FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tri-County Economic Development District (EDD) Designation Expands Regional Opportunities to Fuel Regional Growth and Resilience: Monterey Bay Economic Partnership secures the first new EDD approval in California in over 15 years
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Submitted by the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, the request for Economic Development District designation was signed by Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Cristina Killingsworth.

“An Economic Development District will allow the tri-county region to advance its economic development goals and enhance regional coordination and funding opportunities,” said Monterey Bay Economic Partnership President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “An EDD streamlines access to significant EDA funding, leverages local strengths, and addresses specific community needs through a bottom-up regional strategy. It sets a precedent for regional economic development, paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous economic landscape.”

"Establishing a tri-county Economic Development District builds upon MBEP's successes as a convener and affords our region with powerful new resources and opportunities for innovation and investment," said UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Cynthia Larive, MBEP board chair. "It also formalizes our regional cooperation and will amplify our existing efforts to build a more resilient economic base."

Economic Development Districts (EDDs) are multi-jurisdictional planning and economic development agencies.There are over 400 EDDs across the country that encourage economic development planning and project implementation in distressed urban, suburban, and rural regions. With the creation of a tri-county Economic Development District, the region joins a national network of regional organizations eligible for grant and loan funding opportunities, administrative and technical assistance, and access to data and technology resources, and other resources and support.

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership has already demonstrated leadership in aligning regional and state initiatives like California Jobs First, a $600 million initiative launched by Gov. Gavin Newsom to drive a sustainable and equitable recovery from COVID-19’s economic impact with partners in Uplift Central Coast, and Regions Rise Together, showing that collaborative efforts can effectively address inclusive economic development. In addition, MBEP has secured nearly $90 million in broadband funding for the region and leveraged nearly $30 million for housing development through the Monterey Bay Housing Trust, a revolving loan fund financed by the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership and Housing Trust Silicon Valley. With an EDD, this collaboration would extend further, allowing the region to draw upon EDA resources for critical projects in broadband expansion, housing, sustainable tourism, and technological and educational growth, among others. This strategic alignment ensures that all municipalities within the district, not just those recognized as distressed, benefit from enhanced funding and support, facilitating broader economic development and resilience.

“The partnership between our local cities and counties and the federal government has contributed greatly to our economic development and enrichment on the central coast of California,” said U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-19).  “The designation of Economic Development District, the first approved in California in the past 15 years, is a critical milestone in our work to enhance regional planning, attract federal funding, and drive economic growth across Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties. I am proud to have pushed for this designation which will help empower our region to achieve its economic potential and serve as a model for communities throughout California.”

“This Economic Development District designation unlocks vital EDA funding for the Central Coast. This fix will drive job growth in the tri-county region by supporting local tech and tourism industries and build a resilient regional economy,” said U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif).

Home to 760,445 residents, the tri-county area covers more than 5,115 square miles across Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties, representing a unique and distinct economic entity on the Central Coast. The region is characterized by its robust agricultural output, significant tourism, and emerging technology sectors, which distinguish it from other parts of Northern California.

The designation of an Economic Development District (EDD) requires that the region meets specific federal criteria for economic distress, including factors such as high unemployment rates, low per capita income, or other economic indicators that signify substantial economic hardship. All three counties meet those criteria based on unemployment rates that exceed national averages by at least one percentage point. The Monterey Bay region is also home to the largest undocumented community in California, with two of its three counties identified as rural agricultural communities.

“I am thrilled by the U.S. Economic Development Administration's approval of a tri-county Economic Development District,” said Monterey County Administrative Officer and MBEP Board Member Sonia M. De La Rosa. “This vital designation unlocks unparalleled opportunities for the region to collaborate on advancing economic resilience, fostering innovation, and ensuring sustainable prosperity for all our communities.”

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership to Honor Local Leader for Her Unwavering Dedication to Uplifting and Empowering the Community of Pajaro: Sister Rosa Dolores Rodriguez to Receive Alfred Diaz-Infante Community Impact Award at MBEP’s Holiday Mixer
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(Dec. 10, 2024 — Marina, CA)  — Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) will recognize longtime community volunteer Sister Rosa Dolores Rodriguez with the Alfred-Diaz Infante Community Impact Award for her service to the Pajaro community. The award, in conjunction with MBEP’s 2024 Public-Private Partnership Awards to Comcast and Cruzio Internet, will be presented by MBEP President and CEO Tahra Goraya and MBEP Board Chair and UC Chancellor Cynthia Larive during a Dec. 12 Holiday Mixer in Marina.

‍Alfred-Diaz Infante Community Impact Award: Sister Rosa Dolores Rodriguez, Executive Director of Casa de la Cultura Center, and Chair of the Pajaro Disaster Long Term Recovery Alliance (PDLTRA), has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the Pajaro community, especially in the aftermath of the flood disaster. Her leadership has been instrumental in mobilizing resources, fostering collaboration among local organizations, and advocating for the most vulnerable residents. Through continuous weekly meetings at Casa de la Cultura, Pajaro residents and businesses are building a stronger sense of community specifically for the Latino and Mixteco farmworking community ensuring that this historically underserved group has a platform to voice their needs and access culturally and linguistically appropriate resources. These efforts not only offer immediate relief but also empower Pajaro’s residents to actively shape their future by giving them agency.

Brought to Watsonville in the aftermath of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, Sister Rosa soon discovered Pajaro, where she realized the extent of its unmet needs. Working out of a room behind the church rectory, she started bringing resources to a community largely invisible to the outside world and at times, abandoned by it.
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For women who knew no work other than the fields, housekeeping classes led to higher-paying work in local hotels. Computer classes led to increased job skills, connection and empowerment for the tiny community. Over time, she’s brought people together, build coalitions of nonprofit providers and volunteers, all with one goal in mind: to uplift her community. ”That’s been the focus throughout the years,” she says. “How is it going to help the community, how is it going to help the women, how is it going to help the children, how is it going to make it better?”
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In Spanish, she says, there’s an expression — “No hay mal que por bien no venga” — which loosely translates to “there is nothing bad through which good doesn’t come.”  So while the floods devastated Pajaro, they had a silver lining: They made the needs of an long-ignored pocket of Monterey County apparent on a large scale, and both residents and businesses are making significant strides in creating a collective voice. A land-use subcommittee has even begun identifying potential development sites to bring new homes to Pajaro, where affordable housing, even before the floods,  was a significant challenge. “Our community is realizing how important it is to have a seat at the table where decisions are made,” she said.
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The late Alred Diaz-Infante, former president and CEO of CHISPA, an MBEP board member, and longtime public servant and housing advocate, was both a colleague and friend, says Sister Rosa, and receiving an award that carries his name is particularly moving.
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“This award is very personal for me,” she says. “I worked with Alfred throughout the years, and he did a lot for the community. Anytime I had a problem or question about housing, I would call him and he was always gracious and helpful. He was such a special person.” Diaz-Infante, the son of immigrant farmworkers, led CHISPA for 24 years, helping develop thousands of housing units geared mostly to farmworkers on the Central Coast. He died in a fatal car crash in 2021.  

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership to Honor Cruzio Internet and Comcast for Public-Private Partnerships Expanding Broadband Access and Digital Equity in the Region: Cruzio Internet and Comcast Recognized with Public-Private Partnership Award; Sister Rosa Dolores Rodriguez to Receive Alfred Diaz-Infante Community Impact Award
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(Dec. 9, 2024 — Marina, CA)  — Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) will recognize Cruzio Internet, Comcast, and longtime community volunteer Sister Rosa Dolores Rodriguez for service and leadership when MBEP President and CEO Tahra Goraya and MBEP Board Chair and UC Chancellor Cynthia Larive present its 2024 Public-Private Partnership Awards and the Alfred-Diaz Infante Community Impact Award during a Dec. 12 Holiday Mixer in Marina.

‍Public-Private Partnership Awards: Internet service providers Cruzio Internet and Comcast will be honored for leveraging public-private partnerships to expand broadband access and digital equity in the Central Coast region.

Through its initiatives, Cruzio Internet has made transformative contributions to digital equity through programs addressing critical broadband challenges in underserved regions, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach locations exposed by the pandemic.

In Equal Access Monterey Bay, Cruzio, in collaboration with the County of Monterey, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, and Central Coast Broadband Consortium, focuses on expanding affordable, high-speed internet access through infrastructure projects. The San Jerardo housing cooperative, built by farm workers in the 1970s, is home to 250 permanent residents and up to 100 seasonal workers who have long faced significant infrastructure challenges.

“By collaborating with MBEP, CCBC, the County of Monterey, and the CPUC, Cruzio successfully connected every resident with world-class gigabit broadband at no cost,” said Cruzio COO James Hackett. “This incredible project exemplifies the power of targeted connectivity solutions and represents a remarkable example of public and private entities coming together to solve a real-world problem.”

Leveraging a $5,650,000 California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Infrastructure Award for its “Equal Access Summit to the Sea” (EAS2C) project, Cruzio aims to connect rural and remote communities along the Highway 1 corridor and provide low-income residents with affordable internet plans. “The EAS2C project is a game-changer, promising to bring high-speed internet to expansive areas of San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, and Monterey counties where internet service has been inadequate,” said Hackett. “The support of MBEP and CCBC was crucial in transforming this project from concept to approved grant, potentially bringing improved internet to thousands of residents in these regions.”

Similarly, Equal Access Santa Cruz County, co-led by Cruzio alongside partners including Santa Cruz County, Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz Office of Education, and Pajaro Valley Unified School District, aims to expand broadband access to low-income families and students.

“Public-private partnerships are integral to solving issues of digital equity, allowing us to combine local knowledge, technological expertise, and community resources as we seek to prevent monopoly control of essential infrastructure, and transform internet connectivity from a privilege to a fundamental right,” said Hackett.“

Cruzio’s efforts represent the best of public-private and cross-sector collaboration, addressing critical broadband challenges and enabling meaningful economic and educational opportunities for underserved communities. We deeply appreciate Cruzio’s leadership in advancing digital equity and fostering economic development throughout our region,” said MBEP President and CEO Tahra Goraya.

Comcast’s impactful Lift Zones initiative is a program that exemplifies innovative public-private partnerships to address digital inequities. This initiative establishes free, Wi-Fi-connected spaces in community centers across Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, providing essential internet access to individuals and families facing challenges like housing insecurity or lack of in-home broadband. In collaboration with trusted community partners such as Community Bridges at two Santa Cruz locations and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County in Seaside and Salinas, Lift Zones offer not only connectivity but critical resources in accessible locations. These include free access to hundreds of hours of educational, workforce development, and digital-skills content, empowering students to participate in online learning and families to navigate the digital economy effectively.

Through strategic partnerships and innovative programs, Comcast’s Lift Zones not only meet immediate needs but also lay the groundwork for lasting digital inclusion in our region.

“By offering connectivity and access to hundreds of hours of educational and workforce development content, Comcast’s partnerships have created essential opportunities for underserved families and students in our community to thrive,” said Goraya. “Comcast’s work exemplifies the power of public-private collaboration in addressing digital inequities and fostering inclusive economic development.”

“At Comcast, we believe that public-private partnerships are the cornerstone of bridging the digital divide here in California,” said Alejandra Garcia, Government Affairs Manager at Comcast California. “Our continued collaboration with the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership has allowed us to provide the resources, expertise and commitment to investing in technology, infrastructure, educational programs and workforce development opportunities, so we can help empower underserved families, individuals and students with the tools they need to succeed. These collaborations such as our Comcast Lift Zone initiatives and many others not only bridge gaps in access but also create lasting opportunities for local communities to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.”

‍Alfred-Diaz Infante Community Impact Award: Sister Rosa Dolores Rodriguez, Executive Director of Casa de la Cultura, and Chair of the Pajaro Disaster Long Term Recovery Alliance (PDLTRA), has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the Pajaro community, especially in the aftermath of the flood disaster. Her leadership has been instrumental in mobilizing resources, fostering collaboration among local organizations, and advocating for the most vulnerable residents. Through continuous weekly meetings at Casa de la Cultura, Pajaro residents and businesses are building a stronger sense of community specifically for the Latino and Mixteco farmworking community ensuring that this historically underserved group has a platform to voice their needs and access culturally and linguistically appropriate resources. These efforts not only offer immediate relief but also empower Pajaro’s residents to actively shape their future by giving them agency.
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The late Alred Diaz-Infante, former president and CEO of CHISPA, an MBEP board member, and longtime public servant and housing advocate, was both a colleague and friend, says Sister Rosa, and receiving an award that carries his name is particularly moving.
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“This award is very personal for me,” she says. “I worked with Alfred throughout the years, and he did a lot for the community. Anytime I had a problem or question about housing, I would call him and he was always gracious and helpful. He was such a special person.” Diaz-Infante, the son of immigrant farmworkers, led CHISPA for 24 years, helping develop thousands of housing units geared mostly to farmworkers on the Central Coast. He died in a fatal car crash in 2021.

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Future of Broadband: Policy Shifts, Challenges, and Solutions in 2025: Expert Panel Will Examine What Lies Ahead for Broadband Deployment and Digital Equity
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(Dec. 7, 2024— Marina, CA)  — Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) and the Central Coast Broadband Consortium will co-host a free webinar on Tuesday, Dec. 10 focused on this year’s broadband successes and the challenges ahead for broadband connectivity and digital equity in the Monterey Bay region.

With anticipated changes in federal leadership and policy, understanding how these shifts will impact infrastructure, affordability, and equity is critical to the Monterey Bay region.

‍“The Future of Broadband: Policy Shifts, Challenges, and Solutions in 2025,” an engaging and timely webinar featuring a panel of broadband experts and interactive Q&A, took place from 1-2 p.m. on Dec. 10.

Key topics include:
Recap of regional wins in broadband infrastructure and digital equity
Challenges in deployment and access
What federal policy changes in 2025 could mean for our region
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An expert panel will feature:
‍Sunne Wright McPeak, President & CEO of the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF)
‍James Hackett, Chief Operating Officer, Cruzio Internet
‍David Witkowski, Chief Executive Officer, Oku Solutions; Senior Broadband Advisor, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP)

“High-speed internet enables communities to develop and expand job-creating businesses, a skilled workforce, and greater productivity across our region,” said Monterey Bay Economic Partnership President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “Reliable, affordable broadband infrastructure is vital for our rural communities and to address digital inequities so that opportunities exist for all.”

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Governor Gavin Newsom Unveils New Economic Framework Designed to Streamline Production of Sustainable, High-Quality Jobs for Californians: The new blueprint takes a first-of-its-kind, region-driven approach to growing priority sectors
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‍(Nov. 23, 2024 — Marina, CA)  — Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled a new economic framework on Thursday to create good-paying jobs in California. The updated California Jobs First Economic Blueprint will guide the state’s investments in key sectors to drive sustainable economic growth, innovation, and access to good-paying jobs over the next decade. The new framework draws from 13 regional strategies in Regional Plans Part 2 developed as part of the Regional Investment Initiative, which seeks to center disadvantaged communities as part of California’s transition to a clean-energy, carbon-neutral economy, creating good-paying jobs and prosperous communities for all.

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) has been deeply invested in the process of developing a forward-thinking development plan for the region as a partner in Uplift Central Coast, a six-county coalition working to attract investment and expand opportunities for Central Coast residents. In September, Uplift Central Coast submitted its comprehensive Regional Plan Part II report to the state, identifying impactful, equitable ways to improve the local economy.

The Central Coast is marked by wide socio-economic disparities, with over 1 million residents, or 45 percent, struggling to make ends meet, meaning their incomes do not cover basic costs of living. Only 25 percent of the region’s jobs qualify as “quality jobs,” with an additional 15 percent of jobs qualifying as “promising jobs,” meaning they lead to a quality job within a decade. High housing costs, expensive child care, and long commutes further diminish the quality of life and reduce wage value within the region. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) residents and those with lower forms of traditional education are disproportionately underrepresented in holding quality or promising jobs.
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The result of extensive research and community engagement, the Regional Plan Part II Report outlines a strategic framework to inspire actions to create quality jobs, with an emphasis on uplifting those from disinvested communities. Strategies outlined in the Regional Plan Part II fall into four main categories: target sector, economic mobility, climate resilience through economic and workforce, and community development strategies to increase the presence of quality of jobs and enhance the quality of life for current and future residents of the Central Coast.
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The plan outlines significant opportunities for quality job creation in precision manufacturing and advanced business services and enhancing job quality in the region's prominent hospitality and tourism, agriculture and healthcare sectors.
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“This is an important step toward inclusive economic development shaped by extensive community input and driven by our unique regional needs and strengths,” said Monterey Bay Economic Partnership President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “Our regional strategy will accelerate the creation of high-quality jobs on the Central Coast.”

The complete Economic Blueprint outlined by the Governor will be released early next year, along with $120 million over three years in competitive funding to support “ready-to-go” job-creating projects aligned to state priority sectors, ensuring that every region across California continues to play a critical role in the sustainable growth of the world’s fifth largest economy.

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership and Uplift Central Coast will continue to advance job creation and workforce preparedness strategies as part of inclusive, sustainable economic development strategies in our region, in partnership with our regional, state and federal leaders, community members and local stakeholders, to help our communities not only survive, but thrive.  We invite you to learn more about the strategies outlined in Uplift's Regional Plan Part II in the Executive Summary and the full document, and reach out to us to get involved.

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Highlights from Our 2024 State of the Region: Monterey Bay Economic Partnership’s State of the Region Delivers Impactful Opportunities for Building Capacity, Furthering the Momentum for Regional Innovation and Collaborative Solutions
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‍(Nov. 12, 2024 — Marina, CA)  — More than 325 top leaders and decision-makers from diverse sectors convened Friday to explore regional progress at Monterey Bay Economic Partnership’s sold-out State of the Region event. Attendees representing the private, public, and nonprofit sectors gathered at Cal State Monterey Bay’s University Center in a daylong event focused on key regional issues.

Dilawar Syed, Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, delivered a powerful keynote on the vital role of small businesses in driving local economic growth. He shared insights on fostering entrepreneurship, supporting small business resilience, and the resources available to help them thrive.

Zoe G. Carter, Executive Director of the Santa Cruz Business Council, moderated an inspiring panel featuring local small business leaders. In partnership with the Santa Cruz and Central Coast Small Business Development Centers, panelists Zachary Davis of The Penny Ice Creamery, Tyler Davin-Moore of Redwood Records, and Edi Matsumoto of Matsumoto Fine Art shared their entrepreneurial journeys, successes, and insights into sustaining and growing businesses in our region.

Audries Blake, Associate Director of Community Relations at UC Santa Cruz, moderated “Driving Regional Economy through Quality of Place,” an insightful panel exploring how quality of place fuels economic growth in the Monterey Bay region. Terence Concannon, President of Visit Santa Cruz, and Rob O’Keefe, President & CEO of See Monterey, discussed strategies to enhance community appeal and attract tourism, business, and talent. Their perspectives highlighted the vital role of place-making in building a vibrant, resilient regional economy.

