POLICY WATCH – June 2026
In This Issue
Employment Snapshot: A Mixed Picture Across the North Bay
AI and the Future of Work
Looking Ahead: November Ballot Will Shape California's Business Climate
Upcoming Events
Save the Date- State of the North Bay Economic Conference, October 14, 8:30am-10:00am via zoom
Welcome New Member- Bank of Marin
Members in the News
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.
Best regards,
Joanne
Employment Snapshot: A Mixed Picture Across the North Bay:
Recent employment figures point to an uneven recovery across Marin, Sonoma, Napa and Solano counties, according to reporting by Press Democrat journalist Jeff Quakenbush and research by Dr. Rob Eyler of Sonoma State University. Some parts of the North Bay continue to add jobs, while others remain below pre-pandemic employment levels. Health care and hospitality are helping drive hiring, even as other sectors experience slower growth. The monthly jobs report is an important indicator, but it doesn't tell the whole story. Employers continue to face challenges recruiting and retaining workers, not because demand is weak, but because the North Bay's workforce is constrained by broader structural issues.
The latest employment trends reinforce what employers have experienced for several years: workforce shortages are being driven by demographic shifts, housing and overall affordability, and barriers that keep people from participating fully in the labor force.
At NBLC, we view employment data as more than a monthly statistic. They're a reminder that solving today's workforce challenges requires regional solutions. That's why NBLC continues to advocate for policies that strengthen the North Bay's economy, including:
• expanding workforce housing opportunities
• improving transportation connections
• increasing access to affordable child care
• strengthening workforce development partnerships, and
• advancing policies that improve economic competitiveness.
A strong labor market depends not only on job creation, but on ensuring employers can find and retain the talented workforce they need to grow.
Read the full story here.
AI and the Future of Work:
Beyond today’s labor market numbers, employers are preparing for another major force shaping the workplace: artificial intelligence. California recently launched the nation’s first AI Workforce Impact Dashboard, a new tool designed to track how AI is affecting jobs across industries and to inform workforce training and education strategies.
Although the dashboard's initial findings show no evidence of widespread AI-driven job losses, it underscores the importance of preparing workers and businesses for a rapidly evolving economy. For employers, the conversation is shifting beyond whether AI will affect jobs to how organizations can equip employees with the skills needed to adapt and thrive.
Why it matters: As AI transforms the workplace, workforce development, education, and lifelong learning will become even more critical to maintaining the North Bay's economic competitiveness. These are issues NBLC will continue to follow closely as we advocate for policies that strengthen both our regional economy and the future workforce.
Read the full story here
Looking Ahead: November Ballot Will Shape California's Business Climate:
California’s November ballot is taking shape, and the measures headed to voters could carry significant implications for the state’s business climate. Last week marked the deadline for statewide measures to be certified for the November ballot.
This November’s statewide ballot is expected to include 14 measures addressing issues ranging from housing and taxation to elections, health care, and public finance. Each could have implications for employers, workers, and California’s overall competitiveness.
What NBLC is watching
As the campaign season unfolds, NBLC will continue to monitor the measures most relevant to the business community and assess how they could affect the North Bay economy. Staying informed will be especially important as voters consider proposals that may influence workforce development, housing affordability, infrastructure investment, and the state’s long-term economic outlook.
Preparing for a busy election season
Voters should expect a very active legislative and election season, with state and local ballot measures as well as important races on the horizon. NBLC will continue to evaluate key proposals and share recommended actions as appropriate.
June meeting update
At NBLC’s regularly scheduled June Board and General Membership meeting, members heard from Ben Granholm, Director at Swing Strategies, who provided an overview of key statewide ballot initiatives and examined their potential impact on the North Bay.
To stay up-to-date on all the latest developments, join Swing Strategies on Tuesday, June 30, 11am-Noon as they walk through all the late-action and preview the measures headed to the November 2026 ballot!
You can also Read about the 14 State Ballot Measures outlined by CalMatters Here.
Welcome New Members:
North Bay Leadership Council is proud to welcome new member: Bank of Marin
North Bay Leadership Council provides a strong voice for leading employers to drive public policy in our region. Our membership consists of private businesses, public institutions, hospitals and members in the health care sector, government agencies, as well as nonprofits. They represent over 100,000 employees, across 27 different industry sectors. This diversity in membership brings the vision needed to our work to address complex issues and improve the community as a whole. The challenges we face require regional leadership, to work collaboratively in finding regional solutions.
Bank of Marin: Please join us in welcoming back Bank of Marin as a member of the North Bay Leadership Council, represented by CEO Tim Myers. Bank of Marin has grown into one of the North Bay’s leading community business banks, serving clients across Marin, Sonoma, Napa, San Francisco, and the broader Bay Area. Through strategic expansion and acquisitions over the past two decades, the bank has significantly expanded its footprint while maintaining a strong commitment to relationship-based local banking and community investment. President and CEO Tim Myers, Bank of Marin continues to play an important role in supporting regional economic growth, small businesses, commercial development, and nonprofit organizations throughout the North Bay.
Upcoming Events:
Save the Date: Thursday, October 16th, 8:30am-10:00am, via zoom: State of the North Bay Economic Conference
Members in the News
Young Shoppers Riding SMART to Local Shops are Changing the Look of Downtown Santa Rosa
In a neighborhood long known for furniture and antiques, Santa Rosans may be seeing more teens and young adults than ever thanks to free train fares, interest in Santa Rosa Plaza and a flourishing gaming and comic community.
Basin Street Properties Welcomes Kassandra Delgado to North Bay Leasing Team
Basin Street Properties is pleased to announce that Kassandra Delgado has joined our North Bay leasing team. Kassandra will drive leasing efforts across our Mill Valley, Petaluma, and Santa Rosa properties, working closely with brokers and tenants throughout the North Bay market.
Sonoma State University Leaders Set to Decide on Future of Sports as Athletes’ Case Reaches California Supreme Court
The court fight over the fate of Sonoma State University’s athletics program continues to evolve even as university leadership is poised to make a long-awaited decision on the future of intercollegiate sports on campus after an infusion of state funds and months of strategic planning.
PG&E’s Matching Energy Bill Relief Available: Apply for Match My Payment Program While Funds Last
Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) Match My Payment Program has provided nearly $30 million in matching payments to help more than 78,000 customers catch up on past-due energy bills since the program began one year ago. Limited funds are still available for a short time.
SMART Launches New Mobile App
Transit is SMART’s new mobile app for navigating public transit and receiving rider alerts. The app helps riders navigate the SMART system, as well as other North Bay transit systems and destinations beyond. SMART riders will automatically receive a free upgrade to Royale, the premium subscription in the Transit, unlocking full access to enhanced features.
Who We Are
North Bay Leadership Council is the strong voice of employers who advocate for sound public policy affecting the North Bay, demonstrate and grow leadership within the region, and collectively work for a more resilient, prosperous and equitable future. For more information: Call 707.283.0028 / E-mail info@northbayleadership.org