October 5, 2026

 About the Chamber:

The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce is the leading political advocate for business, and the nexus of connections and collaboration amongst businesses in the San Diego-Baja region. For 155 years, the Chamber has been critical in driving our region forward. Through political advocacy on the city, county, and state level we have fought to make San Diego a place where businesses can succeed and grow while creating jobs, supporting infrastructure and ensuring that neighborhoods thrive. Our mission to “Champion Business. Empower Leaders.”

Purpose:

The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce seeks a strategic state advocacy partner to represent and advance the Chamber’s policy priorities in Sacramento.

The selected firm will serve as an extension of the Chamber’s policy team, providing legislative and regulatory advocacy, strategic counsel, political intelligence, and support in advancing regional priorities affecting San Diego’s business community.

RFP deadline: Proposals must be submitted no later than November 1, 2026 to be considered. Submissions can be emailed to kzamarripa@sdchamber.org.

Scope of Services:

The Chamber seeks a partner capable of:

• Monitoring and analyzing state legislation, regulations, and budget proposals affecting the business community and in support of the Chamber’s mission.
• Identifying emerging opportunities, risks, and policy trends, including efforts from statewide stakeholders that the Chamber should take action on.
• Recommending advocacy strategies and support/oppose positions.
• Advocating before the Legislature, Administration, and relevant state agencies, including preparation and delivery of testimony.
• Supporting and advising Chamber-sponsored legislation, including overall strategy via committee testimony and direct lobbying of member offices.

• Helping plan and secure meetings for Chamber’s Annual Leadership Delegation to Sacramento

• Providing regular updates, strategic counsel, and policy committee and board-level briefings as requested.
• Participating in biweekly virtual meetings with Chamber’s International and Public Affairs team.

Chamber Policy Priorities:

The Chamber’s advocacy portfolio includes, but is not limited to:

• Housing affordability & pro-growth land use policy.
• Support for our regional healthcare industry.
• Small business success & resiliency.
• Transportation and mobility.
• Trade, economic development, and business competitiveness.
• Sustainability.
• Tijuana River Valley pollution.
• Border efficiency and infrastructure.
• Support for veterans and our region’s defense industry.
• Immigration & workforce.

The selected firm should demonstrate its ability to support a diverse portfolio of issues and identify opportunities to advance regional priorities at the state level.

Proposal Requirements:

 Firm Qualifications

• Overview of firm and relevant experience.
• Experience representing chambers of commerce, business organizations, or regional advocacy groups.
• Description of the proposed team and primary point of contact.

Strategic Approach

In no more than two pages, describe how your firm would help the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce advance its policy priorities and strengthen its influence in Sacramento over the next three years and how success would be measured.

Relevant Experience

Provide examples of:

• Successful legislative advocacy efforts.
• Sponsored legislation.
• Coalition building.
• State budget or regulatory advocacy.

References

Conflicts

Identify any actual or potential conflicts that may affect representation of the Chamber.

Pricing

Provide a proposed fee structure, including:

• Monthly retainer.
• Services included.
• Additional costs, if any.

Selection Criteria:

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Relevant experience.
• Strategic approach.
• Understanding of Chamber priorities.
• Demonstrated results.
• Responsiveness and communication.
• Cost and overall value.

Proposals must be submitted no later than November 1, 2026, to be considered. Submissions can be emailed to kzamarripa@sdchamber.org.