“Local and State Strategies to Create More Workforce Housing,” a panel moderated by MBEP Director of Housing and Community Development Matt Huerta, brought together experts tackling the workforce housing crisis. Panelists included Sasha Kergan, California Deputy Secretary for Housing, Dr. PK Diffenbaugh, Superintendent of Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, Dr. Heather Contreras, Superintendent of Pajaro Valley Unified School District, and Kathryn Avila from Avila Construction. They shared innovative local and state strategies to expand affordable housing options and support the community’s essential workforce.

Montage Health President & CEO Dr. Steve Packer presented “A Reflection on Four Decades: The Journey and Future of Healthcare in Our Community,” offering a thoughtful perspective on Monterey Bay’s healthcare evolution and what lies ahead. A compelling discussion followed, with panelists Rosa Vivian Fernandez, President & CEO of San Benito Health Foundation, Dr. Allen Radner, President & CEO of Salinas Valley Health, and Dr. Nannette Mickiewicz, President & CEO of Dominican Hospital, sharing insights into the challenges and advancements in delivering compassionate, community-focused care.  

Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend led “The 2024 Election: An Unfiltered Analysis,” a dynamic panel featuring Tom White of Majority Advisors and Kristin Olsen-Cate, Partner at California Strategies and former California State Assembly Minority Leader, which explored key issues, insights, and impacts of the national elections.

PG&E President & CEO Patti Poppe took a powerful stand for climate optimism, discussing innovative solutions and the role of leadership in addressing our planet’s challenges.  

Rachel Barker, nonresident Fellow at the Brookings Institution, delivered an impactful keynote, “Regions Up! Uplifting the Monterey Bay Region of the Central Coast through Data,” which delved into how data-driven strategies can unlock growth, resilience, and opportunity across the region.

In a panel discussion on advancing broadband and digital equity through public-private partnerships, Sunne Wright McPeak, President & CEO of the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF), emphasized the vital role of collaborative efforts in achieving statewide digital accessibility. Angela Curro, District 4 Supervisor of San Benito County, highlighted local initiatives driving connectivity improvements in rural areas. Ken Nye, COO of Surfnet Communications, provided a perspective on innovative infrastructure solutions for delivering high-speed internet through public-private partnerships. MBEP Manager of Economic Development and Digital Equity Maure Gildea offered a regional lens on equitable tech access and economic development strategies. Stephen Lieberman, Board Chair of Loaves, Fishes, & Computers, shared the community impact of digital literacy programs and tech access for underserved populations.

“Building a Strong Workforce through Education, Training, and Innovation” a panel led by MBEP Senior Advisor for Strategy & Development Lavera Alexander, featured Larry Samuels, Senior Advisor to the Chancellor, Cesar Lara, Director of Workforce and Economic Development at the California Labor Federation, and Doug Erickson, Executive Director of Santa Cruz Works. The panel highlighted the crucial intersection of education, training, and innovation in creating a resilient, future-ready workforce for AI, advanced air mobility, and Agtech. They highlighted how far the region has come in economic development including the founding of MBEP a decade ago, Monterey Bay Tech Hub, CSUMB Mechatronics, Hartnell’s AgTech program and so much more. This was followed by local examples of innovation underway: “Celebrating Workforce Innovation” featured a compelling discussion by leaders of the Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program (AMAP), highlighting an initiative that exemplifies the power of collaboration in building a skilled workforce and driving regional economic growth. Maria Elena Manzo, Program Director of Mujeres en Acción, and Josh Metz, Executive Director and co-founder of Monterey Bay DART, are at the forefront of efforts to connect individuals with meaningful opportunities in advanced manufacturing with Joby. Their collective commitment to workforce development, innovation, and community partnerships is setting the stage for a more inclusive and resilient economy.  

State of the Region 2024 also featured legislative updates from State Sen. John Laird, Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, and State Sen. Anna Caballero, welcoming remarks by CSU Monterey Bay President and MBEP Board Member Vanya Quinones, Seaside Mayor Ian Oglesby, and UC Santa Cruz Chancellor and MBEP Board President Cynthia Larive, with special video message by state Attorney General Rob Bonta.

MBEP President and CEO Tahra Goraya stressed the urgency for local leaders to embrace their responsibility in modeling civility and unity within their families, companies, congregations, and community as well as driving regional solutions. “In divided times, our role is to be bridge builders so we can forge the solutions we need to create quality jobs, drive innovation, build homes, provide accessible broadband, clean and sustainable transportation - and the list goes on," said Goraya. "As leaders, we must lead the change we want to see here locally."

Additionally, there were thought-provoking, actionable discussions on “Childcare = Good Business” with Sonja Koehler, director, Bright Beginnings Early Childhood Development Initiative; “Investing in Entrepreneurial Communities Across California” with Bulbul Gupta, President & CEO, Pacific Community Ventures; “Looking the Mirror at the State of Housing” with Monterey County District 4 Supervisor Wendy Root Askew; “Futuro: Cooperatives and the Economic Future of the Monterey Bay” with Maria Cadenas, Executive Director, Ventures; “Adapting to the Changing Labor Landscape” with Nishan Moutafian, Vice President, U.S., Baja & Canada Production for Driscoll's; “Reservoir Farms: Robotics Incubator” with Danny Bernstein, CEO, Reservoir, and Jackie Cruz, Executive Director, Hartnell College Foundation; and a special keynote from California Forward CEO Kate Gordon.

A full event recording and presenters’ slide decks from MBEP’s 2024 State of the Region will be released soon.

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

Bridging the Path to Equity in Monterey Bay Amid National Uncertainty
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(Nov. 6, 2024 — Marina, CA)  — In California’s Monterey Bay region, residents face overlapping challenges that are crucial to creating an inclusive, prosperous community. Good jobs, health, education, broadband, affordable housing, accessible transportation, and climate resilience are interconnected needs that must be addressed with urgency and purpose. In the wake of national elections, however, many in the region feel a sense of anxiety, wondering how policy shifts will affect local priorities. Now, more than ever, our leaders — across government, industry, and community-based organizations — must rise to the moment, bridging divides, forging solutions, and demonstrating steadfast commitment to equity and justice. Our privilege and perch of leadership during these times mandate that we bridge the divide, promote civility and focus on solutions that lead to prosperity for ALL.
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Creating good jobs, for instance, is fundamental to building a sustainable regional economy. But these jobs must go beyond short-term gains and provide meaningful wages, career pathways, and stability for the workforce. Monterey Bay’s agricultural, tourism, and emerging tech sectors present opportunities, but only if leaders work to ensure that economic growth is truly inclusive. Local and state policymakers can mitigate the impact of potential national rollbacks on labor protections by expanding local job-training programs and green-energy initiatives, making sure economic gains are shared by all.
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Healthcare access is another foundational need, particularly in a region with many rural and immigrant communities. The region’s dependence on agriculture and seasonal tourism means that many workers lack adequate healthcare. Changes in federal healthcare policy could further destabilize the region’s most vulnerable residents, but local and regional leaders can buffer this impact by investing in mobile health units, expanding community health programs, and partnering with healthcare providers to deliver services tailored to local needs. This level of support not only promotes a healthier population but also a more resilient workforce.
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Education is a critical lever for regional development, but disparities in resources and access remain pronounced, particularly in low-income and rural areas. National education policies may change the funding landscape, making it essential for regional leaders to secure local funding, strengthen digital literacy programs, and improve college and career pathways for young people. Industry, too, has a role here, creating internship and apprenticeship opportunities that link education to meaningful employment in high-growth sectors.
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Access to high-speed broadband is essential for education, telehealth, remote work, and overall economic mobility, yet rural residents in the Monterey Bay region still face significant barriers. While national initiatives to bridge the digital divide are a step forward, local efforts will be crucial. Investments in broadband infrastructure should be prioritized, with government incentives and industry partnerships aimed at reaching underserved areas. Reliable internet access enables greater economic participation and brings the region closer to a more inclusive digital economy.
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Affordable housing and accessible transportation go hand-in-hand as the region grows. Rising housing costs and lack of public transit force workers into long commutes, destabilizing families and increasing pollution. National housing policies may be in flux, but local governments can still push for zoning reforms, support affordable housing projects, and work with developers to address the real housing needs of agricultural and service workers. Reliable, eco-friendly transportation systems should also be expanded, enabling workers to reach jobs without undue financial or environmental costs. Transportation infrastructure that centers accessibility and sustainability is a long-term investment in the region’s future.
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Meanwhile, climate resilience is a pressing concern for Monterey Bay, especially as fires, droughts, and sea-level rise threaten livelihoods and local economies. Climate policies at the federal level may shift, but local and state action remains pivotal. Industry can lead by adopting sustainable practices, and community-based organizations can play a crucial role in educating and organizing residents to advocate for environmental justice. Together, these sectors can develop and implement a climate resilience plan that addresses immediate needs while building a foundation for a sustainable future.
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National elections can bring about anxiety, as federal policy changes ripple through local communities, often complicating efforts to build an equitable society. Leaders in Monterey Bay must navigate these shifts while staying rooted in the needs of their constituents. By focusing on equity and justice as guiding principles, local leaders can bring stability in uncertain times. It is their responsibility to listen, to forge partnerships across sectors, and to act with vision and compassion.

Leaders have a unique opportunity — and an urgent duty — to unite government, industry, and community-based organizations in a shared mission for equitable growth. Building bridges between these groups is essential to addressing the region’s most pressing needs, from workforce housing and broadband access to climate resilience and good jobs. As national policies evolve, our region’s leaders must remain steadfast in their commitment to a just future. By working together, we can create a region where everyone, regardless of background or income, has the opportunity to thrive.

In these challenging times, Monterey Bay needs leaders who are courageous enough to take action, thoughtful enough to seek collaborative solutions, and committed enough to keep equity at the heart of everything they do.

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

MBEP’s State of the Region Takes an ‘Unfiltered Analysis of the 2024 Election’: Monterey Bay Economic Partnership’s Daylong Conference Celebrates Regional Progress, Addresses Big Challenges Head On, and Envisions a Path Forward for a Thriving Monterey Bay Region
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(Nov. 4, 2024 — Marina, CA)  — Tuesday’s election has huge implications for the U.S. economy, public policy, and business sectors. Beyond the presidential race, outcomes from legislative races at the federal and state levels, school board and city council seats, and other ballot and bond measures have far-reaching consequences for school facilities and workforce housing, roadway infrastructure, and much more. On Friday, Nov. 8, a panel of experts will delve into the 2024 election in a timely discussion at Monterey Bay Economic Partnership’s (MBEP) annual State of the Region.

“The 2024 Election: An Unfiltered Analysis” takes a well-informed deep dive into the wild ride of a campaign that the Associated Press described as “a campaign unlike any other,”  a presidential race full of surprises, anxiety, and angst and framed by candidates, according to the New York Times, as an “existential battle.” The State of the Region’s panel discussion on the 2024 election couldn’t come at a better time, as we process the aftermath of an election cycle with intelligent, informed insights that take us beyond the horse race mentality. “The 2024 Election: An Unfiltered Analysis” draws on the combined expertise of top policy, legislative, and strategy analysts, including:

Zach Friend, Second District Supervisor, County of Santa Cruz: Elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2012 and overwhelmingly reelected in 2016 and 2020, Supervisor Friend has served at the highest levels of government and has extensive experience shaping and enacting local, state, and federal legislation and regulatory policy. He has served in the White House Council of Economic Advisers, U.S. Senate, and the U.S. House of Representatives and for nearly a decade with the Santa Cruz Police Department as a press information officer and crime analyst. He has built and led government affairs and communications teams, served as a spokesperson for multiple presidential campaigns, and advised executive-level business and government leaders on communications strategy, messaging, and narrative development. He is the author of “On Message: How a Compelling Narrative Will Make Your Organization Succeed,” and a regular media commentator on public affairs.
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Kristin Olsen-Cate, Partner, California Strategies: As a partner at the state’s largest public affairs consulting firm, Olsen-Cate helps others effectively advocate within the government sphere and political landscape at both the local and state levels. She was a Stanislaus County Supervisor and Board Member of the San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District until 2021, and a member of the California State Assembly until 2016, where she represented communities in the San Joaquin Valley and Sierra Foothills while also serving as one of the top four legislative leaders.
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Tom White, Senior Vice President, Majority Advisors: With 34 years of experience in and around the California State Legislature, White is a highly respected expert in policy, legislative, and political affairs. He has served as Chief of Staff for multiple Assembly Majority Leaders and for the Chairs of several key committees. His leadership as Senior Vice President of Majority Advisors is instrumental in helping clients navigate the complex world of California politics and achieve their policy and political objectives. His extensive experience and knowledge of California politics, combined with his commitment to delivering high-quality services to clients, make him an invaluable asset to the firm. White's experience also includes serving as a staff member in the U.S. Senate and as an analyst with the Federal Elections Commission.
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MBEP’s Nov. 8 State of the Region will feature multiple keynote speakers and panel discussions addressing the challenges and opportunities impacting the Monterey Bay region, including Brookings Institution Fellow Rachel Barker on Regions Up! Uplifting the Monterey Bay Region through Data;  PG&E CEO Patricia K. Poppe and Monterey Bay Economic Partnership President & CEO Tahra Goraya on Leading in a Time of Crisis: Climate, Housing, Infrastructure; and Montage Health President & CEO Steven Packer, MD, on A Reflection on Four Decades: The Journey and Future of Healthcare in Our Community; and California Senate & Assembly Legislative Updates from California State Sen. John Laird, Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, and California State Sen. Anna Caballero.
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Plus welcoming address by Vanya Quinones, President, CSU Monterey Bay; Ian Oglesby, Mayor, City of Seaside; Cynthia Larive, Chancellor, UC Santa Cruz; Tahra Goraya, President & CEO, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership; and Rob Bonta, Attorney General, State of California; special guests California Forward CEO Kate Gordon,  Pacific Community Ventures President & CEO Bulbul Gupta, U.S. Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator Dilawar Syed, and many more!

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

Full Agenda and Speaker Lineup Announced for MBEP’s State of the Region
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(Nov. 2, 2024 — Marina, CA)  — Join Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) for our annual State of the Region on Friday, Nov. 8th to explore key issues, trends, and innovations shaping our local economy. Monterey Bay Economic Partnership’s State of the Region will be at CSU Monterey Bay University Center, 4312 6th Ave., Seaside from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. featuring a full day of speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.
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The lineup brings together an impressive, cross-sector group of leaders, innovators, and change-makers, from elected representatives to CEOs, creators, collaborators, and do-ers. What they have in common: They’re all working in their respective fields — whether that be healthcare or public policy, business development or energy, education or digital equity — to address challenges that impact the Monterey Bay region.
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State of the Region delves into some of the biggest questions facing the Monterey Bay: What are the real indicators of a thriving region? How does a sense of place factor into regional well-being? How would a robust childcare infrastructure change how we live, work and do business in the region? What does the digital divide look like and can we collectively advance digital equity? What will energy systems in the Monterey Bay look like in two, five, 20 years from now? As the entrepreneurial backbone of our economy, what do small businesses lean on to grow and flourish in challenging times? And what’s the good news about health care in our communities, and what transitions and transformations lie ahead?
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That’s just the tip of the iceberg: MBEP’s Nov. 8 State of the Region will feature multiple keynote speakers, including Brookings Institution Nonresident Fellow Rachel Barker on Regions Up! Uplifting the Monterey Bay Region through Data;  California Forward CEO Kate Gordon; U.S. Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator Dilawar Syed, Fireside Chat with PG&E CEO Patricia K. Poppe and Monterey Bay Economic Partnership President & CEO Tahra Goraya on Leading in a Time of Crisis: Climate, Housing, Infrastructure; County of Santa Cruz Second District Supervisor Zach Friend, California Strategies Partner Kristin Olsen-Cate, and Majority Advisors Senior Vice President Tom White on The 2024 Election: An Unfiltered Analysis; and Montage Health President & CEO Steven Packer, MD, on A Reflection on Four Decades: The Journey and Future of Healthcare in Our Community.
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Plus welcoming addresses by Vanya Quinones, President, CSU Monterey Bay; Ian Oglesby, Mayor, City of Seaside; Cynthia Larive, Chancellor, UC Santa Cruz; Tahra Goraya, President & CEO, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership; and Rob Bonta, Attorney General, State of California, special guest Pacific Community Ventures President & CEO Bulbul Gupta, and many more!

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership President & CEO Tahra Goraya Invited to Participate in 2024 Masters of Scale Summit for Forward-Thinking Leaders
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(Oct. 31, 2024 — Marina, CA)  — Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) President & CEO Tahra Goraya was in San Francisco last week for the Masters of Scale Summit, a live event designed to support exceptional leaders who are driving innovation and social change in their industries and communities.
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Attendance at the live event is by invitation and application only, with 800 individuals hand-selected to attend in person. The majority of on-site attendees are entrepreneurs, founders, and C-suite executives at the helm of today’s most innovative businesses and nonprofits.
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“It was exciting to join this dynamic group of forward-thinking leaders and innovators. I gained much insight and inspiration from the leaders committed to building bridges and forging solutions,” said MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “MBEP's steady growth and increased reach continue to position the tri-county region as investment-ready and investment-worthy.”

As a regional convener, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership fosters a strategic cross-sector network of public, private, and civic entities to collaboratively address the pressing challenges and opportunities facing the Monterey Bay region. Whether partnering on innovative funding mechanisms such as the Monterey Bay Housing Trust to jumpstart affordable housing development, or publishing forward-thinking policy papers on housing, broadband and inclusive economic development, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership is driving innovative solutions for economic mobility for the Monterey Bay region.

The Masters of Scale Summit, which convened at the Presidio Theatre from Oct. 22-24, is a spinoff of the popular Masters of Scale podcast launched in 2017 and hosted by LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman. The Masters of Scale Summit debuted in 2022, featuring a range of business leaders across many disciplines and industries. Past guests have included Microsoft founder Bill Gates, Ted Sarandos (NetFlix), Mellody Hobson (Ariel Investments), Arianna Huffington (Thrive Global), Dara Khosrowshahi (Uber), Brian Chesky (Airbnb), Satya Nadella (Microsoft), and Prince Harry.

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator Dilawar Syed to Speak on the Role of Small Businesses and Entrepreneurship at State of the Region
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‍Join us for our annual State of the Region on Friday, Nov. 8th to explore key issues, trends, and innovations shaping our local economy. Monterey Bay Economic Partnership’s annual State of the Region will be at CSU Monterey Bay University Center, 4312 6th Ave., Seaside from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. featuring a full day of speakers, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and reception.

