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A delegation of nearly 90 business and civic leaders from the Cali-Baja region traveled to Sacramento last week as part of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce’s annual Leadership Delegation. The visit aimed to advocate for policies supporting business growth and regional priorities. This year’s delegation was the largest in the Chamber’s history.
“The Chamber is committed to making sure San Diego’s voice is heard and that our region remains central to the key issues being addressed by state leaders,” said Jessica Anderson, interim president and CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. “This trip proved our collective voice is not only at the table but is instrumental in key decision-making.”
Participants included elected officials from both sides of the border, among them San Diego County Supervisors Joel Anderson and Monica Montgomery Steppe, Tijuana City Councilmember Pablo Yanez, San Diego City Councilmembers Stephen Whitburn and Marni von Wilpert, and Solana Beach Mayor Lisa Heebner.
The two-day agenda addressed a range of economic and policy issues, including artificial intelligence, housing, healthcare, public safety, and transportation.
Councilmember von Wilpert emphasized the importance of collaboration with state leaders, stating, “The Sacramento trip is a great opportunity to advocate for our region’s priorities and work toward a more prosperous future for San Diego.”
Councilmember Whitburn, who presided over a panel on business development, highlighted San Diego’s role in fostering innovation. “San Diego’s business community is a driving force behind our city’s success,” he said. “I remain committed to ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive.”
Key issues discussed during the trip included the role of artificial intelligence in key industries such as agriculture, healthcare, and entertainment. The delegation raised concerns about potential overregulation, which could cost California an estimated $3 billion while emphasizing San Diego’s position as an emerging AI hub. The delegation also addressed the implementation of last year’s Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) reform, which is projected to save businesses $7-8 billion statewide. Chamber representatives continue to advocate for a fairer legal framework that balances the interests of both employers and workers.
Healthcare policy was another priority, with discussions focusing on expanding access to medical care, increasing reimbursement rates, and implementing Proposition 35. Delegates also raised concerns over potential reductions in federal funding for the Affordable Care Act, which could create a $17 billion budget shortfall for California. Housing policy remained a key focus, as lawmakers worked to address affordability challenges. Proposed legislation, such as Assembly Bill 87, aims to regulate short-term rentals, revise density bonuses, and improve building standards to support fire resilience and affordability.
Transportation and electrification initiatives were also central to the delegation’s agenda. Discussions covered the transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), autonomous vehicle regulations, and continued investment in the LOSSAN rail corridor, which has received $550 million since 2022. Since 2015, the California State Transportation Agency has allocated $11 billion to ZEV programs, with further funding needed to support freight and transit infrastructure. During the visit, delegates met with state lawmakers, agency officials, and industry representatives, including Assemblymembers David Alvarez, Tasha Boerner, and Chris Ward, Senators Catherine Blakespear and Brian Jones, and representatives from organizations such as the California Grocers’ Association and the California Medical Association.
