Top-Level Meetings Highlight Council’s Sacramento Day
Building more housing, fixing the region’s unbearable traffic congestion, securing a stable water supply and preparing a strong workforce of the future were among the topics of discussion during the Bay Area Council’s successful Sacramento Day on Monday, May 2. The Council led a delegation of over 75 business executives to the state Capitol to meet with California’s constitutional officers, legislative leaders and administration officials to discuss its 2016 policy priorities and to advocate for passage of our sponsored bills which include SB 1069 and AB 1755.
SB 1069 by Senator Bob Wieckowski would make it easier for homeowners to add second units, also known as accessory dwelling units, to single family homes. AB 1755 by Assemblyman Bill Dodd would create an open, publicly accessible online clearing house for critical water data that would improve water conservation, reduce waste and ensure greater reliability in times of shortages.
During a half-day of meetings, the Council enjoyed candid conversations with Nancy McFadden, Executive Secretary to Governor Brown, Secretary of State Alex Padilla, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, Senate President pro Tem Kevin de León, and Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes. The delegation also heard from Michael Cohen, Director of the Department of Finance, Susan Bransen, Executive Director of the California Transportation Commission and members of the Capitol Press Corps. Later in the evening the delegation participated in a reception with State Controller Betty Yee and dined with members of the Bay Area Legislative Caucus at Esquire Grill.
The Council thanks Bay Area Council Chairman Michael Covarrubias of TMG Partners, Government Relations Committee Chairs Andrew Giacomini of Hanson and Bridgett LLP and Peter Brightbill of Wells Fargo for leading the delegation. Sacramento Day 2016 was made possible thanks to our very generous sponsors: Arent Fox, LLP, AT&T, Bauer’s Intelligent Transportation, Kaiser Permanente, Lyft, United Airlines and Visa. To engage in our government relations work, please contact Government Relations Manager Cornelious Burke.
