Our Advocacy Priorities
The Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce champions policies that build a strong, inclusive, and resilient local economy. We focus our advocacy efforts on initiatives that support economic opportunity, responsible development, a healthy business climate, and an improved quality of life for all who live and work in Santa Cruz County.
The Chamber’s advocacy process is open and community-driven. If you would like to request the Chamber’s support or position on an issue, please complete our Advocacy Request Form. Once submitted, you may be invited to present your proposal to our Community Affairs Committee, and in some cases, directly to our Board of Directors for consideration.
You can find a list of the Chamber's advocacy positions here.
The Chamber may take timely positions on local, state, and federal policy proposals that align with the following core values and established priorities:
The Chamber May Support Proposals That:
The Chamber May Oppose Proposals That:
The Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce champions policies that build a strong, inclusive, and resilient local economy. We focus our advocacy efforts on initiatives that support economic opportunity, responsible development, a healthy business climate, and an improved quality of life for all who live and work in Santa Cruz County.
The Chamber’s advocacy process is open and community-driven. If you would like to request the Chamber’s support or position on an issue, please complete our Advocacy Request Form. Once submitted, you may be invited to present your proposal to our Community Affairs Committee, and in some cases, directly to our Board of Directors for consideration.
You can find a list of the Chamber's advocacy positions here.
The Chamber may take timely positions on local, state, and federal policy proposals that align with the following core values and established priorities:
The Chamber May Support Proposals That:
- Reduce permit processing times and increase transparency.
- Provide grants, loans, or direct financial assistance for:
- Small business development and innovation
- Business recovery after disasters (e.g., wildfires, floods, pandemics)
- Commercial corridor improvements or façade upgrades
- Any of our individual members, given that they are not in competition with another member for the same funding.
- Invest in workforce development, including training, apprenticeships, and job-readiness programs.
- Expand broadband access and digital infrastructure for underserved areas or business districts.
- Improve public safety, cleanliness, transportation, and infrastructure in commercial and mixed-use zones.
- Support economic resiliency and climate adaptation for businesses - without imposing new costs or mandates.
- Incentivize affordable housing development near job centers and transit corridors to support workforce retention.
- Support expanded access to childcare options, as well as programs, projects, and funding that strengthen early childhood education and youth development.
- Streamline or clarify compliance requirements related to ADA, signage, fire/life safety, or environmental health.
- Maintain or expand access to outdoor commercial space (e.g., parklets, shared retail/dining areas).
- Support arts, cultural programs, and tourism initiatives that stimulate local spending and community vitality.
The Chamber May Oppose Proposals That:
- Add administrative burdens or complex regulations without a clear public benefit or small business exemption.
- Reduce or eliminate outdoor commercial use or community access to shared public space for business operations without alternatives.
- Restrict business hours, operations, or signage in ways that limit visibility, flexibility, or economic potential.
- Mandate employment practices or labor standards locally that conflict with state/federal law or impose disproportionate costs, unless phased in or accompanied by technical support and funding.
- Repeal or diminish economic development tools, grant programs, or tax incentives that drive private investment and job creation