We’re thrilled to announce Dilawar Syed, Deputy Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration, as the newest addition to an impressive lineup of speakers. Dilawar Syed has driven civic efforts at the federal, state, and local level focusing on economic growth and entrepreneurship. Syed comes to SBA from the State Department where he championed American businesses as Special Representative for Commercial & Business Affairs. As the State Department’s top commercial diplomat, Deputy Administrator Syed advocated for U.S. companies to compete and win abroad and helped ensure U.S. competitiveness in markets across the globe. In this role, he mobilized the private sector to support the people of Ukraine in the wake of Russia's invasion and advocated for commercial deals in strategic sectors such as aviation and defense, energy, and technology.

Before joining the Biden Administration, Syed was CEO at Lumiata, an AI healthcare company focused on reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes. Previously, Syed was President at the software company Freshworks. Earlier in his career, Syed oversaw business operations for Yahoo!'s platforms and infrastructure and was a product manager at Siebel Systems and SAP.
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As the founding Chair of the California Entrepreneurship Task Force with the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development, Syed promoted inclusive entrepreneurship. He served on President Obama's White House Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) and chaired the White House Initiative on AAPIs’ Economic Growth Committee.

"Small businesses are the heart of local economies as they play a vital role in supporting local communities by keeping money circulating within them,” said MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “We celebrate the tremendous contributions of entrepreneurs and small businesses as they generate a significant portion of new jobs and drive innovation. We are delighted to be joined by Mr. Syed, who has a long history of personal lived experience as an entrepreneur and brings a deep understanding of the needs of small businesses.

”MBEP’s State of the Region will cover a wide range of subjects that are vital for regional recovery and development. Check out the event page for speaker lineup announcements, updates, and additional program details. Register at the following link: https://mbep.biz/events/2024-state-of-the-region

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Applauds Legislation to Expand Farmworker Access to Safe, Affordable Housing and Workplace Protections
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‍Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) commends legislation signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom improving access to safe, affordable housing for agricultural workers, streamlining production for farmworker housing, and increasing protection during climate emergencies.
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”By supporting and uplifting some of our most vulnerable populations, this legislation lays the foundation for an inclusive and sustainable economy where all Californians can prosper,” said Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) President & CEO Tahra Goraya.
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AB 3035, authored by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (D- Santa Cruz), addresses the housing shortage faced by agricultural workers in Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties by expanding site eligibility for agricultural employee housing developments and increasing the number of units from 36 to 150. By allowing for the production of farmworker housing closer to local municipalities, AB 3035 removes the costly barriers to construction in remote, rural locations that lack adequate water and sewer infrastructure. It also streamlines the development process for housing located within 15 miles of designated agricultural areas, thereby transforming the living standards for all agricultural workers, expanding affordable housing and resources.
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AB 2240, authored by Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno), creates more stable housing and educational opportunities for migrant workers and their families by eliminating an outdated requirement that forces farmworker families to move out of farm labor centers for a minimum of three months, or risk ineligibility for that housing. AB 2240, with House Speaker Rivas (D-Salinas) as principal co-author, also requires compliance with health and safety codes for heating, cooling, clean water, and other systems. Additionally, AB 2240 creates new opportunities to build permanent and stable affordable farmworker housing by identifying and prioritizing the use of state-owned excess land near Office of Migrant Services centers for farmworker housing and requires HCD to assess the feasibility of converting temporary Office of Migrant Services housing into year-round, permanent housing, ensuring a strategic approach to meeting long-term housing needs.
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SB 1105, authored by Sen. Steve Padilla (D-San Diego), expands sick leave for climate-fueled hazardous environmental conditions, allowing agricultural employees who work outside to use their accrued paid sick leave to avoid smoke, heat, or flooding conditions created by a local or state emergency.

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Uplift Central Coast Announces Notice of Funding for Catalyst Grant Opportunity: Predevelopment funding supports promoting equitable strategies to strengthen the local economy.
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‍Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP),  a member of Uplift Central Coast Coalition alongside REACH and the Economic Development Cooperative, is pleased to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Catalyst Predevelopment Phase of work.

Catalyst Predevelopment Phase Projects will fall into one of three stages: Concept (up to $50,000) Accelerator (up to $250,000), or Launchpad (up to $1,000,000). Final budget amounts are subject to change based on negotiations between Uplift and awardees.

‍The objective of Catalyst Predevelopment Funding is to support sector-specific, exploratory, predevelopment activities that align with regional strategies developed under the California Jobs First initiative. The funding aims to foster economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and equitable growth by investing in projects that:
● Advance priorities and promote the strategies identified in Uplift’s Regional Plan Part II. Projects that promote the target sector (Precision Manufacturing and Advanced Business Services) strategies will be prioritized for funding.
● Ensure that workers and disinvested communities are the primary beneficiaries.
● Fund predevelopment activities that will support projects that create quality jobs that enhance equity and sustainability within the Central Coast. Uplift defines a quality job as a job that (1) pays an annualized living wage that allows families to make ends meet while accumulating long-term and emergency savings; (2) offers employer-sponsored health insurance (a proxy for other worker benefits); and (3) provides worker stability in terms of retaining or leading to another quality job in the future.
● Will be able to leverage federal, state, and private dollars to maximize impact.

To be considered for a Catalyst Predevelopment Grant, entities must first submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) by 5 p.m. PDT Friday, Oct. 18. Only organizations with projects closely aligned with Uplift priorities will be invited to submit a full application. Applicants are encouraged to attend a Bidders Forum for prospective applicants from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Oct. 11. Register here  Questions may be submitted in advance of the meeting here.

For more information on Uplift, California Jobs First, and the Catalyst Predevelopment Phase, please see the Preliminary Catalyst Predevelopment Phase Timeline and Criteria document available on our website.

‍About Uplift Central Coast Coalition: A six-county partnership convened by three economic development agencies — the Economic Development Collaborative, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, and REACH — with the shared goal of creating an equitable economic resilience plan through creative and sustainable community-led efforts for residents throughout Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties.

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monterey County’s Severe Housing Shortfall Continues to Impede Economic Growth, According to Newly Released Beacon Economics Report
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‍The imbalance between housing supply and demand is a key challenge to economic growth in Monterey County, according to a new report that makes clear the need for increasing housing supply.

“Monterey County: Industries & Economic Trends 2024,” was released Friday at an event hosted by the Monterey County Business Council in collaboration with Building Business Back and the County of Monterey, and presented by Dr. Christopher Thornberg, a renowned economist and founding partner of Beacon Economics.

While incomes grew close to 4 percent, wages in Monterey County remain well below state averages and the cost of living is higher than the statewide average. Workers simply can’t afford to live here or end up paying more than they should to keep a roof over their heads, and businesses have a hard time attracting workers to the region or retaining qualified employees. According to the California Association of Realtors, the median price for a single-family home in Monterey County was $945,000 in July 2024, which is 6.6% above California’s median price of $886,560.

The solution, says Thornberg, is housing: Housing is foundational to a resilient regional economy and to workforce retention. Residential construction must increase significantly to address the housing shortage.

In a detailed overview of the Monterey County labor market, Thornberg focused on the county’s disproportionately high concentration of employment in Agriculture and Leisure & Hospitality, compared to California overall. A high percentage of lower-wage jobs in those two sectors — the county’s leading industries — result in the county’s average wages being 38% lower than the state average.

With a crop value of $4.4 billion in 2023, agriculture is a cornerstone of the county’s economy, supporting more than a third of its private-sector jobs. It’s the largest job sector, with a disproportionate concentration of jobs in agriculture compared to other parts of California, and declining payrolls over the past year.

While there has been a growing focus on developing industries involved with technology and innovation, lower-wage jobs remain prevalent in agriculture and hospitality/leisure, the county’s second-leading industry sector.

“Dr. Thornberg’s report reinforces how closely housing is intertwined with economic growth and resilience in our region,” said Monterey Bay Economic Partnership President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “Our region must continue making strategic investments in workforce infrastructure to bring well-paying, high-demand jobs that grow our economy, and create new housing units of all types to support a stable workforce and local employers.”

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Inaugural Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Statewide Policy Summit Explores Community Engagement Beyond the Ballot Box

‍Community leaders, policymakers, and advocates gathered in Sacramento on Wednesday, Sept. 18  to discuss key issues affecting Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in California. The inaugural Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Statewide Policy Summit was hosted by the California Commission on Asian & Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA), Sacramento State Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Student Center, and the California Asian American Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus (AAPILC).

Themed "Engaging Our Communities: Democracy Beyond the Ballot Box," the summit addressed voter mobilization, governance, equity, and women's political influence while offering strategic sessions on advocacy, data-informed strategies, and community power-building.

The summit brought together hundreds of AAPI community organizations, key leaders, elected officials and appointees, philanthropic organizations, and other stakeholders across the state. Among them was Monterey Bay Economic Partnership President & CEO Tahra Goraya, who was appointed to the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs in May 2024 by the Honorable Robert Rivas, Speaker of the California State Assembly.

“By amplifying the diverse voices and perspectives facing the AAPI community, the California AAPI Statewide Policy Summit is the kind of collective action that is needed to build community involvement and advocacy within Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the Monterey Bay region and across the state,” said Goraya. “As the daughter of Pakistani Punjabi Muslim immigrant parents and an advocate for shared economic growth and prosperity for all, the unique challenges of representation, governance, and equity facing the AAPI community are particularly close to my heart.”

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Uplift Central Coast Announces the Upcoming Catalyst Grant Opportunity
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‍Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP),  a member of Uplift Central Coast Coalition alongside REACH and the  Economic Development Cooperative, is pleased to announce the upcoming release of a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Catalyst Predevelopment Phase of work. This NOFO will be released in early October.. For more information on preliminary criteria and information from the state, please see the Preliminary Catalyst Predevelopment Phase Timeline and Criteria document.

‍The objective of Catalyst Predevelopment Funding is to support sector-specific, exploratory, predevelopment activities that align with regional strategies developed under the California Jobs First initiative. The funding aims to foster economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and equitable growth by investing in projects that:
● Advance priorities and promote the strategies identified in Uplift’s Regional Plan Part II. Projects that promote activities aligned with Target Sectors will be prioritized for funding.
● Ensure that workers and disinvested communities are the primary beneficiaries.
● Leverage federal, state, and private dollars to maximize impact.

‍Preliminary Budget Information:
‍Uplift will provide a range of grant awards to successful applicants. The exact budget amounts are being finalized and will be detailed in the full NOFO. To help potential applicants plan their applications, we are providing preliminary information on the expected range of grant awards between $25,000 to maximum of $1,000,000.

‍Organizational Requirements and Timeline:
‍To be considered for receiving an award for the Catalyst Predevelopment Phase, the below requirements must be met:  ● Applicants can be nonprofits, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), academic institutions, local governments, community foundations, or labor organizations.
● Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent. The Letter of Intent will be due approximately two weeks after the NOFO is released. Uplift will review each Letter of Intent to determine which organizations meet the outlined requirements.
● Applicants must submit an application. Based on Uplift’s review of the Letters of Intent, Uplift will invite applicable organizations to submit an application to be considered for funding.
● It is highly recommended that applicants attend the Bidders Forum, which will be held in early October. The official date will be released in the NOFO and on Uplift’s website and newsletter.

Read the full Uplift announcement and access relevant documents and resources at the following link: https://upliftcentralcoast.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/NOFO-Announcement-1.pdf‍

‍About Uplift Central Coast Coalition: A six-county partnership convened by three economic development agencies — the Economic Development Collaborative, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, and REACH — with the shared goal of creating an equitable economic resilience plan through creative and sustainable community-led efforts for residents throughout Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties.

As the leading force behind the CCBC, the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership has been at the forefront of regional broadband initiatives to enhance ubiquitous broadband access and digital equity. MBEP provides comprehensive, project-specific support, from project conception through completion. This includes delivering detailed data analysis, technical expertise, and GIS mapping services during project formulation, guiding ISPs through the grant application process to ensure they maximize their projects’ eligibility scores and resulting funding awarded, leveraging partnerships with CPUC officials and regional stakeholders to garner essential public and community support, and assisting with project management and progress reporting to ensure the successful deployment of broadband infrastructure projects.

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
California Public Utilities Commission Approves Nearly $15 Million in Last Mile Broadband Infrastructure Grants to Projects in Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties The new investments will improve public safety, fuel economic growth in underserved areas, and create greater consumer choice in the broadband market for households and businesses
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The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today approved the fifth round of recommended awardees for 10 last-mile broadband projects, awarding a cumulative $91 million worth of grants to projects serving predominantly disadvantaged and low-income communities.

Nearly $15 million of those funds is slated for broadband infrastructure projects designed to connect and empower underserved and unserved rural communities in Santa Cruz and San Benito counties. Four separate projects will connect to the open-access Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative and provide the public safety benefits of reliable broadband infrastructure benefitting households located in High Fire Threat Districts while improving digital equity and increasing consumer choice in the broadband market.

Surfnet Communications' Hutchinson, Mt Bache, and Radonich Projects in Santa Cruz County:
Surfnet Communications, applied for three projects in Santa Cruz County and has been awarded a cumulative $4,348,793 to serve an estimated 410 unserved locations in the communities of Hutchinson and Radonich and along Mt. Bache Road in unincorporated Santa Cruz county. The last-mile fiber project will provide up to one gigabit per second symmetrical service to consumers.

‍HIT San Benito Project in San Benito County:
‍Hankins Information Technology has been awarded up to $10,436,024 to serve an estimated 1,200 unserved locations in the communities of Hollister, San Juan, and Aromas. The last-mile fiber project will provide up to 10 gigabits per second symmetrical service to consumers. Both providers have committed to maintaining prices for at least 10 years and providing low-cost plans that meet standards set by the CPUC.

“Investments in broadband infrastructure make for a more economically competitive, equitable, and resilient region,” said Monterey Bay Economic Partnership President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “As a longtime advocate for improving broadband infrastructure, access and affordability, MBEP remains committed to working with stakeholders and policymakers to address the disparities in broadband access and consistency.”

Established under Senate Bill 156 (2021) and administered by CPUC, the $2 billion Last Mile Federal Funding Account grant program encourages the deployment of broadband throughout the state to fuel economic growth and to enable the public to access internet-based safety applications, telehealth services, emergency services, and to allow first responders to communicate with each other and collaborate during emergencies. Since the initial round of applications closed in September 2023, the CPUC has received and reviewed 484 grant applications from every county in the state, totaling more than $4.6 billion in requests. This overwhelming response highlights the urgent need for and the opportunity to expand internet access across California.

As the leading force behind the CCBC, the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership has been at the forefront of regional broadband initiatives to enhance ubiquitous broadband access and digital equity. MBEP provides comprehensive, project-specific support, from project conception through completion. This includes delivering detailed data analysis, technical expertise, and GIS mapping services during project formulation, guiding ISPs through the grant application process to ensure they maximize their projects’ eligibility scores and resulting funding awarded, leveraging partnerships with CPUC officials and regional stakeholders to garner essential public and community support, and assisting with project management and progress reporting to ensure the successful deployment of broadband infrastructure projects.

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Equitable Access: Balancing Affordability and Infrastructure in Digital InclusionMonterey Bay Economic Partnership’s Latest White Paper Demonstrates the Indispensable Role of Affordability in Driving Widespread Adoption and Utilization of Broadband Services

The Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is proud to release its latest report, “Equitable Access: Balancing Affordability and Infrastructure in Digital Inclusion.” This comprehensive study highlights the critical importance of affordability in driving broadband adoption and the necessity of integrating both affordability and infrastructure to achieve digital inclusion.

‍Affordability First: Sustaining Momentum Beyond ACP
‍The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has been instrumental in providing low-cost, quality broadband internet to 23 million households nationwide, significantly closing digital gaps highlighted during the global pandemic. However, the program ended in May 2024 due to a lack of Congressional action to renew the program, leaving vulnerable communities at risk of being disconnected.Access to affordable internet services is crucial for driving internet adoption, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. An FCC survey revealed that 80% of ACP recipients had inconsistent or no internet service before enrolling due to affordability constraints. Losing ACP benefits disrupts internet access for many, further widening the digital divide.

‍Regional Findings: ACP Enrollment and Broadband Service in the Central Coast
‍The report features detailed maps and analysis of ACP enrollment and FCC broadband availability data in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties.

Key findings include:
Santa Cruz County: High correlation between ACP enrollment and broadband availability. Notable outlier in Davenport with lower broadband availability despite low ACP enrollment.

Monterey County: High correlation, but slightly greater variation in ACP enrollment and broadband availability. South County areas like Big Sur and San Ardo show lower percentages, suggesting rural and less populous characteristics hinder adoption.

San Benito County: Positive correlation between high ACP enrollment and broadband availability. Southeast areas lag in both, similarly indicating rural and demographic factors may influence adoption and deployment.

‍The Affordability-Infrastructure Nexus: Catalyzing Inclusive Connectivity
‍The report showcases the essential link between affordability and infrastructure. Areas with higher ACP enrollment demonstrate greater broadband service, highlighting the essential role that affordability plays in driving widespread adoption and utilization of broadband infrastructure. California is set to receive significant federal and state funds for broadband infrastructure. However, infrastructure alone cannot bridge the digital divide. Affordable internet services are crucial to ensure infrastructure investments benefit low-income households and promote universal internet adoption.

‍Call to Action
‍MBEP calls on internet service providers, policymakers, and stakeholders to prioritize affordability:

ISPs: develop and promote affordable plans for low-income households.

Policymakers: support state-level policies mandating affordable internet and sustainable funding models.

Stakeholders: collaborate with community organizations to create innovative affordability solutions and promote awareness.

This holistic approach will ensure that broadband infrastructure investments achieve their full potential, fostering an inclusive, connected society. By centering affordability, millions of households can avoid being left on the wrong side of the digital divide. Access the report, Equitable Access: Balancing Affordability and Infrastructure in Digital Inclusion, here: https://bit.ly/equitableaccessreport

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monterey Bay Housing Trust and Tech Partners Fund $817,000 Predevelopment LoanSupporting the Development of More than 124 Affordable Homes in Santa CruzInnovative Collaboration with Industry Removes Barriers to Housing Construction

Monterey Bay Housing Trust (MBHT), a revolving loan fund sponsored by the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership and Housing Trust Silicon Valley, in collaboration with Silicon Valley Housing Trust’s TECH Fund, has provided an $817,000 predevelopment loan to For the Future Housing to create 124 units of affordable housing in Santa Cruz.The Downtown Library & Affordable Housing Project at 500 Cedar St. in Santa Cruz will serve families earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). Amenities will include a modern public library with resources for all, a childcare facility, and a public parking component to serve the downtown retail community with parking spaces for vehicles and bicycles. In addition, there will be an on-site after-school program, community center, community gardens, computer learning center, wi-fi in community spaces, and financial coaching services available. Sustainability features include electric vehicle charging stations and high-efficiency light fixtures and appliances.

The Downtown Library & Affordable Housing Project is jointly developed by For the Future Housing and Eden Housing. The momentum of this partnership continues to grow: In May, Monterey Bay Housing Trust and Silicon Valley Housing Trust’s TECH Fund also approved a predevelopment loan for Pacific Station North, a 128-unit transit-oriented community in Santa Cruz under development by Eden Housing and For the Future Housing.

