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Public Policy » Regional Issues
Regional Issues
| Infrastructure and Special Projects Committee |
Infrastructure investment is critical for San Diego's economic growth and quality of life. The business community relies on a seamless infrastructure system for delivery of goods and services as well as the safe commute of their employees. With many of our capital facilities deteriorating and new infrastructure not coming on line fast enough, the Chamber has made infrastructure improvements one of its key issues.
Mission
Ensure that the San Diego region has in place the necessary elements to sustain and promote the region's economy and allow for the smooth flow of goods, services, and information.
Goals
Provide essential services to meet current and future demands of significant population growth expected to occur in San Diego County over the next 20 years, including but not limited to:
- Critical transportation links, including roads, rail and port.
- Reliable supplies of water and energy.
- Adequate supplies of housing.
- Disposition of liquid and solid waste.
- Advance the region's information and telecommunications infrastructure to the leading edge of technology.
Accomplish these goals in a manner that is:
- Cost-effective;
- Environmentally sound; and
- Maintains and enhances the quality of life for all San Diegans.
Staff contact: Angelika Villagrana – avillagrana@sdchamber.org
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Transportation |
The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce works collectively with several organizations on transportation related issues that impact the day-to-day operation of the business community in the region. Congestion is a primary concern, because of its impact on the flow of goods and services as well as creating long commute times for employees during the morning and afternoon drive times. The Chamber supports a variety or solutions to these issues including, but not limited to, additional highway lanes, expansion of mass transit and enhancements to local roads.
With the passage of a TransNet extension in November of 2004, we can look forward to playing a key role in the decisions on and implementation of SANDAG's Early Action Projects and other transportation initiatives. Expansion of Coaster and LRT service and local road and highway improvements as well as public/private partnerships including the South Bay Expressway are projects being implemented to support capacity expansion and congestion relief. These and other projects will help accommodate growth throughout the county.
The Chamber Transportation Committee meets monthly to review various proposals and discuss strategic plans. Working very closely with other regional transportation agencies e.g. NCTD, MTS, Caltrans, SANDAG, this committee has been very effective in promoting a stronger relationship between the business community and the agencies responsible for facilitating transportation projects.
Staff Contact: Carmen Sandoval - csandoval@sdchamber.org
| Housing |
It is forecasted that San Diego County's population will increase to 3.9 million residents by 2030. The inability to create housing for the region's workforce poses a significant threat to its ability to attract and retain entry and mid-level jobs. In 2004, San Diego produced 29,000 new jobs; however, San Diego only issued 17,306 permits for both single and multi-family housing units. Clearly, there is not sufficient new housing to accommodate the needs of new employees. Consequently, companies will begin to relocate or expand outside of the state if salaries are inadequate to pay for increasing housing costs.
Today, the production of new housing cannot keep up with existing demand. In order to accommodate our future population and close the gap on the region's existing housing deficit of approximately 92,000 units, the San Diego region must create an additional 465,000 housing units by 2020. However, it has been forecasted that the region will only build 312,000 homes.
The chronic housing deficit and high demand for housing has skyrocketed the average median price for a home in San Diego to a staggering $588,300. Potential homebuyers would need to make an additional $82,500 to the average median income of $63,100 just to qualify for a home. As a consequence, San Diego's Housing Affordability Index (HAI) has plummeted to 9%. San Diego has tied with Los Angeles-Long Beach area as the 2nd least affordable housing market in the nation.
The primary purpose of the Chamber's Housing Committee is to propose or influence measures aimed at rapidly accelerating construction of affordable and attainable housing in the region. Notably, the Chamber submitted its fourteen-point 90-day Housing Action to the San Diego City Council's Land Use & Housing Committee earlier this year. As a result, the LU&H Committee directed city staff to study the Chamber's recommendations. The Chamber looks forward to working with San Diego and other local municipalities on tackling the housing crisis.
Staff Contact: Michael Nagy - mnagy@sdchamber.org
San Diego boasts the largest defense and military complex in the world contributing nearly $10 billion annually to the regional economy.
The Military Affairs Advisory Council Committee meets monthly with members and active duty military personnel to discuss matters of mutual interest and concern. Guest speakers are featured in addition to announcements of general interest. This is the principal venue in San Diego for the civilian business and retired military communities, and those on active duty to meet together informally.
The Chamber was the lead agency in the San Diego region concerned with the results of the previous five rounds of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC). The principal effort is to ensure that the decisions that were made in the past five rounds are implemented as they apply to San Diego. The Chamber is actively participated in the regional effort for BRAC 2005, and was successful in ensuring gains to the San Diego region during this round.
The Chamber periodically visits the military leadership in the Pentagon and our representatives and senators on Capitol Hill in order to discuss problems and suggest solutions at those levels. These one-on-one meetings with key civilian, legislative, and military personnel are very important in ensuring a continuing good relationship between the military and the local community.
Staff Contact: Michael Nagy - mnagy@sdchamber.org
