Advocating for a Strong SLO

We've been working hard over the past three months on all things legislative advocacy, and there's a lot coming down the pipeline. We're committed to keeping you informed and advocating for policies that strengthen the local economy. Read on to learn more about what your SLO Chamber has been doing on your behalf.

SLO County Self-Help Sales Tax Measure

San Luis Obispo County residents may soon have a chance to vote on a local sales tax dedicated to transportation, and we need your support to get it on the ballot. If approved, this vital measure would unlock access to millions of dollars in grant funding to support both regional transportation improvements as well as local community projects, which may include streets, sidewalks, bike lanes, highways and public transit. This would not only strengthen infrastructure but would also spur local economic growth through increased projects for local construction and engineering firms. This measure is especially important because many of the most competitive transportation grants require a local funding source, and without one, projects can be delayed or never happen, which is the challenge we've been facing in SLO County.

In 2016, a similar self-help measure was put on the ballot and lost by less than one percent of the vote. If this measure had passed, SLO County would have received around $700 million in additional transportation funding over the last 10 years. A proposed half-cent sales tax placed on the November 3, 2026 ballot would open the door to similar levels of funding in the future.

So, what's the difference between 2016 and now? This year, a citizens’ committee has formed to place this measure on the November 3 ballot. The SLO Chamber has been strong supporters of the citizens’ committee since its inception, and we continue to be relevant in this space. Ballot measures coming from “the people” pass with 50 percent plus one of votes, rather than the much higher two-thirds threshold required if local government places it on the ballot. The citizens’ committee has a significant task ahead: collecting more than 12,000 valid signatures from registered voters across SLO County, so keep an eye out for signature gathering soon to get this important initiative on the November ballot. There will be an opportunity to add your signature at February’s Good Morning SLO.

Read the full article to learn more.

June's Primary Election

Mark your calendars! California has a Primary Election coming up on June 2, with races that will directly impact who will be making critical decisions at the state and local level over the next several years. Vote-by-mail ballots will be mailed to registered voters beginning no later than May 4, and the last day to register to vote in this election is May 18.

Here are some of the local offices you can expect to see on your ballot:

• County Board of Supervisors District 2 & 4
• County Superior Court Judges
• County Assessor
• County Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector
• County Clerk-Recorder
• County Superintendent of Schools

For these nonpartisan contests, a candidate who receives more than 50% of the vote in June wins outright, otherwise, the top two candidates advance to the November 3 general election. Additionally, the June 2 ballot will include races for statewide executive offices, and the top two for each category will continue on in the general election, including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Controller, Treasurer, Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner and Superintendent of Public Instruction. The ballot will also prompt voters to make decisions for the State Board of Equalization, State Senate (even-numbered districts), State Assembly seats up in 2026 and your local U.S. House of Representatives seat.

We will be hosting candidate forums as the primary election approaches, so stay tuned for the chance to get time in front of the candidates that will be on your ballot.

This Quarter in Review

Here's a snapshot of some other key things we've been working on over the past few months:

• Renter Protections | The SLO Chamber spoke at SLO City Council on October 28 in support of more data-driven housing decision-making. Public comment also included support for policies that maintain and improve the quality of existing housing and cautioned against adding further restrictions that unintentionally make it harder to build the housing SLO so urgently needs.
• County Housing Incentive Program Action 7 | The SLO Chamber spoke at a County Board of Supervisors Meeting on November 4 in support of housing design standards that promote new housing creation and community vitality.
• Diablo Canyon Power Plant License Renewal | The SLO Chamber spoke at a Coastal Commission Hearing on November 6 in support of PG&E's continued long-term operations at Diablo Canyon, highlighting the important role it plays in the energy, environmental and economic future of our region. The SLO Chamber spoke again in support of continuing Diablo's operations at the December 11 Coastal Commission Hearing.
• California Building and Fire Code | The SLO Chamber spoke at SLO City Council on November 18, advocating for tree ordinance and subdivision changes that will make it easier to grow thoughtfully and safely in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
• California Energy Code| The SLO Chamber spoke at SLO City Council on November 18, advocating that the City strengthen data collection on local energy use and expand community outreach to improve understanding of available energy efficiency incentives and policy changes.
• Offshore Wind Waterfront Facility Improvement Program Grant | The SLO Chamber spoke at Port San Luis Harbor District on December 2 in support of entering a grant agreement with the California Energy Commission, which would give the community and decision makers the information they need to evaluate real impacts of what offshore wind could look like on the Central Coast.
• Sewer Lateral Program | The SLO Chamber spoke at SLO City Council on December 2 in support of proposed sewer lateral replacement rebates for multifamily and commercial properties and in support of transitioning away from the Offset Program and moving toward a system that relies on Inspection Upon Sale for lateral replacement.
• SLOCOG Draft Expenditure Plan | The Chamber spoke at SLO City Council on January 20 and SLO County Board of Supervisors on January 27 to encourage both entities to support SLOCOG's draft Expenditure Plan for the proposed Self-Help sales tax measure to fund transportation infrastructure.

We will continue to be active and relevant on the causes that support a thriving business community so you can continue to focus on making your business thrive. Thank you for your trust and support.