“We’re so pleased to play a role in investments in affordable housing and economic growth in our region,” said Monterey Bay Economic Partnership President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “Working families need reasonably priced housing they can afford in our region, and employers need that housing supply to expand in order to retain and attract a qualified workforce.”

Created in July 2016, Monterey Bay Housing Trust’s revolving loan fund is an innovative funding mechanism designed to jumpstart affordable housing production in the Monterey Bay region. Financed by the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership and Housing Trust Silicon Valley, it provides early bridge financing for land acquisition, predevelopment construction or preservation of affordable homes throughout Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties. The Trust is always looking to raise funds to build more homes in our region. Please contact MBEP to learn more about investing in housing in our tri-county region.

The TECH Fund harnesses the collective resources of large employers, the high-tech sector, and philanthropic organizations to make a tangible impact on affordable housing. Cisco, Google, and LinkedIn are among the organizations investing in the fund since its launch in March 2017 by Housing Trust Silicon Valley.

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Provides BEAD Challenge Process Readiness and Support for the Monterey Bay Region to Ensure Digital Equity

In the midst of a 30-day challenge period that is critically important to the allocation of federal broadband funds to close the digital divide, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is working to ensure that the region receives its share of broadband funding based on accurate data and will be hosting a free information webinar at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 24. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released the final broadband data map earlier this month, setting the stage for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program Challenge Phase, which runs from July 8 through Aug. 6. Those dates — and the actions that take place in the space between them — will help determine the allocation of more than $1.8 billion to improve internet access in California.
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How and where that funding gets distributed has huge consequences for the Monterey Bay region, where far too many residents continue to lack access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet. Monterey Bay Economic Partnership is committed to providing support and resources to ensure that the region is accurately represented. While individuals may help identify any inaccuracies to the existing BEAD Challenge Process Map, only eligible challengers — local governments, Tribal nations, nonprofit organizations, and internet service providers — can submit evidence.
While high-speed broadband is a critical utility often taken for granted, there are also far too many areas in the Monterey Bay region where broadband service is nonexistent or scarcely available, where download speeds are inadequate for the basic needs of a technology-driven society, or where existing service is simply unaffordable. That lack of broadband infrastructure can present public safety issues, particularly in rural communities, and throughout the Monterey Bay region, disparities in reliable, affordable broadband create limitations to economic growth and full participation in a digital age where internet is a requisite for education, telehealth, research, connection and communication.
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“The digital divide hinders progress and inclusivity and continues to exacerbate economic and educational inequalities,” said MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “MBEP is passionately committed to closing the digital divide and to supporting our region in advocating for areas that remain unserved or underserved.”
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MBEP hosted a free informational webinar to provide details about the BEAD Challenge Process.
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The Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is also working to support our regional partners through this process. Our Broadband & Digital Equity Team is available to assist in reviewing maps, identifying discrepancies, and submitting challenges. Let’s work together to ensure 100% broadband coverage for our communities. Stakeholders can contact Maure Gildea, MBEP Manager of Economic Development & Digital Equity, at (916) 215-1854. As BEAD funding will prioritize first unserved, then underserved locations, the accuracy of the federal broadband map is critical. According to the Federal Communication Commission (FCC),Unserved locations are defined as Broadband Serviceable Locations (BSL) that lack access to “Reliable Broadband Service” at speeds of at least 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream and at latency levels low enough to support real-time, interactive applications.Underserved locations are defined as BSLs that lack access to “Reliable Broadband Service” at speeds of at least 100 Mbps downstream and 20 Mbps upstream and at latency levels low enough to support real-time, interactive applications.Administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the BEAD Program was created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs (IIJA) in 2021 with the goal of expanding high-speed internet access through infrastructure deployment and adoption programs. It allocates $42.5 billion of federal funding to all 50 states. California was awarded $1.86 billion through BEAD allocations. The challenge phase is the first stage in a five-stage, 120-day process to complete broadband coverage maps.

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Coordinates Site Visit with Senator Padilla’s Office
Daylong Schedule Focused on Critical Regional Issues

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) coordinated a regional visit on July 11 with U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla’s State Field Representative Margaret Arechiga, focused on housing, broadband, infrastructure, and economic development investments in the Monterey Bay region.
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The day kicked off with the grand opening of MBEP member Community Housing Improvement Systems and Planning Association (CHISPA)’s new Alfred Diaz-Infante Apartments in East Garrison on the former Fort Ord in Monterey County, where 43 of the community’s 66 new rental homes have been allocated to farmworker families. Those much-needed housing units would not have been possible without public investments, including federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) that Sen. Padilla has been a champion to help secure and expand.
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MBEP and Arechiga then attended MBEP member San Benito County Business Council’s Monthly Luncheon in Hollister. The main topic was investing in a new high school to ensure high-quality education for local youth. MBEP also shared an update on how its collaborative efforts have led to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) awarding $45 million in grant funding to three regional internet service providers in recent months for broadband expansion on the Central Coast.  MBEP capped the visit by facilitating a meeting with City of Hollister officials to discuss priority projects, including investments in water infrastructure, airport expansion, and Highway 25 improvements. Each of these is critical to creating more economic development opportunities for the region.
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Sen. Padilla’s team challenged MBEP to continue building the region's capacity to access federal investment for these important initiatives. MBEP fully embraces the challenge and appreciates its partnership with Sen. Padilla’s team. MBEP looks forward to their next visit.
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Pictured at the July 11 ribbon-cutting for CHISPA’s Alfred Diaz-Infante Apartments, from left, are Matt Huerta, Director of Housing and Community Development for MBEP; Luis Diaz-Infante, Director of Public Relations and Community Engagement for Breaker F.C.; Geoffrey Morgan, President/CEO of CHISPA; Monica Lal, President/CEO of Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce; and Margaret Arechiga, Field Representative, Office of U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla.

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
6/20/24: Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Plays Pivotal Role in Securing $45 Million in Broadband Expansion Funding for Central Coast

(June 20, 2024 — Marina, CA)  — The Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP), serving as the Executive Director of the Central Coast Broadband Consortium (CCBC), is proud to announce that its collaborative efforts have led to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) awarding a total of $45 million in grant funding to three regional internet service providers (ISPs): Cruzio Media, Inc., Surfnet Communications, Inc., and LCB Communications LLC. With over half of the nearly $73 million statewide pool from the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account awarded to our Central Coast region alone, this substantial funding will significantly enhance broadband infrastructure, addressing critical issues in the digital divide in unserved and underserved rural and low-income communities.
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As the leading force behind the CCBC, MBEP has been at the forefront of regional broadband initiatives to enhance ubiquitous broadband access and digital equity. MBEP provides comprehensive, project-specific support, from project conception through completion. This includes delivering detailed data analysis, technical expertise, and GIS mapping services during project formulation, guiding ISPs through the grant application process to ensure they maximize their projects’ eligibility scores and resulting funding awarded, leveraging partnerships with CPUC officials and regional stakeholders to garner essential public and community support, and assisting with project management and progress reporting to ensure the successful deployment of broadband infrastructure projects.
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Cruzio Media, Inc. - Equal Access Summits to the Sea (EAS2C) Project: The CPUC recently awarded Cruzio Media, Inc. up to $5.65 million to expand middle-mile broadband infrastructure to 759 unserved locations in Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties in rural areas frequently at risk of natural disasters. Using state-of-the-art fixed wireless hardware, Cruzio will rapidly deploy gigabit broadband to thousands of locations in this under-served region. And EAS2C’s middle-mile infrastructure is “open access,” meaning other ISPs can hop on board to offer speedier, more reliable services to residents across the Central Coast.
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“Our region has a problem,” James Hackett, COO at Cruzio, explained. “We’ve got rural communities, farmers, low-income communities, then just a hop away we’ve got Silicon Valley, high-tech and bustling. With the Summits to the Sea project we’re working to level the playing field and give everyone a fair shot.”
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Surfnet Communication, Inc. - Three County Fiber Project: Surfnet Communications, Inc. has been awarded $10.08 million to deploy last-mile Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband service to 465 eligible locations across Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Clara counties. This project aims to provide high-speed, reliable, and affordable broadband service, particularly to economically and socially vulnerable communities.
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“We are thrilled to introduce the Three County Fiber project, a transformative initiative designed to provide high-speed, reliable, and affordable broadband to underserved regions within Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and San Luis Obispo counties. This transformative project is not just about bringing better internet; it is about bridging the digital divide, fostering economic development, and future-proofing our infrastructure to meet evolving needs,” said Ken Nye, COO of Surfnet Communications, Inc.“We are eager to begin this crucial work to bring equitable digital access to our communities.”
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LCB Communications LLC - Aromas-San Juan Project: The CPUC has approved $29.48 million in grant funding for LCB Communications LLC’s project deploying a hybrid broadband network combining Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) to 1,101 unserved locations in San Benito, Santa Cruz, and Monterey counties. The project includes constructing middle- and last-mile infrastructure, addressing the digital divide and accessibility challenges in remote and rugged terrains.
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Monterey Bay Economic Partnership’s Commitment to Digital Equity: Since 2016, MBEP has championed digital equity in the Monterey Bay region, convening stakeholders and advocating for policies that address the digital divide. As the executive director of the CCBC, MBEP is committed to ensuring 100 percent broadband access in our region through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts.
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MBEP works closely with the Commission, regional consortia, local officials, ISPs, stakeholders, and consumers to identify priority areas and devise cost-effective strategies to achieve broadband access goals. By proactively identifying potential CASF Infrastructure projects and other broadband deployment opportunities, MBEP supports ISPs and local agencies in developing robust business plans and successful grant applications.
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Our comprehensive support extends from providing project-specific mapping, data analysis, and community engagement to offering technical guidance throughout the development, grant application processes, and project implementation. MBEP also leads outreach efforts to potential applicants and stakeholders, matching ISPs with suitable projects, and leveraging public assets to facilitate ubiquitous broadband deployment.
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"Monterey Bay Economic Partnership celebrates the significant progress being made to eliminate barriers to digital equity, and we look forward to continued regional partnerships and collaborative solutions that will allow full participation for all in our digital economy," said MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “Kudos to our ISP partners and to the MBEP team working diligently to shepherd these proposals to fruition for unprecedented investments into the Monterey Bay region.”

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

media@mbep.biz

‍FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
California Public Utilities Commission Approves $29.5 Million Grant for LCB Communications LLC’s Aromas-San Juan Project
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‍(June 20, 2024 — Marina, CA)  — The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has approved grant funding of up to $29,482,765.91 from the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account to LCB Communications LLC, a member of the Central Coast Broadband Consortium (CCBC). The award will support LCB’s Aromas San-Juan (Aromas) Project, which aims to deploy a hybrid broadband network combining Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), to 1,101 unserved locations across San Benito, Santa Cruz, and Monterey counties. The project will deliver FTTH with speeds up to 5 gigabits per second (Gbps) symmetrical to 1,038 locations and FWA with speeds up to 600 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 100 Mbps upload to an additional 63 locations. The Aromas-San Juan Project will construct 3.63 miles of middle-mile infrastructure and 121.7 miles of last-fiber infrastructure, along with 63 wireless hubs. This infrastructure will bridge the connectivity gap in these rural areas, ensuring residents have access to reliable, high-speed internet.

The project addresses significant digital divide and accessibility challenges in the region, by targeting underserved areas, particularly those with lower median household incomes and in hard-to-reach or inaccessible service locations. For low-income households, LCB will offer a low-income broadband pricing plan at $15 per month for five years post-project completion. Additionally, the project area encompasses rugged and difficult terrains, including areas classified as fire threat areas and unincorporated communities, where infrastructure deployment is challenging but all the more crucial. By addressing these economic and geographic barriers, the Aromas Project contributes significantly to the CASF program’s goal of providing broadband internet access to 98% of California households.  

“The solutions to narrow, and ultimately close, the digital divide are within our reach but require investments of infrastructure, funding, technology, and innovation," said MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya. "Affordable, reliable broadband is an essential tool for connection and innovation and a catalyst for economic development, and MBEP is deeply committed to ensuring that no person or region is left behind in the digital landscape."
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As the leading force behind the CCBC, MBEP has been at the forefront of regional broadband initiatives to enhance ubiquitous broadband access and digital equity. MBEP provides comprehensive, project-specific support, from project conception through completion. This includes delivering detailed data analysis, technical expertise, and GIS mapping services during project formulation, guiding ISPs through the grant application process to ensure they maximize their projects’ eligibility scores and resulting funding awarded, leveraging partnerships with CPUC officials and regional stakeholders to garner essential public and community support, and assisting with project management and progress reporting to ensure the successful deployment of broadband infrastructure projects.

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP): Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

About LCB Communications LLC: LCB Communications LLC, a subsidiary of South Valley Internet, Inc. (SVI), is dedicated to providing high-speed internet services to underserved communities. Founded in 1994, SVI was a pioneer in very high-speed digital subscriber line (VDSL) and single-pair high-speed digital subscriber line (SHDSL) technology in Morgan Hill and Gilroy, California. Together, LCB and SVI serve over 2,000 businesses, households, and anchor institutions in San Benito and Santa Clara counties.

media@mbep.biz

‍FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
California Public Utilities Commission Approves $10 Million Grant for Surfnet Communications’ Three County Fiber Project
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‍(June 20, 2024 — Marina, CA)  — The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has approved grant funding of up to $10,083,005 from the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account to Surfnet Communications, Inc., member of Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) and Central Coast Broadband Consortium (CCBC). This funding will support Surfnet’s Three County Fiber Project, which aims to deploy last-mile Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband service with speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) download and 1 Gbps upload to 465 eligible locations across Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Clara counties. This project addresses critical needs in these diverse regions, where many residents currently lack access to affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband.

Founded in 2004, Surfnet is a broadband ISP dedicated to connecting California’s Central Coast communities, particularly those in mountain and coastal areas underserved by major broadband carriers. Surfnet’s mission includes empowering local education through donations of services and equipment to schools and community organizations. A notable example is its recent donation of high-speed internet to Building Blocks Cooperative Preschool in the Santa Cruz Mountains, which became a critical community hub during storms.

Surfnet’s team boasts over 70 years of combined experience in the ISP industry. The company is locally owned and operated, prioritizing hiring from within the community and supporting local businesses.The project contributes to the CASF program goal of providing broadband internet access to 98% of California households in each CASF Broadband Consortia region. For low-income customers and those eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Plan (ACP), Surfnet will offer low-income broadband pricing plans for five years from the project’s completion, waiving standard installation and service connection fees.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Three County Fiber project, a transformative initiative designed to provide high-speed, reliable, and affordable broadband to underserved regions within Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and San Luis Obispo counties. This project is set to serve 465 priority eligible and eligible locations, including Economically Socially Justice (ESJ) communities, which encompass low-income, rural, BIPOC, and ESL communities. Our mission is to significantly enhance the connectivity in these areas, replacing current inadequate speeds with a minimum proposed speed of 100/100 Mbps,” said Ken Nye, COO of Surfnet Communications, Inc.

“This project is not just about bringing better internet; it is about bridging the digital divide, fostering economic development, and future-proofing our infrastructure to meet evolving needs,” said Nye. “We hope to make significant strides in improving digital access and contributing positively to the economic and social development of these regions. We are committed to ensuring that our project meets environmental standards and leverages existing infrastructure to minimize costs and impact.”

“The solutions to narrow, and ultimately close, the digital divide are within our reach but require investments of infrastructure, funding, technology, and innovation," said MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya. "Affordable, reliable broadband is an essential tool for connection and innovation and a catalyst for economic development. MBEP is deeply committed to ensuring that no person or region is left behind in the digital landscape."

As the leading force behind the CCBC, MBEP has been at the forefront of regional broadband initiatives to enhance ubiquitous broadband access and digital equity. MBEP provides comprehensive, project-specific support, from project conception through completion. This includes delivering detailed data analysis, technical expertise, and GIS mapping services during project formulation, guiding ISPs through the grant application process to ensure they maximize their projects’ eligibility scores and resulting funding awarded, leveraging partnerships with CPUC officials and regional stakeholders to garner essential public and community support, and assisting with project management and progress reporting to ensure the successful deployment of broadband infrastructure projects.

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

About Surfnet: Surfnet's mission is to provide under-served coastal and mountain communities with reliable, high-speed broadband access and computer-related services that enable local businesses, residents, and telecommuters to fully leverage the latest Internet and communication technologies for their work, study and play.

media@mbep.biz

‍FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Speaker Robert Rivas Appoints Monterey Bay Economic Partnership President Tahra Goraya to the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs
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‍Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) President & CEO Tahra Goraya has been appointed to the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs by the Honorable Robert Rivas, Speaker of the California State Assembly.

Established in 2002, the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA) is charged with elevating the political, economic, and social issues of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans (APIA) in the state.

“As the daughter of Pakistani Punjabi Muslim immigrant parents and an advocate for shared economic growth and prosperity for all, I am deeply honored to accept this important role,” said Goraya. “I look forward to uplifting the voices and needs of our diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander communities across California and the Monterey Bay region specifically.”

“Ms. Tahra Goraya’s life experiences and accomplishments in public service, civic engagement and public policy make her a perfect addition to the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs,” said Speaker Robert Rivas. “As the former national director of the country's largest Muslim civil rights organization, the daughter of immigrants, and a member of the Muslim community, Goraya has been and will continue to be a strong voice and advocate for the South Asian communities throughout California. I look forward to her continued leadership in this new role.”

University of California at Santa Cruz Chancellor Cynthia Larive praised the appointment, calling it  “well-deserved recognition of Tahra’s skills and talents and great news for the commission. In my role as chair of the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, I’ve greatly valued Tahra’s leadership and perspective. She has a wide range of experience in multiple sectors that will serve the commission well as its members seek to advance issues of importance to the APIA community.”

"We welcome Ms. Goraya's historic appointment to the Commission as we celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. She brings to the Commission a wealth of knowledge and expertise shaped by regional insights and her own lived experiences, promising to play a pivotal role in representing 6 million Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Desi communities, the fastest-growing ethnic group in California. I look forward to working together with Ms. Goraya on behalf of our marginalized communities to foster inclusive environments where the needs and aspirations of all community members are addressed with the dignity they deserve," said Khydeeja Alam, Executive Director of the California Commission on Asian & Pacific Islander American Affairs.

The Commission advises the Governor and the Legislature on how to best respond to views, needs, and concerns of the state’s diverse and complex APIA communities. Additionally, the commission provides assistance to policymakers, state agencies, departments, and commissions to develop appropriate responses and programs that meet the needs of APIA communities, including focus on cultural language sensitivity, and hate incident and hate crime prevention measures.

