April 20, 2023
Mission Complete… we have returned from our annual delegation trip to Washington D.C. with 170 San DIegans and it was a success! While we were there only for a few days, those days were packed. We met with federal lawmakers to advocate for San Diego from infrastructure to border trade, and everything in between. And when night hit, the fun didn’t end, meaning a late-night Capitol tour thanks to Representative Juan Vargas! Thanks to everyone who helped make it another memorable experience, with a special shout out to Representative Scott Peters and his team for their ongoing support of the trip (and immense amount of time they allow us to borrow from them while we’re there).
Oh, and happy 4/20 to all who celebrate. Especially to our cannabis members! Last week, Leafly.com named San Diego the #8 ‘stoner-city’ in the nation.
Business Updates:
Join us next Thursday, April 27th at 10:00am, for an in-person conversation on infrastructure with Antonio Villaraigosa! This event is offered on a first-come, first served basis and seating is EXTREMELY limited, so RSVP today by clicking this link.
Legislative Updates
Federal:
The Supreme Court has extended, for a mere two more days, a pause on a lower-court ruling which sought to limit access to the abortion pill mifepristone, giving the court more time to consider the case. This debate was sparked in Texas as anti-abortion medical organizations and a few doctors sued the FDA, challenging the more than two decade old approval of the pill.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has put forth a plan to raise the nation’s debt ceiling by $1.5 trillion and cut federal spending three times that amount, all in an effort not to default on the national debt. McCarthy’s plan is sure to come with partisan debate as it would repeal green-energy incentives signed into law by Biden and end his student loan forgiveness efforts. The debate is the usual game of chicken as the deadline looms, but your guess is as good as ours as to whether or not a deal can be reached as the talking points from both parties indicate a significant gap. Case in point: Republicans are floating a repeal of the Inflation Reduction Act. Democrats are saying that’s a hard no.
San Diego received $24 million in funding from the US Department of Transportation to rehabilitate the Palm Avenue/I-805 bridge. The funding will help retrofit the bridge’s structure, add bike lanes and sidewalks, and realign the bridge with I-805 exits. The goal of the project is to relieve traffic congestion in the surrounding area and provide a safer bridge for cyclists and pedestrians.
California’s Julie Su is in the hot seat for her confirmation as Labor Secretary following Marty (“Mahty”) Walsh’s departure from the role in favor of hockey (over-simplification warning). Republicans are coming in hot with criticisms, and her policy profile is one spanning many high-profile issues, no doubt that staffers are looking closely at.
International:
This just in!! The port of entry in Laredo, Texas, regained the No. 1 spot among the nation’s 450 international gateways for trade, consisting of $24.6 billion in two-way trade, with Mexico commerce accounting for $23.9 billion.
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants organization has named Elena Reygadas as the world’s best female chef of 2023. The owner of Mexico City’s Rosetta, won the majority of votes cast by 1,080 culinary experts from 27 regions around the world, including writers, food critics and restaurateurs (Consider Rosetta added to our list of restaurants to visit during our Mexico City Delegation Trip in October).
Chinese electric car makers like BYD (BYDDF), the world’s largest seller of plug-in hybrid EVs and battery EVs, suffer as CEO Elon Musk signaled this week that Tesla will continue cutting prices in shares to boost demand for electric cars in an increasingly competitive market. Having sparked a price war in China, a number of car manufacturers followed suit by cutting prices or offering discounts.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starship exploded over the Gulf of Mexico a few minutes after its launch from the southern tip of Texas. While the goal was said to be just to make it off the launch pad, SpaceX has got a lot of work to do before they start thinking about putting passengers in the mix.
Join us on our next IBA Forum on May 25th for a conversation about US joint efforts in nuclear propulsion technology through the AUKUS Partnership. Speakers will also share insight on the positive economic impact this alliance can bring to our region and local efforts to strengthen the defense industry’s workforce.
State:
There are few feelings worse than getting to the end of buying tickets for your favorite sporting event or concert and discovering loads of hidden fees added on. There have been at least 7 bills introduced in the California legislature this year to reform these so-called “junk fees”. The ones making the most legislative progress are SB 725, which would require ticket sellers to display the full cost of a ticket before it is selected for purchase, and AB 537, which specifically requires hotels and short-term rentals to disclose all fees during booking.
California’s Young Child Tax Credit may be expanded if AB 1498 and AB 1128 are passed into law. The minimum Young Child Tax Credit would increase from $1 to $300 and low-income families could continue receiving the credit until their dependent turns 18, provided they are under the income limit. The bills are receiving bipartisan support but are likely to run into resistance in the legislature given the State’s large projected budget deficit.
Local:
Mayor Gloria’s proposed Fiscal Year 2024 budget was officially released late last week, dubbed the “Getting It Done” budget. The $5.12 billion spending plan focuses on areas of homelessness, infrastructure, and public safety. The budget will be presented to the City Council on April 24th.
Mayor Gloria and City Council President Elo-Rivera have drafted an ordinance to provide protection from evictions for renters who pay their rent and comply with their lease as a way to combat homelessness and strengthen tenant’s rights. The draft ordinance will be heard at City Council on April 25th.
The City’s Planning Department is currently accepting proposals for the 2023 Land Development Code (LDC) Update until April 30, 2023. The Land Development Code (LDC) includes the City’s regulations for the development and use of property within the City of San Diego. Proposed amendments are used to align policy with City goals, regulatory reform, compliance with state law, and corrections & clarifications. To make a request for an amendment to the LDC, please click here.
Lowriding in National City is no longer a crime. This much anticipated reversal of a cruising ban put forth in 1992 was made official as the ordinance was repealed Tuesday night after being voted on unanimously two weeks ago.
Earth Day is on Saturday, consider requesting and caring for a new street tree through Free Tree SD!
Upcoming Public Input Opportunities
- A number of info sessions for FY2024 Community Projects, Programs, and Services (CPPS) will be held next week, starting on 4/24 in Councilmember Lee’s District 6 at the Mira Mesa Library at 6pm. CPPS applications open May 1st.
- 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 San Diego City Council will meet on April 24th, where the Mayor will present his FY24 proposed budget, and April 25th, where they will vote on the proposed tenant protections ordinance.
- The County of San Diego’s Board of Supervisors next regularly scheduled meeting is on May 2nd.
Capital Opportunities & Resources
- The County of San Diego Housing and Community Development Services has an open Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the acquisition, construction, and/or rehabilitation of multi-family affordable housing. Funding includes financing from the County of San Diego Innovative Housing Trust Fund. The NOFA opened Friday 04/07/2023 and will close 06/05/2023.
- 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 May 4, 8:00am via zoom.
Health Committee:
Our next meeting will be on May 10 at 8:00am via zoom.
Transportation & Land Development Committee:
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.