I hope this finds you enjoying the changing of seasons!

September was an active month for our Chamber, with a significant focus on government relations. In this brief overview, we trust you will find information that is meaningful for your business and your understanding of what’s happening in our community and state.

Chamber Board Chair Linda Wise (Recology), Board Member Matthew Marshall (Redwood Coast Energy Authority) and I had dinner and a robust conversation with State Senator Mark McGuire. Earlier the same day, Linda and I also met with State Assemblymember Jim Wood. We discussed a variety of topics from last-mile broadband to organic waste, fire control to transportation, renewable energy to agriculture, and more.

With our region poised for significant growth in the years ahead, housing and homelessness were a focus of our conversations. The Governor’s Budget Summary 2022-23 outlines how the State will invest $9 billion to support development of new housing and redevelopment, and another $8 billion to address homelessness, including investment related to behavioral health needs. Additional legislation (AB 2011, SB 6, SB 886) has recently been passed to mitigate hurdles to housing development. Bottom line: we need to ensure our community is fully aware of and prepared to access these resources. In the coming months, our Chamber will be hosting conversations for our members with state and local leaders to inform and strategize.

Our Chamber is also supporting the GoHumCo (County of Humboldt’s Office of Economic Development) Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process by participating in working sessions and encouraging the engagement of Chamber members. The County is required to complete the CEDS process every five years. Check out the status of the CEDS process at the Humboldt Rising website.

The Port of Humboldt and GoHumCo have made presentations on the status of offshore wind development to the Chamber’s Business & Industry and Business & Education Committees, sharing potential opportunities for Chamber members, and needs for education and workforce development. The Chamber is committed to keeping members apprised of the status of offshore wind development and will be hosting additional information sessions in the coming months.

Our Chamber also meets quarterly with the Eureka City Manager and Councilmembers to discuss matters of common interest and concern. As part of our ongoing collaboration with City of Eureka, they contribute updates of interest in our monthly newsletter.

Tracking legislation and maintaining strong working relationships with local and state government officials is just part of what the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce delivers for our members. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.