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Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Votes to Unanimously Support Transportation Tax Measures on November Ballot

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Marina, CA (August 10, 2016) The Board of Directors of the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) has voted unanimously to support two transportation tax measures that will be on the November 2016 ballot. Improving our region’s transportation routes and services aligns with MBEP’s mission to creating a thriving region and a high quality of life for all residents.

In Santa Cruz County, the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) is proposing a one-half percent sales tax increase to finance the Transportation Improvement Plan (TRIP). The Plan, approved by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, identifies specific transportation projects in Santa Cruz County to be funded in order to meet current and projected transportation needs. One half of one percent sales tax is expected to generate $17 million a year in 2016 dollars, totaling approximately $500 million over 30 years. These local funds can be used to leverage state and federal transportation funds for Santa Cruz to become a “self-help” county.

The measure, which needs a two-thirds majority for approval, has also been endorsed by the Santa Cruz and Watsonville City Councils, United Way, Dominican Hospital/Dignity Health, PAMF, Plantronics, Monterey Bay Labor Council, Visit Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce, Ecology Action, Friends of the Rail Trail, Democratic Women’s Club of Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz County Business Council and Trail Now, among others.

“The Transportation Improvement Plan is a balanced set of investments that will make progress to improve the growing amount of deferred maintenance on our roads, Highway 1 congestion, METRO operations and the bike and pedestrian trail through Santa Cruz County,” said Bud Colligan, Co-Chair of MBEP.

In Monterey County, the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) has proposed a similar measure for the November 2016 ballot, calling for a three-eighths percent sales tax increase to finance its Transportation Safety and Investment Plan. The measure has been approved by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors for inclusion on the November ballot. The purpose of the plan is to generate $600 million in additional revenue over the next 30 years for road maintenance and regional projects, including improving safety on local roads and highways, repairing potholes, maintaining streets and roads, reducing traffic congestion, improving transportation for seniors, young people, and people with disabilities, and making walking and biking safer. If the sales tax is approved, Monterey County will become a “self-help” county.

The measure, which needs a two-thirds majority for approval, has also been endorsed by Alliance for Jobs, Big Sur Land Trust, CHOMP, COPA, Cal State Monterey Bay, Graniterock Company, Monterey County Hospitality Association, Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Monterey-Salinas Transit and the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce, among others.

“The Transportation Safety and Investment Plan represents a consensus plan from cities, businesses, non-profits, and other transportation advocates,” said Lorri Koster, Chairman and CEO of Mann Packing and MBEP Board Member. “The Plan will reverse the decline in area roads and provide targeted investments to improve safety and transportation throughout Monterey County.”

About MBEP: The Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional nonprofit, membership organization consisting of public, private and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz. MBEP’s mission is to create a thriving region with quality jobs, excellent education and health care, and a high quality of life for all residents while preserving the natural beauty and healthy lifestyle we all share.

Soquel Creek Water District Presentation to SCCBC

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The following is a slideshow presentation given by Ron Duncan and Bruce Daniels, General Manager and Board President respectively of the Soquel Creek Water District, to the Government Affairs Committee of the Santa Cruz County Business Council.

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Soquel Creek Water District Presentation to SCCBC from Robert Singleton Available at: http://www.slideshare.net/RobertSingleton/soquel-creek-water-district-presentation-to-sccbc

 

Welcome New Member K&D Landscaping

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The Business Council would like to welcome our newest member K&D Landscaping. Based out of Watsonville, K&D Landscaping handles both commercial and residential landscaping all across the Monterey Bay region. Having been in business for over 30 years they have a proven track record of looking out for their employees and their community. Check out their website at http://www.kndlandscaping.com

Economist Forecasts Continued Growth for Santa Cruz County

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SANTA CRUZ >> Around 100 local business leaders gathered at UC Santa Cruz on Thursday to discuss the pros and cons of working in Santa Cruz County and the region’s economic outlook.