A native Californian, Tahra brings strong skills in leadership, management, policy advocacy, and public affairs. She is experienced in diverse issue areas across multiple sectors including nonprofit management, business, and government. President & CEO of the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership since January 2022, Tahra is a graduate of the University of California at Irvine with a degree in Biology, Masters in Organizational Management, and a Masters in Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

About the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA):
The California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA) is a state agency dedicated to elevating the political, economic, and social issues of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. CAPIAA advises the Governor and Legislature on effective responses to the needs and concerns of the state’s diverse Asian and Pacific Islander American communities and works to foster understanding, inclusivity, and collaboration across the state.

media@mbep.biz

‍FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership to Host 2024 Economic Outlook
Dive into the Economic Impact of Hospitality and Tourism, How Housing Funding Fuels Economic Growth, Panel Discussion on the Economies of Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties, and Much More
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‍Monterey Bay Economic Partnership’s (MBEP) 2024 Economic Outlook comes to Seaside on Friday, May 3rd in-person, for an opportunity to delve into key insights on the economic landscape of Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties and the chance to network with industry, government, and community leaders. MBEP’s 2024 Economic Outlook brings together a leading economic analyst and stakeholders for a deep dive into the data of economics and what those numbers really mean for those who live and work here.
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Check out the full agenda:

Welcome Address: Featuring MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya and UC Santa Cruz Chancellor and MBEP Board Chair Cynthia Larive.
Regional Economic Impact of Hospitality and Tourism: Panel highlighting the economic impact of hospitality and tourism on our region with Terence Concannon, CEO, Visit Santa Cruz County, and Rob O'Keefe, President & CEO, See Monterey.
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Leveraging for Economic Growth: MBEP Monterey Bay Housing Trust + Housing Trust of Silicon Valley, featuring Housing Trust Silicon Valley Chief Lending Officer Fathia Macauley.  
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Regional Spotlight: A look at the progress being made through Inclusive Economic Development Projects.
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Keynote Speaker: Dr. Jon Haveman, Principal, Marin Economic Consulting. Widely considered as one of California’s leading experts on regional economies and local economic development. Dr. Haveman previously served as chief economist at the Bay Area Council Economic Institute. He has been a senior economist with the President's Council of Economic Advisers and an economist with the Federal Trade Commission.
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Fireside Chat & Keynote Q&A: Facilitated by Lori Ketlzer, Campus Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor, UC Santa Cruz. A labor economist, Kletzer has focused her research on the domestic labor market effects of globalization and policy responses.
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Local, Regional, and Beyond: All three County Administrative Officers in the Monterey Bay region — Sonia De La Rosa, Carlos Palacios, and Ray Espinosa — on an engaging panel focusing on the local economies of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties.
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“The Monterey Bay region stands at the intersection of challenge and opportunity,” says Monterey Bay Economic Partnership President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “Our 2024 Economic Outlook is an opportunity to grow our understanding of how regionally connected our economies are, learn about the trends we’re seeing in the Monterey Bay region and beyond, and understand how we can strategically position our region for growth, resilience, and inclusive economic development for the benefit of all.”
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Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into the local economic landscape, and how businesses and individuals can navigate and thrive in the current environment.
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About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

media@mbep.biz

‍FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monterey Bay Tech Hub Announces Leadership Council
Representing industries and sectors across the Monterey Bay region, regional leaders share a commitment to advancing opportunities in advanced air mobility-based economic growth
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‍The recently formed Monterey Bay Tech Hub, a coalition of regional stakeholders who recognize the need for collective action to strengthen the opportunity for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)-based economic growth and job creation in the Tri-County region, has announced the formation of its Leadership Council.
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The Monterey Bay Tech Hub recognizes the tri-county region of San Benito, Santa Cruz, and Monterey counties as an emerging tech hub for advanced air mobility. Home to one of the highest concentrations of AAM activity in the world, the tri-county region of San Benito, Santa Cruz, and Monterey counties has three leading passenger eVTOL companies prototyping, testing and/or manufacturing within the region. In addition, global leaders in hydrogen-fueled passenger aircraft and hybrid-fueled “heavy payload’ drone manufacturing are based here, along with large-scale vertical users of AAM technologies in the domains of marine science, defense, hospitality/tourism, agriculture and infrastructure inspection. AAM and AAM-adjacent technologies have significant implications for the strong agricultural and tourism assets in each county in our region, impacting how cargo, goods, and people move.
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The Leadership Council will focus on driving strategic collaboration to support workforce training and regional infrastructure needs of the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) and hydrogen-fueled aircraft industries.
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Regional leaders representing industry, government, community and educational sectors of the tri-county region will serve on the Monterey Bay Tech Hub Leadership Council:

• California Assemblymember Dawn Addis, Ex Officio member
• Danny Bernstein, Managing General Partner, Hawktower
• Cody Cleverly, Workforce Development Lead, Joby Aviation
• Angela Curro, San Benito County Supervisor (District 4)
• Doug Erickson, Executive Director, Santa Cruz Works
• Zach Friend, Santa Cruz County Supervisor (District 2)
• Marshall T. Fulbright III, Superintendent/President, Monterey Peninsula College
• Tahra Goraya, President & CEO, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership
• Michael Gutierrez, Superintendent/President, Hartnell College
• Tom Horvath, Interim Dean of the College of Science, CSUMB
• Cesar Lara, Executive Director, Monterey Bay Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO
• Layne Long, City Manager, City of Marina
• Chris Lopez, Monterey County Supervisor (District 3)
• Jacob Martinez, Founder & CEO, Digital NEST
• Rene Mendez, City Manager, City of Watsonville
• Josh Metz, Executive Director, Monterey Bay DART
• David Mirrione, City Manager, City of Hollister
• Larry Samuels, Special Advisor to the Chancellor, UC Santa Cruz
• Sarasina Tuchen, Senior Scientist and National Technical Expert
• Tosha Perkins, Chief People & Partnerships Officer, Archer Aviation
• Matt Wetstein, President, Cabrillo College

About Monterey Bay Tech Hub: The Monterey Bay Tech Hub is a coalition of regional stakeholders who recognize the need for collective action to strengthen the opportunity for AAM-based economic growth and job creation in the Tri-County region. Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, UC Santa Cruz, and Monterey Bay DART are founding members.

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‍FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Joby Aviation Marks Groundbreaking of Marina Manufacturing Facility
Planned 200,000-foot expansion of the company’s manufacturing, maintenance, and pilot training facility at the Marina Municipal Airport will bring hundreds of new full-time jobs to the region
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‍Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) joined with local and regional stakeholders on Monday as MBEP member Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY) hosted a groundbreaking to celebrate expansion of its Marina manufacturing facility. Having received the necessary permit approvals to begin construction, the California-based transportation company will construct a new 220,000-square-foot building, where it is developing all-electric, vertical take-off and landing air taxis for commercial passenger service.
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Supported in part by a $9.8 million California Competes grant from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) to bolster the company’s continued expansion in California, the expansion of Joby’s Pilot Production Line marks a decade of continued growth for the manufacturer and will more than double Joby’s manufacturing footprint at the Marina Municipal Airport.
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Joby has announced plans to invest $41.3 million and create 690 additional full-time jobs in the state by 2027.

The company currently has about 50 open positions in Marina, and the site expansion will create more than 200 new jobs in the region. (Visit Joby’s website to learn about job opportunities at https://www.jobyaviation.com/careers/.
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“We’re thrilled for Joby Aviation as it continues to expand in our region,” said MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “We are committed to partnering with Joby and other stakeholders to support the workforce and infrastructure investments that further economic growth and resilience in the Monterey Bay region.”
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During Monday’s ceremony, Joby also rolled out its second production prototype aircraft, which will join its first production prototype aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base later this year. Two more aircraft are in final assembly, according to Joby.
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Joby’s manufacturing facility in Marina is the only place in the world where electric aircraft are being manufactured on an assembly line at this scale, according to Joby’s Head of U.S. State and Local Policy George Kivork.  A leader in the electric aircraft field, Joby Aviation is a Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) member organization and a valuable member of our board of directors. MBEP has worked alongside Joby and other stakeholders to support the growth of the company’s promising electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) sector and to develop the types of skilled jobs and clean-energy industries that grow our regional economy. As part of the Joby Aviation Working Group, the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) has worked alongside MBEP members City of Marina, County of Monterey, UCSC, PG&E and many more public-private partners to remove barriers and support Joby’s retention and expansion in the region.

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.
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About Joby: Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY) is a California-based transportation company developing an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing air taxi which it intends to operate as part of a fast, quiet, and convenient service in cities around the world.

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‍FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monterey Bay Tech Hub Launches with New Website
Regional coalition focused on Advanced Air Mobility opportunities to fuel economic growth and job creation
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‍The recently formed Monterey Bay Tech Hub unveiled its new website today as part of collective efforts to create opportunity for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)-based economic growth and job creation in the tri-county region.
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The new Monterey Bay Tech Hub website (https://www.mbtechhub.org/) builds upon regional momentum supporting workforce training and regional infrastructure needs of the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) and hydrogen-fueled aircraft industry.
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The Monterey Bay Tech Hub recognizes the tri-county region of San Benito, Santa Cruz and Monterey counties as a tech hub for advanced air mobility. Its priority areas of focus are Workforce Training, AAM Infrastructure, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and Collective Political Engagement.
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Home to one of the highest concentrations of AAM activity in the world, the tri-county region of San Benito, Santa Cruz, and Monterey counties has three leading passenger eVTOL companies prototyping, testing and/or manufacturing within the region. In addition, global leaders in hydrogen-fueled passenger aircraft and hybrid-fueled “heavy payload’ drone manufacturing are based here, along with large-scale vertical users of AAM technologies in the domains of marine science, defense, agriculture and infrastructure inspection.
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Within this largely agricultural region are multiple defense installations, public and private colleges and universities, marine science research institutions and several smaller metropolitan statistical areas.
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The Monterey County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) identified AAM as a strategic opportunity, as did the region’s Investment Plan for the Regions Rise Together (RRT) Initiative, a visioning document used in several federal and state grant applications.
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Jointly supporting this unified regional consortium are leading Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) companies Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation, higher education, military, and municipal leadership, regional government, municipal airports, and community organizations.
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Founding members of Monterey Bay Tech Hub are Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, UC Santa Cruz, and Monterey Bay DART, all of whom serve on its executive committee.
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Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) President & CEO Tahra Goraya: “Advanced air mobility and adjacent industries hold opportunities that can uplift our regional economy, and we’re committed to addressing the workforce and infrastructure demands that will ensure that those industries can thrive here in the Monterey Bay region.”  “I’m honored to participate with the Monterey Bay Tech Hub as an ex officio member,” said Assemblymember Dawn Addis. “The Tech Hub compliments important existing economic initiatives across the Central Coast, prioritizing clean tech innovation, workforce development, and prosperity for local community members.“

About Monterey Bay Tech Hub: The Monterey Bay Tech Hub is a coalition of regional stakeholders who recognize the need for collective action to strengthen the opportunity for AAM-based economic growth and job creation in the Tri-County region. Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, UC Santa Cruz, and Monterey Bay DART are founding members.

media@mbep.biz

‍FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Uplift Central Coast Awarded $14 Million to Accelerate Local Economic and Workforce Projects Across Six Counties
Central Coast coalition granted funding from the California Jobs First Regional Investment Initiative
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‍Uplift Central Coast Coalition (Uplift) project has been awarded $14 million from the California Regional Investment Initiative of the California Jobs First program (formerly known as the Community Economic Resilience Fund or CERF). Launched in 2021 by Governor Newsom, this initiative supported the establishment of Uplift, a coalition convened by three economic development agencies: REACH, Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), and Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP). The $14 million in funding, known as the "Catalyst Program," will bolster Uplift's ongoing efforts to craft strategic roadmaps and recommend investments for the six-county Central Coast region.

Funding supports Uplift's goals of building an equitable and sustainable economy on the Central Coast as well as fostering economic resilience over the long term. Uplift is one of 13 statewide Jobs First Collaboratives designated by the state with $182 million distributed among the regions to enhance the initial $5 million planning grants awarded in 2022. This $14 million grant will bridge the gap between planning regional economic strategies and implementing projects aimed at achieving aligned outcomes.  

Tahra Goraya, President & CEO of MBEP, highlighted the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives into the vision for the economic future of the Central Coast: "We are excited to continue developing a shared vision that incorporates equity, environmental justice, and public health, while centering our diverse workforce and communities."  

Through 2023, Uplift project conducted extensive research, met with over 1,600 community members in small group sessions and larger gatherings, conducted a public opinion poll with over 1,200 Central Coast residents, and partnered with Community Based Organizations across the region to advance understanding of the challenges faced by Central Coast residents. In January 2024, Uplift released a comprehensive 200-page report based on this research, which informs their transition to strategy development. Their goal now is to identify impactful, equitable ways to improve the local economy and then submit a plan to the State by June 2024.

For further information on Uplift and its convening organizations, please visit the Uplift Central Coast website (UpliftCentralCoast.org). To learn more about the Regional Investment Initiative, read the recent announcement from the State of California.

About Uplift Central Coast Coalition: Uplift Central Coast is a six-county partnership convened by three economic development agencies — the Economic Development Collaborative, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, and REACH — with the shared goal of creating an equitable economic resilience plan through creative and sustainable community-led efforts for residents throughout Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties.

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  Monterey Bay Economic Partnership is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

media@mbep.biz

‍FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership’s Latest White Paper Outlines Considerations for the Use of Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) in California’s Central Coast
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‍MBEP’s latest white paper, “Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) in California’s Central Coast,” explores the implications of significant advancements in wireless communication technology and offers recommendations for improved wireless connectivity in California's Central Coast.Read the white paper and an executive summary here.
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While the evolving technological and regulatory landscape surrounding Citizens Broadband Radio Service holds promise for improving connectivity on the Central Coast, the region’s unique characteristics pose clear challenges to its application as a reliable source of communications technology, including service and reliability disruptions, possible unexpected shutdowns and possible performance issues caused by limited channel availability within specific areas.
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The use of CBRS in the Central Coast region offers opportunities for enhanced wireless connectivity to unserved/underserved residents, and can potentially leverage innovations in spectrum sharing. However, CBRS also requires careful consideration of the region's unique challenges. Proposed changes could make CBRS technology a workable choice for delivering broadband to unserved/underserved residents. MBEP recommendations specific actions that local governments or their ISP partners could take to mitigate some of those issues, but for the time being, MBEP recommends against the adoption of CBRS as a reliable solution for rural and underserved areas. Continued collaboration between regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders, and technology providers will be needed to make CBRS viable for the Central Coast region.
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MBEP’s previous white paper, State of Broadband in the Monterey Bay Region, addresses the current state of broadband and digital equity in the region, with recommendations for improving infrastructure, access, and affordability through a flexible, adaptable approach to regional needs — adopting a hybrid broadband model to address the complex needs across the region — rather than from a “one size fits all" approach. Investing in broadband infrastructure, fostering public-private partnerships, and expanding last-mile connectivity are essential steps toward closing the Digital Divide.
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About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  Monterey Bay Economic Partnership is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

media@mbep.biz

‍FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Building an Inclusive Economy in the Monterey Bay Region: Upcoming Study Sessions Will Focus on Developing Collective Strategies to Build a Thriving Community
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‍Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) kicks off a series of community study sessions aimed at fostering dialogue and engagement around its recently released report, Building an Inclusive Economy in the Monterey Bay Region: A Progress Report. The report, covering Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties, serves as a valuable tool for community and business leaders, offering indicators that shed light on the current status and progress made in building a fully inclusive economy and designed to catalyze discussion and further investigation.

Traditional metrics of growth and inclusion, which focus on simple measures of economic output and income, are inadequate for a full understanding of our economy and economic inclusion. There is a growing movement towards developing a more complex and systems orientation to understanding our economy in a way that incorporates greater attention to ecological and social well-being. At both a metropolitan and national scale, there is now strong evidence that more equitable regions and countries have better economic performance — stronger growth and more high-quality jobs, greater resilience in the face of economic downturns, and more able to take advantage of new innovations and respond productively to economic shocks or structural changes.
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These study sessions will delve into these indicators, providing a platform for community members to share insights and perspectives and collectively develop strategies to address highlighted issues. Join us in shaping the future of our region by participating in these informative and collaborative sessions:

• Santa Cruz:  Noon-2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28 at Cruzio, 877 Cedar St. Suite  150, Santa Cruz. Lunch will be provided. RSVP for this session
• Hollister: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29 at Community Foundation Epicenter, 440 San Benito St., Hollister. Dinner will be provided. RSVP for this session
• Additional Community Study Sessions at locations in Watsonville, Marina/Monterey, and online, will also take place during March and April, with details to come.

The full report, commissioned by Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) and developed by the Institute for Social Transformation at UC Santa Cruz, is available here.
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“Our report provides a roadmap to focus further discussions that can help our region shape the next steps toward a fully inclusive economy in the Monterey Bay region,” said MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “We welcome all those who live and work here to join in these important discussions.”
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All are welcome. These events are free for everyone but advance RSVP is required. Register at the following link: mbep.biz/events/community-study-sessions
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About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  Monterey Bay Economic Partnership is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

media@mbep.biz

‍FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Regional Leaders Convene Tech Hub Consortium Effort
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‍Leading Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) companies, Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation, recently met with Monterey Bay region higher educational, military, and municipal leadership to launch a coordinated effort to support workforce training and regional infrastructure needs of the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) and hydrogen-fueled aircraft industry.

The meeting, convened at UC Santa Cruz’s MBEST Center, was led by Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP), Monterey Bay Drone, Automation, and Robotics Technology (DART) Initiative, and UC Santa Cruz, all of whom are jointly supporting this unified regional consortium of AAM companies, regional government, municipal airports, public education, and community organizations. Established in the fall of 2023, this consortium recognizes the tri-county region of San Benito, Santa Cruz and Monterey counties as an emerging tech hub for advanced air mobility.

MBEP's board president, UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Cindy Larive, expressed her enthusiasm for this initial convening. "Recognition of the emergence of an advanced air mobility Tech Hub in the tri-county region should serve to galvanize our efforts to improve workforce education," said Larive.“

Innovations in advanced air mobility and adjacent industries promise to strengthen our regional economy, and we’re ensuring that the infrastructure is in place to support that growth,” said MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “These conversations are focused on developing a clear vision for our region and a game plan to ensure that we’re meeting the workforce needs of those who already live and work in the Monterey Bay region.

”Monterey Bay DART Executive Director Josh Metz weighed in on regional infrastructure development. "AAM companies have recognized the ideal geography and local airports of the tri-county region for AAM testing,” Metz said. “We have an incredible opportunity to secure this region's seat at the advanced air mobility sector table, and support the growth of these exciting companies while realizing a more diverse, resilient, and inclusive economy for the Monterey Bay region and the state of California.”
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Archer's Chief People & Partnerships Officer, Tosha Perkins, expressed support for consortium efforts: "The AAM industry holds tremendous economic growth and job creation potential, and the tri-county region is at the heart of these efforts,” said Perkins. “We're proud to be collaborating with key public and private sector stakeholders in our region to ensure California continues to lead the world on this innovative technology as we work together to unlock the full potential that the electrification of aviation has to offer.

