Top Elected, Government Leaders Hear from Council Members during Sacramento Advocacy Day
More than 60 Bay Area Council members led by Board Chairman Bernard J. Tyson, Chairman and CEO of Kaiser Permanente, traveled to Sacramento on Monday (May 6) for a series of substantive meetings with top legislative leaders and key administration officials to advocate for solutions on housing, homelessness, transportation, workforce development, education and other issues critical to the Bay Area economy.
The Council’s annual Sacramento Day opened with a policy luncheon discussion focused on job creation and economic development across California with Lenny Mendonca, Chief Business and Economic Advisor to Governor Newsom and Chair of the California High Speed Rail Authority. The delegation then held advocacy meetings at the State Capitol with legislators, constitutional officers and key administration officials, including Secretary of State Alex Padilla, State Controller Betty Yee, State Board of Equalization Chair Malia Cohen, Senator Scott Weiner, Assemblymember David Chiu, California Online Community College CEO Heather Hiles, and Director of the California Department of Transportation Laurie Berman.
The solutions-driven day at the State Capitol concluded with a reception and dinner with the Bay Area Legislative Caucus. The Council extends its deepest thanks to sponsors Kaiser Permanente, Next Era Energy Resources, United Airlines, VISA and Genentech.
On the issue of increasing the supply of housing and addressing homelessness, the delegation heard from Senator Wiener, Chair of the Senate Housing Committee, and Assemblymember Chiu, Chair of the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee. Tax reform, opportunity zones and the state’s overall fiscal health were principal topics of interest during meetings with Controller Yee and Board of Equalization Chair Cohen. Building a skilled workforce of the future and job training was discussed with Heather Hiles, the newly appointed CEO of the new California Online Community College. Alleviating the Bay Area’s vexing traffic congestion was a key priority during the meeting with Caltrans Director Berman. Secretary of State Padilla addressed the business community’s role in voting and civic engagement.
After a full day of advocacy, the delegation enjoyed a reception and dinner with the Bay Area Legislative Caucus. The Council extends its deepest thanks to sponsors Kaiser Permanente, Next Era Energy Resources, United Airlines, VISA and Genentech. To learn more about Sacramento Day and the Council’s work at the State Capitol, please contact Cornelious Burke.
