March 23, 2023

Spring has SPRUNG! And it’s time to Get Fit! The Chamber’s 30-day challenge, powered by Kaiser Permanente, started on Monday and runs through April 18th. Sign up here by March 26th to join the challenge. There are prizes for the individuals and teams in each division who earn the most points, so get moving!

We know, it’s hard to believe with this weather. But we swear, somewhere in there is springtime and lurking behind is summer sunshine.

Business Updates:

The San Diego Blood Bank has completed its “solar-plus-storage” project, an effort to create 100% renewable energy to charge the blood bank’s two new bloodmobiles. This is not only a plus for the environment, as well as a cost saving switch, but also provides a more pleasant experience for donors as there will be no generator fumes or noise surrounding the bloodmobiles as people wait.

Chamber member ACE Parking’s San Diego Airport fleet has achieved over one million all-electric zero-emission miles, setting a precedent of potential for more all-electric commercial vehicle fleets.

This summer, UC San Diego will begin construction on Triton Center and the Ridgewalk North Living and Learning Neighborhood. The new facilities will house over 3,000 students.

Legislative Updates

Federal: 

The President specifically requested $90 billion in discretionary funding for the Department of Education, a $10.8 billion (13.6%) increase over current budget allocations.

Parents, prepare for some angry tweens. The Biden administration is addressing TikTok once again in an effort to recognize national security concerns, pushing for a plan that would require Chinese owners to divest from the app. This comes in lieu of a recent effort by the White House to ensure TikTok is not on any federal devices. Today, the CEO of TikTok was in front of Congress explaining why banning the social media site isn’t a good idea.

Joe said no! President Biden vetoed his first bill on Monday. The legislation would have repealed a Department of Labor guideline that allows retirement plan managers to incorporate social and environmental factors into investment decisions. The veto is expected to hold up as the bill did not clear either chamber of Congress with anywhere near the two-thirds support needed to override it.

The National Transportation Safety Board is considering a probe of the safety protocols at all major rail companies. This follows bipartisan engagement on the toxic fallout from the Norfolk Southern derailment.

International:

Volkswagen announced a new battery factory in Canada for electric cars made in the US. This decision is part of Volkswagen’s wider strategy to increase its production capacity and improve its supply chain for electric vehicle components. On his most recent trip to Europe, President Biden met with the EU Commission to begin negotiations over electric vehicle tax credits and the use of European minerals in the production of batteries within the U.S. If the deal is completed, Biden stated it would “drive new investments to create clean energy industries and jobs”.

A new United Nations report warns that urgent action is needed to address climate change, as the world is on the brink of what they call a “climate calamity”. The report highlights the devastating impact of global warming and calls for investment in renewable energy, changes in land use, and efforts to reduce food waste. Without immediate action, the consequences of climate change will become more severe and irreversible.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection partnered with Carnival Cruise Line to test facial biometrics technology at the Port of Jacksonville, FL. This will help streamline boarding processing for passengers, as part of CBP’s goals to use technology to enhance security at ports of entry and facilitate the flow of legitimate travel into the country.

Regionally, SANDAG and Caltrans are working on a mobile app that will provide estimated wait times at the land ports of entry. The project began in 2016 to collect data using sensors to calculate the time it takes a vehicle to get from one point to another, with the goal of improving border crossing efficiency. The app will be ready by the summer.

Argentinians are struggling with the consequences of an annual inflation rate of over 100%, with residents barely able to afford food and medicine. Government authorities are implementing price controls and subsidies, among other measures to tackle the issue, but these efforts have failed to curb inflation. Experts believe that the underlying causes of the crisis are deep-seated, including lack of investment, weak institutions, and political instability.

World Trade Week San Diego is coming, and the San Diego Regional EDC will host its MetroConnect Grand Prize PitchFest on May 11th at UC San Diego Park & Market. We hope that you can join us and 300+ international business professionals from across Southern California for an action-packed afternoon filled with a world trade exhibition, pitch competition, and networking reception.

State:

California branded prescription drugs? Governor Newsom announced Saturday that the State of California has agreed a contract with Civica, a Utah-based pharmaceutical company, to produce insulin for as low as $30 under the CalRx brand. More affordable drugs are expected in the future under the brand, including opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone.