"Joby's President of Operations and MBEP Board Member, Bonny Simi, stated, "Our deep, years-long partnerships with numerous members of the Tech Hub consortium have resulted in impactful workforce initiatives and the creation of hundreds of high-tech manufacturing jobs in the region. We are enthusiastic about continuing this important work for the benefit of the community."

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  Monterey Bay Economic Partnership is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

About Monterey Bay DART Initiative: The Monterey Bay Drone, Automation, and Robotics Technology (DART) Initiative is a pioneering nonprofit organization committed to fostering innovation and creating high-road career pathways in emerging technology fields including drone, automation, and robotics technology. Through strategic cross-sector partnerships, industry and community engagement, and educational programs, we aim to realize an advanced technology innovation ecosystem, while empowering underserved communities and driving inclusive economic growth in the Monterey Bay region. Learn more at MBDART.org.

media@mbep.biz

‍FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, Rep. Panetta and Boulder Creek Business Association Convene Community Roundtable on Broadband and Cellular Service Expansion
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‍Meeting the challenges of broadband access and affordability in Boulder Creek was the focus of a roundtable forum on Friday, Feb. 23, hosted by the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP), in collaboration with U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta and the Boulder Creek Business Association (BCBA).
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The roundtable at Boulder Creek Recreation Center provided a unique opportunity to engage in strategic discussions regarding the expansion of broadband and cellular services in the Boulder Creek region and to foster collaborative dialogue. By bringing together a select group of local business and community leaders, representatives from state elected offices, county government officials, area-serving ISPs, and state/federal broadband offices, the roundtable provided an essential platform for shaping the future of broadband infrastructure and connectivity in Boulder Creek, a largely unserved or underserved area due to its rugged landscape and remote areas.
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“Access to reliable and affordable internet has become a critical necessity impacting education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, yet too many disparities persist,” said Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “Thank you to our partners who joined this important conversation to leverage federal and state resources, including MBEP members County of Santa Cruz, Cruzio Internet, Surfnet Communications, Ridge Wireless, and Comcast. Together and in partnership, we can reduce the digital divide.”

“The historic build-out of broadband infrastructure across the country requires active engagement from our community to ensure its success,” said Rep. Panetta. “In collaborating with the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership to convene informative roundtables, we want to make sure that our community is united and ready to advocate strongly for reliable and reasonable broadband and cellular service. We want to continue to build our partnership at every level with local businesses and community leaders so that California’s 19th Congressional District leads the way for this transformative investment.

”The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program is being implemented in California by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Nationally, BEAD provides $42.45 billion to expand high-speed internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment and adoption programs. California has been allocated approximately $1.86 billion under BEAD based on the federal government's calculation of California's share of unserved locations nationally. "The California Public Utilities Commission appreciates Representative Panetta and his office for allowing us to share important information about the $1.86 billion of federal funding that California was allocated for last-mile broadband programs," said Jonathan Lakritz, Program Manager at the CPUC.

The roundtable discussion included:

• Introductory remarks by Rep. Panetta and MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya;
• A National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) overview of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) by Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD) Federal Program Officer Marina McLatchie;
• An overview of California’s BEAD Proposal by CPUC  Programs Manager Jonathan Lakritz;
• County CIO Perspective: Overview of Santa Cruz County’s Existing Efforts by Tammie Weigl
• Community Shared Story by Karen Edwards, President, Boulder Creek Business Association (BCBA)
• Overview of funding opportunities and cellular considerations presented by Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Senior Broadband Advisor David Witkowski;
• Ameer (MBEP) Final Call to Action/Event

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  Monterey Bay Economic Partnership is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has approved grant funding of up to $5,650,000 to Cruzio Media, Inc. (Cruzio), member of Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) and Central Coast Broadband Consortium (CCBC). The funding will expand middle-mile broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved rural, agricultural, and low-income communities on the Central Coast.
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Using state-of-the-art fixed wireless hardware already deployed in a pilot project partnership with the Santa Clara County Office of Education, Cruzio’s Equal Access Summits to the Sea (EAS2C) Project will bring multi-hundred Mbps broadband to thousands of locations in this underserved region. The result will be greater competition and new opportunities leading to lower prices for residents across the entire region.
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The Equal Access Summits to the Sea Project will construct a fixed-wireless hybrid middle-mile and last-mile broadband network that will enable speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) download and 1 Gbps upload to 759 unserved locations in Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties, where the continued degradation of the copper-based telecommunications network only exacerbates digital inequities and public safety problem in rural areas frequently at risk of natural disasters.
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Cruzio’s Equal Access Summits to the Sea (EAS2C) Project is the largest of three CPUC grants, totaling a combined $7 million, awarded last week to support high-speed internet projects in rural areas of California.
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As executive director of the CCBC, MBEP has been an early advocate and supportive partner of Cruzio's EAS2C project, providing regional expertise, technical assistance, and facilitated communications with the CPUC. The streamlined support played a significant role in ensuring that the region was not overlooked for funding in favor of more dense urban settings.
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"Cruzio and CCBC have worked for many years towards improving broadband connectivity in our region,” said Cruzio Chief Operating Officer James Hackett. “With its generational upgrade to internet access in rural and underserved areas, Equal Access Summits to the Sea represents a huge step towards our shared goals. Without the consortium’s assistance in data analysis and community engagement, this project would not be possible."
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“This is a great win for our region! This project addresses a critical need to close the digital divide in an economically and geographically diverse region where many residents do not have access to affordable, reliable broadband,” said Monterey Bay Economic Partnership President & CEO Tahra Goraya.
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The California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account provides grant funding to internet service providers (ISPs) to build or upgrade broadband infrastructure in areas that are unserved by existing broadband providers.
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Since 2016, the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership has championed digital equity in the Monterey Bay region, convening stakeholders toward collective impact in programs and policies that address the region's digital divide. MBEP has previously collaborated with Cruzio, most notably on Equal Access Monterey Bay, an initiative to implement long-term solutions to provide broadband access for all residents of the Monterey Bay region, regardless of income or socioeconomic status. In 2021, MBEP helped secure a CPUC grant that allowed Cruzio to complete a CASF Line Extension Program project to bring broadband to over 250 residents of the San Jerardo farmworker housing cooperative near Salinas; the project was completed in fall 2022.
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“I am pleased to support these CASF grants that will provide over $7 million to build-out broadband internet service to low-income households and businesses in unserved and underserved parts of our state. These awards will help address both the availability and affordability challenges to accessing broadband by supporting infrastructure grants that will bring essential broadband services to some of California’s most vulnerable customers,” said CPUC Commissioner Darcie L. Houck.
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The project received strong community support from local government and community representatives, including U.S. Reps. Jimmy Panetta and Anna Eshoo, State Sen. John Laird, members of the Santa Cruz and Monterey County Boards of Supervisors, county superintendents, several mayors, civic and business leaders, and nonprofit organizations from across the region.
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About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  Monterey Bay Economic Partnership is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

media@mbep.biz

‍FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rep. Panetta and Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Convene Community Roundtable on Expanding of Broadband and Cellular Service in Big Sur
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‍Meeting the challenges of broadband access and affordability in the Big Sur region was the focus of an exclusive roundtable on Friday, Feb. 9, hosted by Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) and Congressman Jimmy Panetta.

The roundtable at Big Sur Lodge provided a unique opportunity to engage in strategic discussions regarding the expansion of broadband and cellular services in the Big Sur region and to foster collaborative dialogue. By bringing together a select group of local business and community leaders, representatives from state elected offices, county government officials, area-serving ISPs, and state/federal broadband offices, the roundtable provided an essential platform for shaping the future of broadband infrastructure and connectivity in Big Sur, a largely unserved or underserved area due to its rugged landscape and remote areas.

“Access to reliable and affordable internet has become a critical necessity impacting education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, yet too many disparities persist,” said Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “Investing in broadband infrastructure, fostering public-private partnerships, and expanding last-mile connectivity are essential steps toward closing the Digital Divide in our rural communities and across the Monterey Bay region.”
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“The expansion of reliable, widespread broadband and cellular service is essential to the people of Big Sur and their economy, quality of life, and public safety,” said Rep. Panetta.  “Last Congress, we made the largest federal investment in history to extend broadband to places that lack service and lower the everyday costs for families. This roundtable made clear that the Big Sur community is united in our efforts to ensure connectivity and ready to take coordinated action to secure the proper amount of investment in our home.”
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The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program is being implemented in California by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Nationally, BEAD provides $42.45 billion to expand high-speed internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment and adoption programs. California has been allocated approximately $1.86 billion under BEAD based on the federal government's calculation of California's share of unserved locations nationally.

The roundtable discussion included:

• A National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) overview of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) by Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD) Federal Program Officer Marina McLatchie;
• An overview of California’s BEAD Proposal by CPUC Communications Director Rob Osborn;
• Scale fees by square footage rather than per housing unit to incentivize more units per development. Collect impact fees as a requirement for issuing the certificate of occupancy, rather than earlier in a project’s timeline, to help reduce risk and financing costs to the developer.
• A Community Shared Story by Patte Kronlund of the Big Sur Multi-Agency Advisory Council (BSMAAC)
• An overview of funding opportunities and cellular considerations presented by Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Senior Broadband Advisor David Witkowski.

“The NTIA is providing much-needed funding for projects in hard-to-reach areas of California where traditional providers have refused to go,” said CPUC Communications Director Robert Osborn.

Public input is essential to verifying that broadband maps developed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are accurate in identifying the unserved and underserved communities most in need of funding for high-speed internet infrastructure investments. Learn more about how to help ensure the FCC’s Broadband Map is accurate and check the National Broadband Map.

"The goal of reaching 100% for all households will take local boots-on-the-ground knowledge working with ISP's to design a custom system that will serve the Big Sur area," said Patte Kronlund, Executive Director of the Community Association of Big Sur Fire Adapted Big Sur (CABS).
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About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  Monterey Bay Economic Partnership is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

media@mbep.biz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Endorsements
MBEP Supports Measure K (Santa Cruz County), Measure L (City of Santa Cruz), Measure N (Pajaro Valley Health Care District Bond Measure); Opposes Measure M (City of Santa Cruz)
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‍Santa Cruz County voters will decide on a slate of local initiatives on the March 5 ballot with significant implications for housing, healthcare, and economic resilience. Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is taking the following positions on local measures that will directly impact our local economy and regional well-being.

VOTE YES ON K:  ½ Cent Sales Tax for Local Services in County of Santa Cruz
The proposed tax measure in Santa Cruz County is a reflection of the community's efforts to address its growing needs through a half-cent sales tax increase. The primary aim of this measure is to generate additional funds to support a wide array of community services and infrastructure improvements, while also grappling with the challenges imposed by a rising cost of living and climate change threats. Implementation of this measure would increase the sales tax rate from 9% to 9.5% in the unincorporated areas of the county, generating estimated revenues of $5 million to $7.5 million in Fiscal Year 2024-25, and approximately $10,000,000 in subsequent years. If approved, the sales tax increase would apply only to purchases made within the county’s unincorporated areas and would exempt essential purchases like groceries and prescription medicine to avoid burdening those on fixed or limited incomes. The County Board of Supervisors has earmarked $1 million each for climate resiliency and county parks, road repair and infrastructure projects, housing and essential workforce retention, and homelessness services during the first year of the tax. Those revenues hold substantial potential for addressing housing-related issues within Santa Cruz County, a critical concern given the rising cost of living and housing shortages affecting essential workers. A portion of these funds is earmarked for housing and essential workforce retention, aiming to mitigate the affordable housing crisis and ensure that essential workers such as nurses, teachers, and emergency personnel can continue to live and work in the community they serve. This commitment to housing reflects a broader understanding of the importance of stable and affordable housing in maintaining a healthy, resilient, and thriving community, especially for those who are foundational to its daily operations and safety. Measure K is a crucial step in addressing the immediate challenges facing Santa Cruz County.

VOTE YES ON L: ½ Cent Sales Tax Increase for City of Santa Cruz Services
Proposed half-cent sales tax increase in the City of Santa Cruz is aimed at addressing some of the city’s most pressing challenges, including homelessness, environmental conservation, and the enhancement of public safety and infrastructure. This measure would increase sales tax from 9.25% to 9.75% and is expected to generate an additional $8.3 million annually, significantly boosting the city's budget without adding substantial administrative costs. These funds, directed into the General Fund, would support essential services ranging from homelessness response to wildfire mitigation and maintenance of parks and beaches.The proposed sales tax increase exempts essentials like groceries and medicine to minimize the financial impact on low-income households. If passed, revenues from Measure L taxation will be allocated towards homelessness in Santa Cruz, wildfire protection, and fighting pollution. Measure L is a proactive step in addressing the housing crisis in Santa Cruz, creating a sustainable source of funding for essential services, supporting the city's well-being and growth, and contributing to a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant Santa Cruz.

VOTE YES ON N: Pajaro Valley Health Care District Bond
Proposed $116 million bond by the Pajaro Valley HealthCare District would generate approximately $6.8 million annually for the District, to help renovate, modernize, and expand healthcare services and equipment at Watsonville Community Hospital and continue to improve healthcare access and equity throughout the Pajaro Valley, southern Santa Cruz County, northern Monterey County, and the Central Coast. Following bankruptcy proceedings brought by the previous, for-profit hospital owners, Watsonville Community Hospital nearly closed in 2021. Local government agencies and community organizations worked with state legislators and others to raise enough funds to buy the hospital out of bankruptcy in September 2022. Despite making significant improvements to operations, the hospital announced in August 2023 that it was barely making payroll for approximately 900 employees and was receiving an $8.3 million no-interest loan from the state’s Distressed Hospital Loan Program. Hospital leaders contend that the bond is a critical part of the path toward financial sustainability. Without the additional funding Measure N would provide, Watsonville Community Hospital’s long-term sustainability is uncertain. Closure of Watsonville Community Hospital would likely cause the collapse of Santa Cruz County’s healthcare system, adversely impact Monterey County’s healthcare system, and have negative impacts on thousands of Central Coast residents, businesses, and institutions.
This measure's approval will not only fund the acquisition of the hospital property and improvements to infrastructure and equipment, but it will also support healthcare workers, and contribute to the overall well-being of the Watsonville community, and the Santa Cruz community at large. The passage of Measure N is a crucial step in creating a more sustainable, effective, and equitable healthcare system for our region.  

VOTE NO ON M - City of Santa Cruz Housing for People Initiative
Measure M's requirement for prior voter approval for amendments to height limits or floor area ratios adds layers of obstacles that potentially slow down the development process and impede the city's responsiveness to changing urban needs. Furthermore, the proposed increase in inclusionary housing requirements from 20% to at least 25% for developments with 30 or more housing units may pose financial challenges that could potentially deter investment in housing projects, impacting the overall housing supply.

The cost of living in Santa Cruz has risen to a point where housing affordability is a significant concern, making housing unattainable for a significant portion of the community.  At a time when the City of Santa Cruz is facing acute affordable housing challenges, Measure M would constrain housing supply and result in a reduction of affordable housing production, potentially impacting a broad range of projects, including but not limited to 100% affordable projects, single-family homes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and mixed-use projects.Those restraints would make it more difficult for the city to meet its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) targets. MBEP joins the large coalition of local affordable housing advocates in opposing this counterproductive measure.

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  Monterey Bay Economic Partnership is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

media@mbep.biz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Affordable Connectivity Program Faces Uncertain Future
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is Working to Increase Awareness of Feb. 7 Deadline
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The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a critical broadband subsidy that has helped bridge the digital divide for roughly one in six Americans, could be ending next month. Barring congressional action, the Affordable Connectivity Program — America's largest and most successful broadband affordability program in the nation's history — will stop accepting new applications and enrollments on Feb. 7, 2024.

Nearly 23 million eligible low-income U.S. households currently rely on the ACP to pay for the high-speed internet service they need for school, work, health care, and more. The $14.2 billion originally appropriated by Congress for the ACP is expected to run out in April or May. While Congress may yet appropriate additional funds, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proceeded as if the program will end.

Eligible households have until 8:59 p.m. PT on Feb. 7 to get enrolled and approved by a service provider to receive the ACP benefit. Eligibility details can be found here: https://www.internetforallnow.org/applytoday

“Access to affordable and reliable internet is essential to the quality of life and economic well-being in the Monterey Bay region, but too many households struggle to afford monthly broadband service,” said Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “We must collaborate as a region to ensure that eligible households sign up before the Feb. 7 deadline, and to advocate for policies and programs that advance digital equity.

”Currently, enrollment lags behind eligibility: While 45 percent of households in the tri-county region are eligible for the ACP, just 30 percent have enrolled. In San Benito County, where 52 percent of households are eligible, just 34 percent have enrolled.

In Monterey County, 47 percent of households are eligible, with 31 percent enrolled; and in Santa Cruz County, 42 percent of households are eligible, with just 28 percent enrolled.California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) and MBEP are calling for all stakeholders (county/municipal staff, ISPs, CBOs, elected offices) from all three counties to get involved in raising awareness about ACP’s potential end, the wind-down timeline, and the Feb. 7 enrollment freeze, and to continue to work toward ensuring affordability of broadband services for our communities.

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

Contact:
Marie Vasari Hislop
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership
media@mbep.biz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MBEP and Institute for Social Transformation at UC Santa Cruz Release Comprehensive New Study on ‘Building an Inclusive Economy in the Monterey Bay Region: A Progress Report’
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A new report commissioned by Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) and developed by the Institute for Social Transformation at UC Santa Cruz presents a range of indicators that can be used to develop strategies toward a more inclusive economy in the Monterey Bay region. “Building an Inclusive Economy in the Monterey Bay Region: A Progress Report” is designed to help community and business leaders throughout Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties better understand the progress we are making towards a more inclusive economy and to help identify priority areas that need attention.

Traditional metrics of growth and inclusion, which focus on simple measures of economic output and income, are inadequate for a full understanding of our economy and economic inclusion. There is a growing movement towards developing a more complex and systems orientation to understanding our economy in a way that incorporates greater attention to ecological and social well-being. At both a metropolitan and national scale, there is now strong evidence that more equitable regions and countries have better economic performance — stronger growth and more high-quality jobs, greater resilience in the face of economic downturns, and more able to take advantage of new innovations and respond productively to economic shocks or structural changes.

“This new report provides strong evidence of the progress being made toward an equitable regional economy,” said MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “It also serves as a roadmap for where we need to come together to develop effective economic strategies to improve social equity in our region.

