POLICY WATCH – April 2026
In This Issue
Overhaul of CEQA on the November ballot
NBLC Supports Our Kids Our Future, Marin County Child Care Initiative
Vote Yes on Measure B- Renew the SMART sales tax
NBLC endorses candidates in Senate District 2 and Assembly District 12 races
Must See Videos: Leaders of the North Bay
Other Upcoming Events
Save the Date- State of the North Bay Economic Conference, October 14, 8:30am-10:00am via zoom
Members in the News
In this issue, we highlight the policies and initiatives shaping the future of our region, and the work underway to ensure the North Bay remains a place where businesses can grow, communities can thrive, and our economy can remain resilient. From efforts to modernize CEQA and support for a local child care solution in Marin, to renewing SMART’s funding through Measure B and weighing in on key state races, these are the decisions that will shape our region’s economic future.
And if you missed it, be sure to check out our Leaders of the North Bay videos to see the impact of leadership in action across our region.
Thank you for staying engaged in the work of building a more resilient, prosperous and equitable North Bay.
Best regards,
Joanne
Overhaul of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Qualifies for November Ballot:
April is Earth Month, a time to reaffirm California’s leadership on climate action and our shared responsibility to protect natural resources. At the North Bay Leadership Council, we’ve long championed both environmental stewardship and pragmatic solutions to the North Bay’s most pressing challenges from wildfires and flooding to sea level rise. That includes advancing climate adaptation, clean energy, and resilient infrastructure.
But it also requires acknowledging where our systems are falling short. The California Environmental Quality Act was designed as a critical safeguard, yet it is too often misused in ways that delay essential housing, climate, and infrastructure projects driving up costs and slowing progress. As highlighted in a recent Mercury News CEQA reform article April 27 2026, a new legislative push to modernize CEQA reflects a growing consensus: we can and must protect our environment while enabling the investments needed to move California and the North Bay forward.
CEQA reform Champion, Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks, D-Oakland, supports the legislation. Last July, Newsom signed bills from the Assemblywoman and Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, to waive or streamline CEQA to build housing in already developed urban areas, and for other projects including farmworker housing, daycare centers, food banks and plants to build semiconductors, biotechnology and nanotechnology on land zoned for industrial uses”. But she says, it’s not enough.
“We have to build for the modern era, and I think we can do so in a way that still respects our environmental values,” she said at the Capitol Weekly Housing Conference in Sacramento on Feb. 24
Wicks cited a solar company that testified in a Sacramento hearing last year that it spent 12 years, filled out 11,000 pages of environmental studies and was required to obtain 72 permits from 28 agencies to get approval for one high-voltage electric transmission line.
“We say we have these climate goals and yet we make it almost impossible to reach them,” Wicks said. “As Democrats, we have to have an honest conversation about what we’re doing here and where our values are. And for me, as a Democrat, government has to deliver results.”
Read the Full Story Here
Our Kids Our Future- Marin Child Care Initiative:
The Our Kids Our Future initiative is a direct investment in the North Bay’s workforce, economic resilience, and long-term competitiveness, one that the North Bay Leadership Council is proud to support as part of our broader focus on workforce development and economic vitality. Employers across Marin are already feeling the strain of a broken child care system: limited availability, long waitlists, and costs that now exceed $28,000 per year for infant care often higher than housing, are forcing working parents to reduce hours or leave the workforce entirely. This is not just a local observation; it reflects a broader economic trend. National research shows that more than 60% of parents with young children experience work disruptions due to unreliable child care, and more than one in four have been forced to quit a job as a result. At the same time, Marin’s early education workforce is underpaid and shrinking, further constraining supply and stability. The result is a growing disconnect between available jobs and available workers one that directly impacts business productivity, retention, and regional growth.
Importantly, we don’t have to look far to see how a solution like this can work. In 2024, Sonoma County voters approved Measure I, an effort also supported by NBLC creating a dedicated, local funding stream expected to generate tens of millions annually to expand child care, strengthen the workforce, and improve children’s health outcomes. Early implementation is already underway, with investments focused on increasing access to care, supporting providers with better compensation and training, and expanding facilities, key steps toward stabilizing the system and helping more parents remain in the workforce
The Our Kids Our Future Marin Child Care initiative brings that same proven, locally controlled model to Marin and customizes it to meet our counties specific needs. It offers a practical, locally controlled solution. It would generate an estimated $12.5 million annually. Funding that stays in Marin to expand access to high-quality early childhood education, invest in facilities, and strengthen the early education workforce through better wages and training. By stabilizing and expanding the child care system, we can help more parents stay in the workforce, support employers in attracting and retaining talent, and build a stronger pipeline of future workers. This is an investment in our kids- in our future. We believe that if we want a strong North Bay, we need to be intentional about growing the next generation of leaders and we have to start where leadership begins- early!! But, first, we must qualify the measure for the November ballot by gathering 17,000 signatures by June. We encourage you to act now: sign the petition, engage your neighbors, and join us at the Rally for Marin Kids on Wednesday, May 6th from 4–6 pm at the College of Marin’s Center for Student Success to learn more and help gather signatures. This is a critical moment to lead because closing the child care gap isn’t just a family issue, it’s a business imperative!
