September 14, 2018

San Diego region’s home prices rose 6.9 percent in the past year, according to the latest data in the S&P CoreLogic Index released August 28^th. The effects of San Diego’s rising home prices extend beyond first-time homebuyers to those who many think are “immune” to the current housing crisis. Homeowners hoping to upgrade as their family grows and their income rises are being priced out of their next home. In addition, most homeowners would eventually like to see their adult children and grandchildren stay in San Diego, but next generations are being forced to look elsewhere. Other than in the relatively rare occasions of downsizing, or using a home as collateral to take out a loan, this housing crisis is just bad for the vast majority of San Diegans.

September 14, 2018

The monthly jobs report issued August 17^th by the California Employment Development Department includes job creation statistics for San Diego County and shows continued significant gains in “Professional and Business Services” industries. Job growth continues to track well with our competitor California metros. While we cannot anticipate the same level of added jobs given the very low unemployment rate, we are encouraged by the continued growth of Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industries shown in this month’s job report.

September 14, 2018

On August 28^th, the Chamber partnered with the U.S. Chamber to launch the newest Hiring Our Heroes Military Spouse Economic Empowerment Zone (MSEEZ) in San Diego. MSEEZ is an effort to address the widespread challenges faced by military spouses as they search for meaningful career opportunities. Working with a broad array of public and private sector supporters, MSEEZs connect military spouses with a network of employers in the local community and a range of employment-related tools and resources. Watch KUSI’s story on the MSEEZ to learn more.

September 14, 2018

Join the largest binational delegation to Washington, D.C. to voice your business needs and collaborate with San Diego’s business leaders while meeting with the nation’s top legislators and policy officials. From Sunday, September 30^th to Wednesday, October 3^rd, attendees will have the unique opportunity to participate in high level meetings, gain access to our country’s key decision makers, and network and make invaluable connections! Last day to submit an application and join this year’s trip is September 26^th.  Notable meetings include:

• Matthew Doherty, Executive Director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness
• John Andersen, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Department of Commerce
• Commissioner Kevin McAleenan, Customs and Border Protection
• Diane Jones, Under Secretary at the Department of Education
• Mexican Ambassador to the U.S. Geronimo Gutierrez
• Dale Eppler, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere, Department of State
• Marvin Hildebrand, Minister of Economic Affairs, Canadian Embassy
• Leadership from the Department of Housing and Urban Development

September 14, 2018

Prop 2: Funding Housing Program for Individuals with Mental Illness

The Public Policy Committee voted on September 11^th to support Proposition 2. Prop 2 amends the Mental Health Services Act, passed by the electorate, to fund mental health programming throughout the state, to also provide up to $140 million by depositing funds into the Supportive Housing Program Subaccount. This bill does not increase taxes or otherwise create additional revenue sources, and instead shifts mental health funds to provide for permanent supporting housing with the understanding that housing and mental health wellness are linked.

Prop 3: Water Infrastructure & Watershed Conservation Bond Support

The California Water Infrastructure and Watershed Conservation Bond Initiative (Prop 3) authorizes $8.877 billion in general obligation bonds for water infrastructure, groundwater supplies and storage, surface water storage and dam repairs, watershed and fisheries improvements, and habitat protection and restoration. With support from both the San Diego County Water Authority and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the bond provides critical funding that will help create sustainable water management.

September 14, 2018

Friday, August 31^st was the last day for the California Legislature to pass bills this year. Governor Brown has until September 30^th to sign or veto bills passed by the Legislature. Notable legislation included bail reform, renewable energy, net neutrality, and wildfire payments. On September 10^th  Governor Brown signed Senate Bill 100, setting a 100 percent clean electricity goal for the state, and issued an executive order establishing a new target to achieve carbon neutrality – both by 2045. Governor Brown also signed into law AB 2949 authored by San Diego Assemblyman Todd Gloria and supported by the Chamber. AB 2949 will give children of military families the option to remain in their school of origin for the remainder of the school year regardless of any change in the military family’s residence or end of military service of parent.

September 14, 2018

The Chamber’s Board of Directors voted August 16^th to support the SDSU West initiative. Both SDSU West and SoccerCity proposals were presented, and went through a review process that included the Chamber’s Infrastructure, Housing and Land Use Sub-Committee, a special ad-hoc committee, Public Policy, and the Board of Directors. In a statement announcing the endorsement, Chamber President and CEO Jerry Sanders said, “the redevelopment of the Mission Valley site will have a long-term impact on the entire San Diego region and we want to ensure that the plan that moves forward is in the best interest of businesses and the San Diego community as a whole. After thorough review of both proposals our Board of Directors determined that SDSU West represents the greatest economic benefit for the future growth and development of the region.”