”Across the five dimensions of inclusivity of our indicators, the most positive trends are in the area of sustainability. Air quality has improved, per capita Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions have declined, and our energy intensity (economic output per unit of electricity) has gotten better. There remains significant room for improvement in all these areas, especially in reducing GHG emissions to meet key targets related to mitigating climate change, but the trends are in the right direction.  It also is encouraging that our overall levels of income inequality seem to have remained largely steady over the past decade, despite income inequality increasing state-wide, and our overall levels of income inequality are less than the state average.  

Overall, however, our indicators show major challenges across multiple dimensions of our economy. Key highlights in each category include the following:

Equitable:
Overall, there are stark inequalities along racial lines in our region. This is true in income, wealth accumulation, and educational attainment. While we’ve made substantial improvements in educational attainment over the past decade, major educational inequalities remain.

Participatory:
Though the ability to participate in our regional economy appears to be improving, participation remains disparate between racial groups and has been slow to produce benefits for many community members. In terms of participating in economic development decision-making, rates of eligible voter turnout remain low in the region, with the exception of an expected surge during the last presidential election in 2020. Notably, Monterey County, the county with the most population in our region, has consistently shown the lowest eligible voter turnout rates for each election year. In terms of economic participation, despite a rise in new business applications, self-employment income has not increased across most racial groups. Undocumented workers play a crucial role in our regional labor force and are more likely to be active members of the workforce than documented workers, but face much worse economic circumstances. And although internet accessibility has slightly improved over time, access disparities still exist between racial groups.

Growing:
Our regional economy has shown inequitable growth across several areas. Both GDP per capita and labor productivity have increased over the last decade, representing strong development at the macro-level. However, employment in high value-added industries has flattened, highlighting our regional dependence on low-wage industries. At the household and individual levels, the burdens of a booming housing market have been carried by low-income residents. Household food insecurity rates have remained steady, though more prevalent in Monterey County than elsewhere. There has been a reduction in the percentage of people earning below 200% of the federal poverty level, perhaps pointing to improvements in opportunities for low-income households.

Sustainable:
On a very promising note, our regional economic growth has mitigated excessive damage to the environment. Electricity energy intensity and air quality have both improved over the last decade. Additionally, GHG emissions per capita have continued to decrease, reducing emissions across all three counties by over 20% in just the last decade.  We need to reduce GHG emissions even faster to achieve key targets related to mitigating climate change.

Stable:
Our regional economy remains more volatile than the state-level economy as a whole. Means of maintaining financial stability, such as health insurance coverage, have improved over time. However, social safety nets for those outside of the traditional labor force are not adequate. Counties have begun spending less on social security and welfare programs, and retirement savings have decreased amongst lower-income households. Regarding community stability, the violent crime rate has declined throughout the region. Yet, property crime remains high in key cities, especially Santa Cruz.

"Accurate data is important for grounding discussions about challenges and opportunities we face in the region," said Chris Benner, Faculty Director of the Institute for Social Transformation. "We hope this report can help support conversations between a wide range of community, business, and public sector leaders throughout the region in developing priority investments and strategies in the year ahead."

The full report is available here. https://ow.ly/JFhQ50Qli6H

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

About UCSC Institute for Social Transformation: Rooted in the Social Sciences Division at UC Santa Cruz, the institute supports innovative scholarship that changes the world. The institute is a critical intellectual and social hub, connecting scholars across UC Santa Cruz and partners beyond the University, developing research-based solutions to urgent problems in the world.‍

Contact:
Marie Vasari Hislop
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership
media@mbep.biz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership statement on Israel-Hamas War
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From the beginning, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) has worked to improve the economic health and quality of life in the Monterey Bay region. We’re driven by the vision of a thriving region where residents have access to well-paying jobs and our region’s employers can attract and retain a qualified workforce, and where residents have access to adequate, safe and affordable housing and reliable broadband.

As the Israel-Hamas War continues, not only are there far-reaching economic implications but also significant impacts on members of our region with business, familial or cultural connections to the region. And as an increasingly connected world, the war is fueling tensions closer to home — in the form of discrimination, disinformation, hate speech, bullying, antisemitism, and Islamophobia.

As the humanitarian crisis worsens overseas, leaders here in the Monterey Bay region and beyond are appealing to our better natures, reminding us that we are better than our disagreements and perceived divisions. We are connected, all of us — on a neighborhood, community, regional, and global level — and it’s important to remember that challenging times needn’t be polarizing. It’s these moments when we must lean into our humanity and advocate for each other.

Diversity on all levels — including our diverse political perspectives and personal backgrounds — is something to be celebrated, and we must always approach those differences and diversities from a place of mutual respect rather than mistrust. Now more than ever, what we say matters: Our words have the power to fuel hate, sow division, and create fear, but our words also have incredible power to support and reassure, to help and to heal.

Ultimately, we all want to feel safe and connected in our homes, places of work and worship, on our social media, and in our schools and communities. Peace and safety fuel thriving economies, locally and globally.

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership joins educational, civic and other community leaders in appealing to our common ground, to our better natures, and to all that unites us as we focus on our common goals for the region.
About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.‍

Contact:
Marie Vasari Hislop
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership
media@mbep.biz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Celebrates Approval of Pajaro Recovery Plan
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Community members and business leaders in Pajaro are celebrating the approval of a $20 million Pajaro recovery plan unanimously approved by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday that allocates half that amount — $10 million — to individual economic assistance and small business recovery to address a range of community needs and past neglect, following the flooding that impacted the unincorporated community in March.

Sister Rosa Dolores Rodriguez, Executive Director of Casa de la Cultura Center in Pajaro, celebrated Wednesday’s announcement, describing it as the result of truly collaborative efforts.
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“This is such a wonderful result of what can happen when we come together,” said Sister Rosa Dolores. “The community can now see how having one voice, speaking with one voice, is important, recognizing that there is power in groups and in coming together.”
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Casa de la Cultura Center, a nonprofit led by Sister Rosa Dolores, has worked tirelessly with a consortium of community organizations and businesses to identify and prioritize the short- and long-term needs in Pajaro following the disastrous flooding.  
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Quickly formed in response, the Pajaro Disaster Long Term Recovery Alianza includes the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz, Positive Discipline Community Resources, Watsonville Second Harvest Food Bank, Pajaro Valley Prevention & Student Assistance, Driscoll’s, Inc., Casa de la Cultura Center, and others.
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Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) provided technical assistance to the Alianza by conducting a needs assessment and will serve as fiscal administrator to the consortium for the recovery funding.  
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The silver lining is that the Pajaro community is mobilized to advocate for its long-term safety and recovery. With community and business input, the top priorities were determined to be household assistance including home repairs, direct assistance to businesses to replace damaged equipment, and disaster case management to meet residents’ remaining unmet needs. The collaboration among businesses and residents, including the indigenous Mixteco community, ensured that funding was allocated at a level that would address the significant damage done by the March floods.
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This funding is much needed in Pajaro, said District 2 Supervisor Glenn Church, who advocated for the allocation of more funding to meet individual unmet needs. The final list of projects reflects the intent of AB 102 to provide assistance to the community of Pajaro, including direct assistance to all residents and workers, regardless of documentation and citizenship status. Undocumented individuals are not eligible for FEMA assistance.  
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“We’re so excited to assist with the next phase of economic recovery for the Pajaro community,” said Monterey Bay Economic Partnership President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “So much hard work has already been done by the Pajaro Disaster Long Term Recovery Alianza, and we’re looking forward to our ongoing collaboration on the road to economic recovery.”
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The county’s vote on Wednesday approves the projects for Pajaro totaling $20 million. This summer, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order to expedite emergency repairs to the levee, and in October, the governor signed AB 876, authored by California State Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, which further expedites the longer-term levee modernization project and ensures that Pajaro residents will experience a significant increase in flood protection and security.
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About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.‍

Contact:
Marie Vasari Hislop
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership
media@mbep.biz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Joby Aviation Awarded $9.8 Million CalCompetes Grant Supporting Local Expansion
‍Planned 200,000-foot expansion of the company’s manufacturing, maintenance, and pilot training facility at the Marina Municipal Airport will bring hundreds of new full-time jobs to the region

‍Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY) has been awarded a $9.8 million California Competes grant from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) to support its continued expansion in California. The funding will support the growth of the company’s manufacturing footprint in Marina and the creation of 690 new full-time jobs statewide by 2027.

“This is a historic investment that will bring hundreds of new jobs and a significant economic boost to the Monterey Bay region,” said MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “Monterey Bay Economic Partnership is thrilled to continue supporting  Joby as it continues to expand its operations in Marina and across California.”

A leader in the electric aircraft field, Joby Aviation is a Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) member organization and a valuable member of our board of directors. MBEP has worked alongside Joby and other stakeholders to support the growth of the company’s promising electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) sector and to develop the types of skilled jobs and clean-energy industries that grow our regional economy.

As part of the Joby Aviation Working Group, the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) has worked alongside the City of Marina, Monterey County, CSU Monterey Bay, UC Santa Cruz, the Drone Automation and Robotics Technology (DART) Initiative, the Salinas Inclusive Economic Development Initiative (SIEDI), Drone Automation and Robotics Technology (DART) Initiative, PG&E, Central Coast Clean Energy, the offices of Sen. Anna Caballero, Sen. John Laird, Sen. Dawn Addis, and U.S. Rep. Leon Panetta for the past year to remove barriers and support Joby’s retention and expansion in the region.

In a statement, Joby said the grant would assist in financing significant expansion of its facilities in Marina, supporting higher manufacturing volumes and initial training for pilots and aircraft maintainers, as well as continued hiring at the company’s other offices in San Carlos and Santa Cruz. As part of the agreement, Joby has committed to invest $41.3 million and create 690 additional full-time jobs in the state by 2027.

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

About Joby: Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY) is a California-based transportation company developing an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing air taxi which it intends to operate as part of a fast, quiet, and convenient service in cities around the world. To learn more, visit www.jobyaviation.com.

Contact:
Marie Vasari Hislop
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership
media@mbep.biz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership to Host Holiday Mixer
‍Remarks to be delivered by special guests Monterey Peninsula College Superintendent/President
Dr. Marshall Fulbright III, Joby Aviation Head of Air Operations & People Bonny Simi

‍Join Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Thursday, Dec. 7 for MBEP’s annual Holiday Mixer, featuring an afternoon of celebration and networking as we commemorate our collective achievements in 2023 and look ahead to new opportunities for regional growth and collaboration.

The event promises to be particularly engaging, featuring special remarks by recently appointed Dr. Marshall T. Fulbright III, Superintendent/President of Monterey Peninsula Community College, and longtime MBEP member Joby Aviation's Bonny Simi, Head of Air Operations & People.

This occasion provides an exceptional opportunity to mix and mingle with MBEP members and Board Members and connect with fellow collaborators, industry leaders, and community members while celebrating the holiday spirit together.

“Bringing our members and stakeholders together to collaborate on the challenges and opportunities facing the Monterey Bay region is something we do on an ongoing basis at MBEP,” said MBEP President and CEO Tahra Goraya. “Our annual Holiday Mixer is an occasion to celebrate as a community and to hear from those leading the change about progress being made towards a thriving tri-county region.

”We eagerly anticipate your presence at the Holiday Mixer, where we will honor our collective achievements and set the stage for a prosperous year ahead.

EVENT DETAILS:
Date/Time: Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (Refreshments will be served)
Location: MBEP Headquarters | UCMBEST | 3180 Imjin Road, Marina.All are welcome.

This event is free to MBEP members, $39 for the general public. RSVP here
https://mbepmembermixer.eventbrite.com
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About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.‍

Contact:
Marie Vasari Hislop
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership
media@mbep.biz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Broadband Summit: Registration Now Open - Connecting Communities: Building a Digital Future for All
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Join Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) on Oct. 3 for its highly anticipated Regional Broadband Summit, to take place from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at California State University, Monterey Bay’s University Center. This regional event will unveil MBEP's comprehensive White Paper on the current state of broadband in the region. The White Paper sheds light on the Broadband Initiative's Hybrid Broadband Model as a solution for locations that are unserved and bridge the divide between rural and urban communities across the Central Coast.

The summit will facilitate a dynamic discussion amongst stakeholders, exploring the advantages and limitations of the diverse broadband technologies available. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, this summit promises to be a vital platform for shaping the future of connectivity in the Monterey Bay region.

As a highly regarded liaison between ISPs and local and state officials, MBEP has led the regional Digital Equity mission for many years and continues to play a crucial role in ensuring that funding reaches cities and ISPs in Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties on every level possible. With the support of local agencies and ISPs, MBEP is confident that we can bridge the digital divide together.

“From education and research to healthcare, small business and entrepreneurship, communication and civic participation, our lives today rely on broadband as an essential service, driving economic growth, job creation, and regional well-being,” said Monterey Bay Economic Partnership President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “MBEP continues to lead the way in bringing partners to the table, focusing on the policies and conversations that need to happen to address those digital inequities of broadband infrastructure, access, and awareness.

”Don't miss this unique opportunity to be part of a collective effort to revolutionize broadband accessibility and utilization! Register for MBEP’s Regional Broadband Summit here.

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.‍

Contact:
Marie Vasari Hislop
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership
media@mbep.biz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Supports Joby Aviation’s Ongoing Presence in the Monterey Bay Region and its Transformative Influence on Transportation Solutions
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While Joby Aviation has announced plans to build its first scaled aircraft production facility in Dayton, Ohio,  the company’s growth will continue to have a positive impact on our region, fueling technological innovation into clean energy transportation and the development of an industry sector. The company will continue to have a strong presence here in the Monterey Bay region, with a research and development facility in Marina and company headquarters in Santa Cruz, and its growth will continue to fuel innovation across our region. With approximately 150 open positions across the company’s three California locations, Joby continues to grow its presence in the state.

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is proud to have Joby Aviation as an MBEP member organization and a valuable member of our board of directors, and MBEP will continue to work alongside Joby and other stakeholders to support the growth of the promising electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) sector and to develop the types of skilled jobs and industries that grow our regional economy.

We recognize that Joby’s decision was based on a multitude of factors that can ensure the company’s global competitiveness and future success in an emerging industry.

Joby’s fast, quiet, and all-electric air transport holds so much promise for changing the way people commute in metropolitan areas, and this emerging sector creates the type of jobs that can truly elevate our regional economy: highly skilled, well-paying, and with the promise of rapid growth in coming years.

“We’re proud of the many investments that continue to be made across the Monterey Bay region,” said MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “MBEP continues to work alongside our partners and stakeholders to develop a robust workforce and education pipeline, to ensure that our region’s broadband infrastructure can meet the needs of both today and tomorrow, and to increase the supply of housing at all levels, so that organizations such as Joby and others can attract and retain a quality workforce.“

We’re grateful to the City of Marina, County of Monterey, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (Go-BIZ), UC Santa Cruz, DART, our state and federal elected delegation, and the broad coalition of community partners, for their work to retain Joby’s expansion here.

“Joby Aviation has been a wonderful community partner and has played a pivotal role in the emerging electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle (eVTOL) sector,” said Goraya. “Joby is a changemaker, an innovator, and a transformative asset to our regional economy. We continue to wish Joby the best as they expand.”

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.‍

Contact:
Marie Vasari Hislop
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership
media@mbep.biz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership President & CEO Tahra Goraya Appointed to California Stewardship Network Executive Committee
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Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) President & CEO Tahra Goraya has been named to the executive committee of the California Stewardship Network (CSN), an alliance of regional leaders committed to improving government and creating inclusive, sustainable growth for all.

California Stewardship Network organizations lead innovative regional solutions that can be scaled up to solve some of our state’s most pressing economic, environmental, and social well-being challenges. MBEP is among more than 25 CSN member organizations throughout the state, representing the state’s diverse regions, built upon a foundation of collaboration to move triple-bottom-line solutions that balance equity, the environment, and the economy.

“I am honored to join my colleagues as we work toward a shared vision that embraces what is possible, advances forward-looking solutions, and builds equitable economies,” said Goraya.

Founded in 2008 by the Morgan Family Foundation as a civic venture, California Stewardship Network joined California Forward in 2019, which serves as the backbone of the organization.

"The California Stewardship Network is thrilled to have Tahra come on board as a member of our executive committee," said Ismael (Ish) Herrera, interim CEO of CA FWD and executive director of the California Stewardship Network. "Tahra is a valued member of the CSN, bringing insights and leadership to key priorities of the CSN, including broadband, housing, and inclusive economic development. We are excited to continue working with Tahra, in her new role, to advance solutions that benefit all of the state's regions."

Goraya joins a team of accomplished and influential thought-leaders and innovators on the California Stewardship Network Executive Committee, including Evan Schmidt, CEO, Valley Vision; Michelle Decker, President & CEO, Inland Empire Community Foundation; Melissa James, President & CEO, REACH; Alysia Bell, President, UNITE-LA; Oscar Chavez, President & CEO, Community Foundation Sonoma County; and Ish Herrera, Interim CEO, CA FWD.

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.‍

Contact:
Marie Vasari Hislop
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership
media@mbep.biz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership to Host Community & Board Mixer Aug. 24
‍Join us to network and drive regional growth and prosperity together

‍Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) hosts a unique opportunity to hear from MBEP Board President and UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Cynthia Larive, during an Aug. 24 Community & Board Mixer at MBEP’s office in Marina. Come hear about MBEP’s mission to drive regional growth and prosperity and engage in one-on-one conversations with the influential business leaders, community stakeholders, policymakers, and innovators that make up MBEP’s Board of Directors and members.

Thursday’s mixer is a chance to put a face on the work MBEP does, to hear from MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya, and meet with current and past MBEP board members, member organizations, and the MBEP staff who drive MBEP’s initiatives to bridge the digital divide, retain business and industry for quality, high-paying jobs, and assure housing across all income levels.

MBEP’s Community & Board Mixer, featuring the esteemed Board of Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, is the perfect opportunity to foster meaningful relationships with key players in the region's economic landscape. The mixer takes place from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24 at MBEP’s headquarters at the UCMBEST Center, 3180 Imjin Road, Suite 153 in Marina, with brief remarks and program at 5:30 p.m.

“This is a pivotal moment for housing production, digital equity, and economic development investment opportunities for the Monterey Bay region,” said MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “Come join us on Thursday, put a face to the work and the people behind our initiatives and our mission, and be a part of the conversation on how we can make our economy thrive.”

