Local and State Policy Platform

The Policy Platform includes nine issue areas, with a limited number of focused objectives. The goal of our Policy Platform is to establish a focused framework for developing and responding to local, state and national issues that positively or adversely affect our community and our members. The Metro Chamber uses its Policy Platform to inform communication with elected leaders and members, and to guide its engagement on community efforts.

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Economic development is critical to the long-term fiscal stability of our city and region. As local governments face ongoing budget pressures and structural deficits, growing the economic base is essential to strengthening the revenue side of the budget equation. Strategic investment in economic development, through business growth, job creation, and increased commercial activity, is necessary to generate sustainable tax revenue, support core services, and ensure long-term financial resilience. ...READ THE FOCUSED OBJECTIVES

A high performing, responsive, and accountable government is essential to our community’s success, driving regional collaboration and shaping policies that enable sustainable economic development. ...READ THE FOCUSED OBJECTIVES

A vibrant downtown is critical to attracting a high-quality workforce, supporting existing businesses, attracting new businesses, and providing recreation, retail, and tourism opportunities. Strategic investment downtown generates lasting benefits including strong employers, access to good jobs, environmentally sustainable development, and increased tax revenue. Economic studies conducted by the City of Santa Rosa demonstrate the highest tax return and property value are in the city’s downtown areas, providing the highest economic return on investment. ...READ THE FOCUSED OBJECTIVES

Our housing crisis remains one of the most significant challenges to our long term economic, business, and cultural success. Without significantly expanding housing supply, housing scarcity and rising costs will continue to burden residents and constrain economic growth.

We support housing policies that increase housing production across all income levels by improving the time, certainty, and cost of housing development. This includes streamlining the entitlement and permitting processes, expanding by right development opportunities, easing zoning constraints, increasing ministerial approvals, and decreasing subjective requirements and unfunded mandates on housing developments to meet our local and regional housing needs. ...READ THE FOCUSED OBJECTIVES

The causes of homelessness are multi-faceted and require a comprehensive, regionally coordinated approach. There is an urgent need for immediate, safe, and structured interim shelter solutions to address current impacts on our community while long-term housing and service strategies are implemented. We support policies, partnerships, and funding that expand housing options and provide the services necessary to address the root causes of homelessness. ...READ THE FOCUSED OBJECTIVES

The extraordinary quality of our region’s natural environment is critical to both our quality of life and the strength of our local economy, particularly in tourism and recreation. Effective resiliency planning must include our region’s energy and natural resources with a clear understanding of threats and opportunities.

Recent droughts and wildfires highlight the need for sustainable resource management as well as land use, management practices, and building standards that minimize the impact of natural disasters. These events have become a part of living in this region and require sustained investment in response, mitigation, and preparedness for fires, floods, and earthquakes. ...READ THE FOCUSED OBJECTIVES

We support investments that will strengthen access to quality early child care, early education, and K-12 education; address the teacher shortage; and align postsecondary programs with employer needs, including a focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and CTE (career technical education) opportunities. CTE opportunities for students are crucial to integrate real world examples and opportunities that help all students graduate from high school college- and career-ready. ...READ THE FOCUSED OBJECTIVES

Significant progress has been made in recent years to improve our transportation infrastructure, including securing funding to maintain and upgrade long-neglected roads. Continued investment is essential to support economic growth, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.

We support transportation policies and funding that increase mobility, relieve congestion, expand alternative commute options, and strengthen coordination across agencies to create a more connected and competitive regional system. Transportation funding sources must be maintained as this is critical to our economic success. The elimination of gas and other taxes, while attractive short-term options in times of economic hardship, create significant funding shortages to complete critical infrastructure projects. Funding should ensure long-term stability of our roads, bridges, and infrastructure, all necessary to support a vibrant economy. ...READ THE FOCUSED OBJECTIVES

Sonoma County’s allure as a global destination for quality wines, craft beer, outdoor recreation, and culinary excellence is a critical driver of the region’s economic success. Large employers, small businesses, and entrepreneurs all rely on the strength of the local tourism economy, which generates over two billion spent annually by visitors to Sonoma County, and provides amenities and recreation opportunities for locals. While Sonoma County has a diverse economy, tourism remains foundational. Continued investment in the tourism industry, arts, and special events is essential to sustain growth and competitiveness at the local, regional, and state levels. ...READ THE FOCUSED OBJECTIVES