• Advocacy Policy

  • If you are interested in asking the Chamber to advocate for your issue, please see the San Rafael Chamber Policy for Advocacy.

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  • Political Action Committees

  • The San Rafael Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committees were established in in the mid 1990's. Today a larger percentage of Chambers are establishing PACs as a major component of their business plan to help ensure that their communities have a strong local economy.

    The San Rafael Chamber is affiliated with two Political Action Committees (Issues and Candidates). Both PAC's are independent legal entities supported by, but independent of the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce. The PACs are voluntary, non-profit, unincorporated Sponsored, General Purpose Committees.  The PACs are independent of any political party, candidate or political organization.

    The Chamber established the PACs to serve the function of promoting the improvement of the Greater San Rafael area through an active participation in the political process.  At all times the PACs will strive to be a positive influence on that process in the support of individuals or issues that share a common view on our community needs.   

    The Chamber PACs will endorse and support candidates for office and take positions on issues of substance impacting on the San Rafael community. It is recognized that the PACs are founded on the principle that a healthy business community provides jobs, a tax base and opportunities to the overall community and, as such, it is an important aspect of the PACs to promote the health of the Greater San Rafael business community.

    Member voluntary contributions to the PAC  provide the necessary funding to select, help prepare and elect pro-business candidates for local, county, state and federal office.

  • Keep Marin Working - Framework for Recovery

  • Driving Local Policy

    2024 Governmental Affairs Priorities

    In 2024, the Governmental Affairs Committee will be focusing its efforts on several key issues that are affecting our members and business in San Rafael & the county of Marin. We will collaborate with local stakeholders, develop positions and recommendations, and determine how the Chamber will be effective in shaping solutions that will be beneficial to our members and the community at large.

    2024 Priority Focus Areas:

    • Economic Resiliency
      • •Desired Outcomes:
        • a. Position San Rafael for economic success
        • b. Ensure economic opportunity for all
        • c. Grow our talent base
    • Housing
      • •Desired Outcomes:
        • 1.Increase the number of housing solutions affordable to our local workforce
        • 2.Reduce the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in San Rafael
    • Transportation
      • •Desired Outcomes:
        • a.Reduce traffic congestion, delays and commute times for our workforce
        • b. Increase mode options meeting the needs of our  workforce
    • Following local Measures that impact business's ability to maintain costs and grow
    • Engage in State politics as it pertains to regional issues that impact San Rafael & Marin (such as housing, traffic, water and education)

    For more information on these issues, please contact Chamber President & CEO Karen Strolia at 415-454-4163 or KStrolia@srchamber.com.

    2024 Issues We Are Watching and Weighing In on:

    City of San Rafael's Housing Element, Current Development Projects, 101/580 Connector Project, County's Project HomeKey, City of SR Economic Development Strategic Plan, Local elections

    2024 Policy Platform: North Bay Chambers Policy Platform- Chambers from the North Bay meet every spring to discuss concerns about state-wide public policy issues and draft a regional list of policy priorities. We then bring our collaborative issues to the attention of our elected officials at the State.

     

     

    Key Local Wins to Date: Celebrating our Successes

    • Countywide COVID-19 Business Impact Survey
    • City of San Rafael Inclusionary Housing Units Policy Changes
    • AC Marriott Hotel at 1201 5th Street- Hotel- Approved- Chamber Supported
    • Northgate Walk At the Four Points Sheraton (Terra Linda)- Housing- Approved- Chamber Supported
    • 900 Mission Avenue- Assisted Living- Approved- Chamber Supported
    • BioMarin/WhistleStop at 999 3rd Street.- Housing and R&D- Approved- Chamber supports
    • 703 3rd St.- Housing – Approved on October 7th- Chamber Supported
    • Los Gamos Housing Proposal- Chamber Supports
    • Hilton/Hampton Dual Suite Inn proposed at 1075 Francisco Blvd – Approved
    • Housing Proposal located at 104 Shaver Street- Appeal Denied- Chamber Supported
    • Stopping MMWD ban on new water hookups-Economic Vitality

  • Advocacy Alerts

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    Thank You to Our Economic Vitality Program Sponsors!

     
  • Marin Sanitary Service
  • Mercedes-Benz of Marin
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  • Economic Vitality Program

  • The San Rafael Chamber Economic Vitality Committee exists to implement a core element of the Chamber's mission: providing a strong voice in support of the economic vitality of our community. That is; securing the economic future of San Rafael.

    In 2023, the Economic Vitality Committee will be focusing its efforts on several key issues that are affecting our members and business in San Rafael & the county of Marin. We will collaborate with local employers across different industry sectors  and develop positions and recommendations, and determine how the Chamber will be effective in shaping solutions that will be beneficial to our members and the community at large.


    2023 Priority Focus:

    • Decrease barriers to growth
    • Increase number of employment opportunities
    • Reduce vacancy rate of commercial real estate
    • Increase synergy and collaboration between the SRCC and the Downtown Business Improvement District
    • Strengthen partnerships with organizations aligned with the Chamber's priorities including the Marin SBDC, CareerPoint Marin and the Marin Economic Forum.

    Please contact Karen Strolia, President & CEO, if you have questions or are interested in supporting this program: KStrolia@srchamber.com

     

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    The Chamber's Economic Vitality Committee

    The committee monitors city regulations, advocates for streamlining the development process, supports new development and promotes local business. The group also advocates for specific issues like sign ordinances, reduced business fees, parking, traffic, and other governmental regulations.

     

     

  • Champion | Catalyst | Convener