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.‍

Contact:
Marie Vasari Hislop
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership
media@mbep.biz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MBEP’s Updated White Paper Outlines Policy Recommendations for Improving Regional Housing Supply
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(Marina, CA) —"Practical Housing Policy: Increasing Supply and Affordability," a new white paper released Tuesday at a regional Housing Summit hosted by Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP), offers valuable insights and local policy recommendations for increasing housing supply and affordability for the region. The five policy recommendations in “Practical Housing Policy: Increasing Supply and Affordability” are designed to serve as a catalyst for informed discussions and collaboration among policymakers and stakeholders in tackling housing challenges and shaping the region's housing future.
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The Housing Summit brought together a sold-out audience of nearly 100 people at California State University, Monterey Bay Alumni & Visitors Center, serving as a platform for fostering collaboration among different sectors and advancing practical policies that can increase housing supply, enhance affordability, and shape a more equitable housing ecosystem.
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The following five policy recommendations are designed to provide guidance for jurisdictions in the Monterey Bay region to begin or continue increasing housing supply and affordability:‍

• Streamline permitting and reduce discretionary reviews: Decrease risk and pre-development costs for nonprofit and for-profit developers with objective design guidelines and ministerial approval for specific, needed housing development.
• Increase allowable densities: Enable more efficient use of vacant or non-vacant land – especially in urbanized areas – through updates to zoning regulations and by optimizing height limits and density calculations.
• Reform impact fees: Scale fees by square footage rather than per housing unit to incentivize more units per development. Collect impact fees as a requirement for issuing the certificate of occupancy, rather than earlier in a project’s timeline, to help reduce risk and financing costs to the developer.
• Increase funding sources for affordable housing: Jurisdictions should thoroughly explore funding resources – from the local to state and federal levels – and partnerships in order to increase financing options and affordable housing production.
• Optimize Inclusionary Housing Ordinances: Local jurisdictions can adjust inclusionary requirements, such as affordability proportions in-lieu fees to mitigate disincentivizing effects of Inclusionary Housing Requirements. Maximize incentives for production by offering additional density bonuses, impact fee deferral or reductions, or other concessions to increase developments with inclusionary components

Founded in 2016, MBEP’s Housing Initiative encourages informed decision-making and promotes collective action toward overcoming housing challenges and ensuring a brighter future for housing in the Monterey Bay region. MBEP plans to engage jurisdictions across the region as they craft 6th Cycle Housing Elements and plan to meet RHNA requirements. MBEP can offer technical assistance and convening services to advance much-needed pro-housing policies.
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The release of MBEP’s white paper comes just days after a new report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) highlighted the mismatch between the wages people earn and the price of modest rental housing, ranking  Santa Cruz County as the most expensive place to rent in the country, and Monterey County not far behind in terms of unaffordability for low-income renters. California tops the list of the most expensive states for renters, and nationally, nearly 50% of workers cannot afford a modest one-bedroom rental home at the fair market rent while working one full-time job, and 60% cannot afford a two-bedroom rental home.

Another comprehensive statewide study of homelessness, also released this month, links the loss of income and unsustainable housing costs as the largest contributors to homelessness in California.

MBEP's policy paper can play a critical role in informing local jurisdictions as to how they can advance local housing policies and support solutions to our housing crisis. Read the full policy paper on our Housing Initiative webpage and the executive summary here.
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About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.
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Contact:
Marie Vasari Hislop
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership
media@mbep.biz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Applauds Inauguration of the Honorable Robert Rivas as 71st Speaker of the California State Assembly
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(Marina, CA) —Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) extends its warmest congratulations to Assemblyman Robert Rivas (District 29), who was sworn in this morning as the 71st Speaker of the California State Assembly.
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Rivas, a former San Benito County Supervisor from Hollister, is the grandson of a Mexican immigrant and spent his early years living in farmworker housing on the Central Coast. On Friday, Rivas described the path to his inauguration as state Assembly Speaker as “the American Dream.”As the representative for the 29th Assembly District, which encompasses the Pajaro and Salinas valleys of the Central Coast, Assemblymember Rivas is the first speaker in a generation from a rural region.
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“MBEP congratulates Assemblymember Rivas on his inauguration today,” said MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “We look forward to continued collaboration with him on issues that impact the economic vitality and well-being of the Monterey Bay region.”

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.
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Contact:
Marie Vasari Hislop
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership
media@mbep.biz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Reaffirms its Commitment to Supporting Inclusive Pathways to Educational Opportunities
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(Marina, CA) —In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) reiterates its commitment to equitable economic and workforce development. The court’s ruling on Thursday narrows pathways to higher education and does not make our country globally competitive.
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“Our economy needs a diverse, educated workforce that reflects all voices and experiences, and it is the depth of that broad representation of experiences that makes companies successful and our country great,” said MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “Increased educational access and opportunities for all only stand to strengthen our nation with a strong and diverse labor force that will ensure our economy grows and thrives.”

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.
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Contact:
Marie Vasari Hislop
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership
media@mbep.biz / ‭(831) 224-2132‬

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tri-County Economic Update Highlights Our Shared Regional Economy
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‍(Marina, CA) - Monterey Bay Economic Partnership’s (MBEP) Tri-County Economic Update on Friday, May 5 was a unique opportunity to hear from all three of our region’s County Administrative Officers. Monterey County Administrative Officer Sonia De La Rosa, Santa Cruz County Administrative Officer Carlos Palacios, and San Benito County Administrative Officer Ray Espinosa took part in an engaging discussion addressing the significant challenges and opportunities in our local economies. “This was a historic gathering of all three County Administrative Officers together on the same platform,” said MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “Our mutual needs — to not just respond to but to mitigate climate emergencies, to build housing across all income levels, to meet the infrastructure and workforce development investments of the 21st century — these conversations illustrate the highly collaborative environment of our shared regional economy and the interconnectedness of our region.”
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Some key points from the CAOs:

• High housing costs and income inequity are Monterey County's most significant challenges and are particularly felt by agricultural workers and those impacted by this winter’s storms. The county is adding multiple affordable and agricultural housing developments, and seven farmworker or employer-sponsored housing projects stretching from Pebble Beach to King City.
• Santa Cruz County added 8,000 housing units in the 1980s, but fewer than 5,000 in the past 35 years.
• At a time when jurisdictions must focus on resiliency in light of climate-related emergencies, all three counties face significant impacts and a multi-year recovery process from the winter storms. In Santa Cruz County alone, damages could reach $92 million. The county still has outstanding claims of $67.7 million in unreimbursed FEMA costs due to the CZU Complex Fires and the COVID-19 pandemic.
• In Santa Cruz County, the majority of young people reside in the south part of the county, but higher-wage jobs are mostly in the northern part or outside of it entirely, contributing to long commutes.
• 50  percent of San Benito County’s workforce commutes out of the county, which means when those commuters shop along their commute, those sales tax dollars often go to other counties. That’s particularly challenging since San Benito County is allocated just 11 cents in property tax dollars for municipal services, lower than the state average.
• Santa Cruz County is investing in a countywide healthcare workforce initiative to create career pathways and looking to build additional career pathways in the construction and infrastructure sectors.

Review the event video here and individual Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey presentations, and be sure to mark your calendars for MBEP’s upcoming Ninth Annual Regional Economic Outlook featuring Dr. Chris Thornberg on May 25!

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

Contact:
Marie Vasari Hislop
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership
media@mbep.biz‬

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya Joins California Delegation to SelectUSA Investment Summit

‍(Marina, CA) — MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya joins a delegation of economic development and industry leaders from across California as the state's delegation to the 2023 SelectUSA Investment Summit, May 1-4 in the Washington, D.C. area.
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The SelectUSA Investment Summit is the highest-profile event dedicated to promoting foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United States. Traditionally drawing more than 3,000 attendees, industry experts, and more than 1,200 business investors with representation from 70+ international markets, the Investment Summit has received its reputation for being the top event in the United States for FDI promotion.
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The SelectUSA Investment Summit has directly impacted more than $80 billion in new U.S. investment projects, supporting over 60,000 jobs across the United States and its territories.
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"Participating in the California delegation to the 2023 SelectUSA Investment Summit presents a unique opportunity to leverage future investments into California as well as the tri-county Monterey Bay region,” said MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “Business investment plays a critical role in creating and retaining jobs and in the economic health of our State and region."

Hosted by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, this year’s notable speaker line-up will include White House Deputy Chief of Staff Natalie Quillian and Senior Advisor to the President for Clean Energy Innovation and Implementation John Podesta in an armchair discussion of how President Biden’s Investing in America agenda will transform the U.S. economy, create unparalleled business opportunities, and enrich communities across U.S. states and territories.
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“We are proud that the U.S. continues to be the world’s top FDI destination for 11 years running and that SelectUSA has continued to expand and support that position through its resources and innovative programs,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “We’re excited to come together at this year’s Investment Summit to celebrate the successful ventures of the SelectUSA investment partners and forge new paths for future growth happening under President Biden’s economic agenda.”
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Joining the impressive list of speakers and participants at the 2023 SelectUSA Investment Summit: Cabinet Representation from United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai and recorded remarks from Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.
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The conference also serves as a major platform for global companies making U.S. investment announcements. This year, SelectUSA anticipates over half a billion dollars in investment deals to be announced at the event. A full list of confirmed speakers and the current agenda is available online at www.selectusasummit.us.
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About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.
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Contact:
Marie Vasari Hislop
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership
media@mbep.biz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership to Host Virtual Event on Solidarity Economics Featuring Dr. Chris Benner and Dr. Manuel Pastor
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(Marina, CA) - Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) will host an engaging virtual event on “Solidarity Economics: Why Mutuality and Movements Matter” from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 27. Register here for this free event.
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Dr. Chris Benner and Dr. Manuel Pastor will delve deeper into the topic of Solidarity Economics, exploring the imperative of economic and social equity. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from two distinguished scholars and participate in the conversation about building more just and equitable communities.
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“Due to the overwhelming response from their thought-provoking State of the Region talk, we’re excited to bring back Dr. Benner and Dr. Pastor for an engaging and interactive session,” said MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “Their work is critically important as a blueprint in building a more equitable and inclusive economy in the Monterey Bay region.”
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Solidarity Economics is a program jointly created by the Equity Research Center (ERI) at the University of Southern California, the Everett Program, and the Institute for Social Transformation at UC Santa Cruz. This project draws on researchers, organizers, stakeholders, and policymakers to provide a vision for our economy, to identify opportunities, eliminate barriers, and promote new narratives to build a more inclusive economy.  Learn more about Solidarity Economics here and watch the session with Dr. Benner and Dr. Pastor at MBEP’s 8th Annual State of the Region here.
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About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.
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Dr. Benner, a professor of Environmental Studies and Sociology at the University of California, Santa Cruz, is the Dorothy E. Everett Chair in Global Information and Social Entrepreneurship. He currently directs the Everett Program for Technology and Social Change and the Institute for Social Transformation.
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Dr. Manuel Pastor is a Distinguished Professor of Sociology and American Studies & Ethnicity at the University of Southern California (USC). He currently directs the Equity Research Institute at USC. Pastor is the Turpanjian Chair in Civil Society and Social Change at USC, and holds an economics Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
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Contact:
Marie Vasari Hislop
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership
media@mbep.biz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Welcomes Three New Board Members
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‍(Marina, CA) - Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) announced today the appointment of three new members to its board of directors. California State University, Monterey Bay President Vanya Quiñones, County of Monterey Chief Administrative Officer Sonia M. De La Rosa, and County of Santa Cruz Assistant County Administrative Officer Elissa Benson join a team of regional leaders committed to making a difference for the region. “We are thrilled to welcome our new board members, who bring their wisdom, energy, and expertise to further MBEP’s mission of improving the economic health and quality of life in the region,” said Monterey Bay Economic Partnership President & CEO Tahra Goraya.

• Vanya Quiñones, appointed as the fourth president of California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) in August 2022, is a neurobiologist, biopsychologist, and noted researcher who previously served as provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs at Pace University and has published more than 70 peer-reviewed articles.
• Sonia M. De La Rosa has served as County Administrative Officer (CAO) for the County of Monterey since January 2023 following a long-standing career with the County of Fresno. The first Latina County of Monterey CAO, De La Rosa was raised in Monterey County and is the product of parents who worked in the fields of the Salinas Valley.

To read more about MBEP’s board and read their bios, click here.
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About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ramadan: A Special Time of Year for Your Muslim Neighbors

‍Ramadan is the holiest month for Muslims filled with joy, fellowship, and reflection. Monterey Bay-area Muslims, along with most of the 1.8 billion Muslims around the world, will be celebrating Ramadan starting March 23 and continuing through April 21. Every year, Muslims look forward to this important month to develop a closer relationship with God, remember those who are less fortunate, exercise patience and gratitude, and practice charitable giving. There is a good chance you might encounter someone —a coworker, a neighbor, a teacher, a friend — who will be fasting and celebrating. Muslims eagerly await the month of Ramadan every year because it is time for both a spiritual “reboot” and a time of celebration to be spent with loved ones and community.
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What is Ramadan?
Muslims believe that Islam’s sacred text – the Quran – was revealed to mankind through Prophet Muhammad in Ramadan. Muslims fast each day from dawn until dusk. Specifically, that means abstaining from drinking, eating, smoking, intimacy, and immoral acts during the daylight hours each day. Doing any of those things “invalidates” the fast for the day, and one simply starts over the next day. Missed fasts can be made up throughout the year. Muslims wake up early to eat Suhoor – a pre-dawn meal, fast during the day, and then eat Iftar to break their fast at sunset.
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‍‍Why do Muslims fast?
Much like the Judaic and Christian fasting traditions, Muslims fast as an act of worship. Ramadan offers an opportunity to contemplate one’s relationship with God, to connect with humanity, practice patience, curb anger, forgive, break bad habits, increase in giving, offer extra prayers, and engage in the intense study of the Quran. Fasting is one of the five pillars/duties of Islam, along with the (1) testimony of faith, (2) prayer, (3) charitable giving, and (4) making a pilgrimage to Mecca. All Muslims are encouraged to take part every year, though there are special exemptions for those who are ill, pregnant, nursing, menstruating, traveling, young children and the elderly.

What are the Traditions?
Cultural traditions during Ramadan vary across countries. All around the world, one observes the Islamic values of generosity, sharing, and community. It is common for mosques to host large iftars to break-fast, especially for the poor and needy regardless of their faiths. Children are encouraged to have ‘small fasts’ so they too feel like participants, to decorate the home, to perform good deeds, and to offer prayers.

Eid al Fitr or Festival of the Breaking of the Fast, is a three-day celebration that marks the end of Ramadan. Muslims gather at the mosque or at the park for a communal morning prayer and wish each other ‘Eid Mubarak/Eid Kareem/Happy Eid’. It is common to celebrate with friends and relatives and to participate in toy drives and food drives. It is a joyous time filled with good food, friends and family. Eid will take place on or around April 22nd.

How will Ramadan be celebrated this year?
The COVID-19 global pandemic certainly changed the way Muslims experienced Ramadan locally and globally. Although mosques have started to offer regular services, there is certainly a strong desire for holding services with limited numbers, and/or conducting online services. In addition, some in our region are displaced due to the recent weather storms and are in greater need for food and goods. The spirit and intent of Ramadan remain strong and vibrant.

How Can I Participate?
Send your neighbor a Ramadan or Eid greeting – they will appreciate the thought.

Sponsor an Iftar meal for fasting frontline workers or for families in need.

If you are planning to invite your Muslim friend to dinner, consider inviting them after the sun sets.

Hold a food or clothing drive in your community as an act of service.

For employers, there are many great resources online to better accommodate employees practicing.

For educators, there are several ways to make space for students observing during the school day. Teaching your class about Ramadan helps children understand our world better.

About the Authors:
Tahra Goraya is co-founder of Monterey Bay Muslim Neighbors (MBMN) and the President and CEO of Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP).

Lynn Bentalib is the co-founder of Monterey Bay Muslim Neighbors (MBMN) and the Executive Director of Nancy Buck Ransom Foundation.

Contact:
Marie Vasari Hislop
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership
media@mbep.biz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Central Coast Broadband Consortium Awarded $1 Million CPUC Grant to Support Regional Broadband Deployment and Expansion

‍Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) has secured a $1 million California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) broadband development grant to support the Central Coast Broadband Consortium (CCBC)’s efforts to expand broadband in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties. The grant is funded by the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Rural and Urban Regional Broadband Consortia Account, which announced $10.3 million in grants to consortia projects in California. 

The grant will be disbursed over five years and is the largest funded proposal among the 15 projects selected statewide. MBEP serves as executive director for the broadband development organization and was the lead author on the grant acquisition.

“Access to adequate and affordable broadband service continues to be an issue of equity and economic development for our region,” said MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “Broadband must be recognized as an essential utility. We are proud to partner with CCBC to advance the broadband goals of our region.”

The City of Watsonville will serve as the fiscal agent for the CASF grant.

“This award will not only move the region closer to attaining the broadband and connectivity necessary for our residents and communities to prosper, but it affirms one of the core principles of MBEP and CCBC — that only by working together can we hope to solve and address the difficult issues facing our Monterey Bay Region,” said Watsonville City Manager Rene Mendez.

“The Central Coast believes, and is proving, that the solutions we seek for our communities are best addressed regionally,” said Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez. “Working together we will improve access to broadband and with that the lives and outcomes for our friends and neighbors. We are grateful for the award which will accelerate our joint efforts.”

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP): Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

About Central Coast Broadband Consortium (CCBC): Central Coast Broadband Consortium is a broadband development organization with over a 20-year history in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties. Its representation is composed of local city and county agencies, educational institutions, industry, and economic development interests, and community-based organizations.

Contact:
Marie Vasari Hislop
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership
media@mbep.biz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Leaders Gather for Day Two of California Economic Summit: MBEP President &CEO Tahra Goraya Featured in Session on Regions-Up Solutions

‍(Marina, CA. Oct. 28, 2022) – The largest California Economic Summit ever kicked off Thursday, Oct. 27 in Bakersfield for two days of critical discussion, working sessions, networking and more, with close to 1,000 people attending in person.

As California and the rest of the country emerges from the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, the California Economic Summit opened with conversations focused on economic, climate and energy, housing and broadband issues facing the state.

“We’re the fourth largest economy in the world, with the highest effective poverty rate,” said Antonio Villaraigosa, infrastructure advisor to Governor Newsom, who also attended the summit. “We have too many people that are working every single day and they’re not making it.

”Labor leader Dolores Huerta, Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh, Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner and other leaders also addressed the crowd, before attendees broke into working sessions to shape policy recommendations for the coming year.

Returning to her hometown of Bakersfield, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership President & CEO, Tahra Goraya was among the featured speakers in a plenary session Friday, Oct. 28 on “Regions Up Solutions to Create a Just and Sustainable State” on day two of the California Economic Summit. The discussion focused on regional solutions to help reimagine a California that is more equitable and resilient and helps to redress the racial and economic inequities that have made the California dream increasingly elusive for far too many.

Joining Goraya in the plenary session were State Treasurer Fiona Ma, State Assembly Members Buffy Wicks and Rudy Salas, State Sen. Scott Wiener, California Forward CEO Micah Weinberg, Kern County Superintendent of Schools Mary Barlow, and close to a dozen community, education, business and labor leaders.

Over the last decade, California Forward’s (CA FWD) California Economic Summit has been the flagship event where regional leaders from business, community, government, philanthropy and industry collaborate and move forward an agenda that balances racial and geographic equity, environmental sustainability and economic growth.

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About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.