As summer winds down, we’re taking a slightly different approach to this month’s Policy Watch. There is certainly no shortage of serious news and challenges competing for our attention, but there are also reasons for optimism and important opportunities to celebrate and keep an eye on across the North Bay.

From dragonflies filling the skies to new investments in regional infrastructure and economic development, this month’s stories offer a reminder that progress is happening all around us.

We’ll also highlight a few policy issues that deserve our attention, including the growing impact of PAGA litigation on California and North Bay businesses. As always, we hope you’ll find these updates informative, useful, and perhaps even a welcome distraction from the headlines.

I hope you're enjoying summer and finding a little time to slow down, recharge, and spend time with family and friends. While many of us are taking some well-deserved time away from the office, the work of shaping our future hasn't taken a vacation.

In Sacramento and here in the North Bay, legislation continues to move, campaigns are ramping up, and the November election is quickly coming into focus. Voters will be asked to weigh in on dozens of state and local ballot measures, alongside important races that will have lasting impacts on our economy and communities.

As we head into the fall, NBLC will be carefully evaluating the issues that matter most to the North Bay business community and sharing our recommendations and positions in the weeks ahead.

Until then, I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer—and this month's newsletter.

There is a lot happening right now in the North Bay, and many of the issues showing up in the news are the same ones we hear about from employers every day. Hiring remains uneven across the region, housing and affordability continue to affect the workforce, and new state policies are raising important questions for businesses and communities.

In this issue, we take a closer look at recent employment numbers and what they tell us about the North Bay economy. We also share an update on California’s new AI workforce dashboard and what it could mean as technology continues to change the way people work.

We also look ahead to the November ballot, which is expected to include several measures that could affect employers, workers, housing, health care, taxes, and California’s overall business climate. Finally, we are happy to welcome Bank of Marin back to NBLC and invite you to save the date for our State of the North Bay Economic Conference this October. As always, NBLC will keep following these issues and working with our members to support a strong North Bay economy.

With the Fourth of July coming up, and our country preparing to mark its 250th anniversary, I hope everyone has a safe, happy, and meaningful Independence Day.