If you’re getting tired of all of those propositions on your ballot every 2 years, you aren’t alone. A few new bills have been introduced this legislative session to reform the process by which propositions make their way onto the ballot. Most are in response to specific industry groups (fast food, rideshare companies, etc.) that have used the referendum process to challenge State legislation. The bills would strengthen signature requirements and make paid signature gathering more publicly visible.

As the state continues to work toward increasing access to (and, well requiring) EV’s as the future of transportation, CalMatters took an interesting dive into the who and where of EV ownership. The takeaways? Predominantly “white and Asian, college-educated and high-income” residents have higher rates of EV ownership. Less affluent areas, less so. While perhaps not surprising, it does signal interesting future debates around the equity of such policies.

Local:

City of San Diego Development Services Department Updates:

• The City’s updated project submittal requirements for 2023 will become effective on April 20. Submittals that were prepared using last year’s version will continue to be accepted up until April 20. Learn more about the specific updates here.
• DSD’s “Affordable Housing Permit Now” Program is up and running. The program will provide expedited service to 100% affordable housing projects and emergency shelters. Check out the program’s website here, and Information Bulletin 195 here for more information.
• DSD is launching a Life Science Industry Pilot Program. The program will expedite the building permit process for both tenant improvements and new buildings for identified life science industry businesses.

The City of San Diego’s polystyrene ban goes into effect on April 1st. The waiver process has begun and emergency fee waivers will also be considered. Find out more here.

A study released last month by StorageCafe and Yardi revealed that it might be better to build than buy a home in California. Yes, you are not reading that wrong. Out of the 20 counties they analyzed, 13 of them fell into the “cheaper-to-build” category, San Diego County being one of those.

SANDAG Bike Anywhere Day (formerly known as Bike to Work Day) is back! Take the pledge to GO by BIKE on Thursday, May 18, and join thousands in the San Diego region as they pedal to work, school, or…anywhere! Roll into one of our many pit stops between 6 and 9 a.m. and pick up a free t-shirt (while supplies last).

Upcoming Public Input Opportunities

• The City of San Diego is hosting a public meeting about options for the Ocean Beach Pier, which has reached the end of its service life. The meeting will take place on April 1st from 12-4 at Liberty Station Conference Center.
• The County of San Diego seeks feedback on developing a roadmap to how new land use policies will guide new housing development. Not to be confused with the City, the County encourages the public to provide input on their Housing Blueprint. Take the survey by April 7.
• The City of San Diego seeks feedback on Blueprint SD, a proposal that involves taking a look at the City’s General Plan land use strategy and finding ways to encourage sustainable growth, more homes and jobs. Industry feedback is highly encouraged. Take the Blueprint SD survey today and be on the lookout for additional opportunities for input through their website.
• Equity Forward will be an inclusive public engagement guide for the City of San Diego. The goal is to create, “more equitable opportunities and investments in San Diego.”  You can make your voice heard by filling out the Equity Forward interest form today.

• Upcoming Hearings
• The SANDAG Board of Directors will meet on March 24.
• The County of San Diego’s Planning Commission will meet on March 24.
• The County of San Diego’s Board of Supervisors will meet on March 25.
• The San Diego City Council will meet on April 10th.

Capital Opportunities & Resources

• San Diego County’s Small Business Stimulus Grant funds are still available for local small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the pandemic. County Districts 1, 2, and 3 are still accepting applications. Learn more here.
• Small business owners may currently receive $2,000 per employee that participates in the paid family leave program. Small business owners can apply here.
• Businesses can reach out to their nearest Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which has developed the Small Business Survival Resources Guide. SBDC can help with applying for COVID-19 relief, guiding you through available resources, and assisting with cash flow concerns, supply-chain interruptions, workforce capacity, insurance coverage, and more–all at no cost!

Future Chamber Meetings (Virtual) & Committee Actions:

Sustainability & Industry Committee:

Our next meeting will be on April 6, 8:00am via zoom.

Transportation & Land Development Committee:

We are dark in April. Our next meeting will be on May 16 at 8:00am via zoom.

Cannabis Working Group Forum:

Our next meeting will be on May 17 at 9:00am.

Education & Workforce Roundtable:

Our next meeting will be on June 21 at 8:00am via zoom.