assembly.

Our final topic was homelessness. There is general recognition of the importance of dealing with homelessness, and the Governor has proposed a $2 billion bond to finance some efforts. Again, this is in the discussion stage.

However, more specifically Senator McGuire has worked to ensure that a threatened reduction in emergency funds for Sonoma County homeless programs will not occur and that added funds will in fact be available for other North Bay Counties.

Our Advocacy Council continues to be the Voice of Santa Rosa Area business, and the outcomes from this trip are a demonstration of how effective our efforts can be.