It was the Santa Cruz County Business Council’s annual economic forum and the main speaker, Robert Kleinhenz, executive director of economic research at the Los Angeles firm Beacon Economics, delivered good news.

“There’s no recession in sight over the next 18 months,” Kleinhenz said.

A wobbly Chinese economy and Brexit won’t cause a prolonged downturn in the U.S. market, he said. Consumer, business and government spending all have shown solid growth. Unemployment is down. In California, jobs have been added faster than anywhere else in the country for the past four years. Also, oil prices are down, which is good, because it allows people to spend money on other things, he said.

Same thing goes for Santa Cruz County — economic indicators such as employment rates and consumer spending are good.

Read More at Santacruzsentinel.com

Highlighting Our Sponsors: Beacon Economics

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This is a multi-part series highlighting our sponsors for the June 30th, Santa Cruz County Business Council Economic Forum. This page will be updated periodically to highlight the work our sponsors are doing at large and in our community.

 

Beacon Economics is one of California’s leading economic research and consulting firms, specializing in economic and revenue forecasting, economic impact analysis, economic policy analysis, regional economic analysis, real estate market and industry analysis, and EB-5 Visa analysis. Our firm’s internationally recognized forecasters were among the first and most accurate predictors of the U.S. mortgage market meltdown that began in 2007 – and among a relatively small handful of researchers who correctly calculated the depth and breadth of the financial and economic crisis that followed. Known for delivering independent and rigorous analysis, we strive to give our clients an understanding of economic trends and data that helps strengthen strategic decision making about investment, revenue, and policy. Clients range from the State of California to Fortune 500 companies to major cities and universities.

To learn more about Beacon Economics please visit: www.BeaconEcon.com

Highlighting Our Sponsors: Hutchinson and Bloodgood LLP

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This is a multi-part series highlighting our sponsors for the June 30th, Santa Cruz County Business Council Economic Forum. This page will be updated periodically to highlight the work our sponsors are doing at large and in our community.

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Hutchinson and Bloodgood LLP is a full-service regional accounting firm, established in 1922, with four offices in California (Watsonville, Glendale, San Diego, and El Centro). Hutchinson and Bloodgood’s Watsonville office, with four partners and 12 staff, has a large clientele involved in the Agricultural Industry, along with closely held businesses, real estate, homeowner associations, and nonprofit and benefit plan audits.

The partners and staff of Hutchinson and Bloodgood LLP are all involved in local charities, sitting on Boards and audit committees. Hutchinson and Bloodgood LLP feel strongly about giving back to our community.

To learn more about Hutchinson and Bloodgood LLP please visit http://hbllp.com/ or call (831) 724-2441.

 

Highlighting Our Sponsors: Plantronics

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This is a multi-part series highlighting our sponsors for the June 30th, Santa Cruz County Business Council Economic Forum. This page will be updated periodically to highlight the work our sponsors are doing at large and in our community.

Plantronics (NYSE: PLT) is a global leader in audio communications for businesses and consumers. We have pioneered new trends in audio technology, creating innovative products that allow people to simply communicate. From unified communication to Bluetooth® headsets to gaming solutions, we deliver uncompromising quality, an ideal experience, and extraordinary service. Plantronics is used by every company in the Fortune 100™, as well as 911 dispatch, air traffic control and various mission-critical applications for those on the frontline.

From the beginning, giving back to our communities has been a natural part of Plantronics culture. Our daily business is removing barriers to enable smarter communications, which allows us to better understand how to listen to the world differently. Being a good global and community partner plays an important role in engaging the natural giving spirit of our associates.

With more than 3,000 associates worldwide, community engagement is an integral component of Plantronics culture. Though our associate volunteering, technology and funding, Plantronics is already driving positive change in communities where the company has a significant business presence. Some of the local efforts we are involved with are Second Harvest Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, and United Way.

Learn more about Plantronics at www.plantronics.com or call (800) 544-4660.

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