March was full of travel and events for me at NBLC. I took some time off to accompany my husband, a history teacher at Tam High School in Mill Valley and chaperoned 12 students to the National High School Model United Nations (NHSMUN)  in NYC. Over 2000 delegates (students) from over 70 countries gathered in mid-town Manhattan for an intense week of debate and diplomacy to help them draft solutions to simulated real-world events and communities through a variety of multimedia and educational tools.  In addition to learning about the best ways to address global issues, NHSMUN challenges its delegates to experience the power of generosity and service in resolving problems by participating in a service learning project prior to and during the conference—uniting behind specific issues and organizations that are directly related to topics discussed in committee. These extensive programming options allow the delegates to truly engage in their role as model diplomats and global citizens. Watching our youth work together (globally and right here in the NB) gave me hope. And that is so needed right now in these chaotic and uncertain times.

NBLC hosted Josh Fryday, Chief Services Officer, Governor Newsom Cabinet Member before I departend for NHSMUN. As a member of the Governor Gavin Newsom’s Cabinet, Josh Fryday leads California Volunteers and the newly created Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement. We were motivated and inspired by the solutions volunteers are providing for unique challenges in the North Bay. If you want more information about service opportunities or know someone who wants to volunteer, please visit their website here.

In this issue we look at a report detailing how California’s climate policies have increased the cost of housing and how two legislators are doing something about it. We remind you that the crucial vote for the Richmond San Rafael Bridge modified plan is finally here as the BCDC prepares to take up the matter on Thursday, April 3. You will also learn more about NBLC’s upcoming events.

s I write this Policy Watch, I believe many of you share NBLC’s focus on understanding the dynamics of the new administration in Washington, the evolving power structure, and how to navigate this shifting landscape. While numerous headlines generate significant attention, I am finding that judicial interventions often temper their immediate impact. We continue to monitor all impacts of new federal policies as they align with our workplan and remain prepared to speak out against particularly concerning developments. In this issue, we look at one of those concerning developments; how funding cuts in research could impact the Bay Area, and at the State level how cuts to the Cal State system could jeopardize our ability to recruit and retain a local workforce. We also take a look at why now, more than ever, it is crucial for employers to create a culture of safety and inclusivity in the workplace.

You will also learn more about NBLC’s upcoming events.

Happy New Year. I hope you all had a joyous holiday season and are recharged and ready for the year ahead.  Looking ahead to 2025, NBLC will remain nimble,  and stay strongly dedicated to working with you to address the urgent needs of our communities and beyond. I wanted to send my thoughts and prayers to those of you that have family, friends or clients that have been impacted by the horrific fires in the LA area. Please send your blessings, and resources where you can. There are many ways in which to send donations to those impacted from the destructive and deadly fires. For the latest information on how you can assist, please visit the City of LA website. In this issue we call for nominations for Leaders of the North Bay and outstanding teen leaders in Sonoma, Marin and Napa counties. We look at how the devasting fires may impact the state budget as well as how federal polices may impact our labor market among other things. We share our views on the Richmond San Rafael Bridge proposed modified pilot and we emphasize the significance of reliable and affordable child care as an essential foundation for our overall community vitality. You will also learn more about NBLC’s latest members, Soiland Company Inc. and Sonoma Clean Power.

As we close out 2024 and begin to ring in the new year, I wanted to take a moment to look back on the past 12 months. NBLC started the year with the intention of being a valued partner in shaping sound public policy for our region, growing membership engagement and demonstrating leadership. Throughout the year, we remained committed to these goals by fostering collaborative relationships, advancing key policy initiatives, and creating meaningful opportunities for member involvement.

Happy Thanksgiving! North Bay Leadership Council gives thanks to our membership and readers of this newsletter for their support. Together, we are making an impact. Our members represent a wide variety of businesses, non-profits, and educational institutions, with a workforce in excess of 100,000. As business and civic leaders, our goal is to promote sound public policy, innovation and sustainability to make our region a better place to live and work. With your support this year, NBLC stood up for more workforce housing and co-sponsored the Housing Solutions Summit. We stood up for improving student outcomes by supporting educational legislation at the State, by challenging the Governor’s budget and advocating for child care slots in the region. We stood up for commuters in the North Bay stuck in gridlock,  and for the local workforce by advocating for Bay Area jobs catalyst funds to support career pathways in construction for women and in High Road Clean Transportation careers. NBLC  fought for your tax dollars, for keeping downtowns thriving  and for permitting policy reforms in Sacramento.

Last week, NBLC hosted its annual State of the North Bay Economic Insight Conference with over 100 business and community leaders attending virtually to hear a presentation of original research, commissioned by NBLC, by Bay Area Council’s Economic Institute’s Executve Director, Jeff Bellasario. Jeff was followed by a panel of North Bay City Managers and Economic Development Directors discussing the status of local city economies in Marin, Sonoma and Napa. In this issue we will highlight key takeways from the conference. We also show our support for opening up the third lane on the Richmond San Rafael bridge, look at our aging population in the North Bay and explore housing options for Baby Boomers, and welcome new member Canal Alliance. In addition, we take a sneak peek at how ballot measures are polling and present you again with our legislative agenda. We introduce our slate of candidates we are supporting to help guide you through the November ballot, just in case you have not already cast your vote.

Please save the date and register for upcoming events. Business Edge Briefing: Thrive in the AI Era: Unleashing the Power of Human Connection & Creativity, November 20, 11:00am via zoom. This briefing is in partnership with Dominican University Barowsky School of Business, Institute of Leadership Studies.

Discover why voting 'Yes' on Measure I and 'No' on Measure J is crucial for Sonoma County, along with key upcoming events and actions, including Clean Air Day, United Against Hate Week, and insights on boosting workplace productivity—all designed to keep you informed and engaged this season.