Vote Yes on Measure B!
The North Bay Leadership Council was a leading voice in 2008 when voters approved Measure Q to bring SMART rail to life recognizing then, as we do now, that a strong transportation system is essential to a strong economy. Today, SMART has become a vital part of our regional infrastructure, connecting residents to jobs, education, and essential services while providing a dependable alternative to congestion along the Highway 101 corridor. Every day, thousands rely on SMART as a safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation option that supports workforce mobility and regional competitiveness.
Now, we have an opportunity and a responsibility to protect this crucial investment and ensure its future. Measure B simply renews the existing quarter-cent sales tax, with no increase, to maintain service, prevent cuts, and keep this critical system running for the next generation. With strong voter support already demonstrated across the district, this is a moment to build on what’s working and keep the North Bay moving forward. We urge our members, partners, and the broader community to vote YES on Measure B because sustaining SMART isn’t just about transportation, it’s about economic vitality, workforce access, and the continued strength of our region.
NBLC Endorses Candidates in State Races:
State Senate District 2- Damon Connolly
The North Bay Leadership Council supports Damon Connolly for State Senate District 2 based on his experience, regional understanding, and long-standing engagement with North Bay issues. Over the course of his public service, Damon has demonstrated a willingness to work across sectors and engage with the business community on complex challenges, including housing, transportation, and climate adaptation.
We value leaders who are accessible, thoughtful, and open to dialogue. Damon has built strong relationships throughout the region and understands the importance of advancing practical solutions that reflect the needs of the North Bay. As he seeks to succeed Senator Mike McGuire, we believe he brings the experience and perspective needed to effectively represent the region in the Senate.
State Assembly District 12- Eric Lucan
The North Bay Leadership Council supports Eric Lucan for State Assembly District 12 based on his strong track record of local leadership and his deep understanding of North Bay communities. Through our work with Eric, we’ve seen firsthand his thoughtful approach to complex issues and his commitment to bringing people together to find practical, balanced solutions.
Eric has demonstrated an ability to engage constructively with the business community while also addressing broader community needs particularly around economic vitality, housing, transportation, and long-term climate resilience. He understands the regional nature of the challenges we face and the importance of collaboration in addressing them. As he seeks to represent District 12, we believe Eric Lucan has the experience, relationships, and approach needed to effectively serve the North Bay in Sacramento.
Must See Videos: Leaders of the North Bay:
In case you missed it. View videos here.
Upcoming Events:
Save the Date- State of the North Bay Economic Conference, October 14, 8:30am-10:00am via zoom
Members in the News
Basin Street Properties Welcomes Luxxbox at Lakeville Business Park in Petaluma
Basin Street Properties, a prominent real estate investment, development, and management firm, is pleased to announce that innovative lighting and acoustics company Luxxbox has signed a 15,164 square-foot lease at Lakeville Business Park in Petaluma, California.
Friedman’s Home Improvement Celebrates 80 Year Anniversary!
Friedman’s Home Improvement turns 80 this month, a milestone the local retailer said reflects its legacy and also is a prompt for continued change amid a shifting market.
Sonoma Raceway Names Kubota Official Agriculture and Construction Equipment Partner
Sonoma Raceway today announced a new multi-year partnership with Kubota Tractor Corporation, naming the company the Official Agriculture & Construction Equipment Partner of Sonoma Raceway.
Soiland Co., Inc. Opens New Yard & Garden Location in Santa Rosa
Soiland Co., Inc., the leading producer of high-quality construction and landscaping materials in the North Bay, announced today the opening of Yard & Garden, a new retail location at the corner of Llano Road and Highway 12 in Santa Rosa. In addition, the family-owned company is bringing all operations and its four locations under a single name: Soiland Materials. These changes reflect the company’s continued investment in serving the local construction and landscaping industries while strengthening their role in recycling and material reuse.
SMART Launches MASCOTS Plan to Connect More People to More Transportation
Beginning Sunday, April 12, SMART is increasing service by 19%—with more trains earlier in the morning, more frequent midday trips, and later evening service to fit your schedule.
Sonoma Clean Power Funds $4.5 Million Business Hub That Aims to be Launchpad for Minority Entrepreneurs
Fueled by up to $4.5 million from Sonoma County’s public power agency, a new nonprofit is preparing to launch an ambitious initiative to streamline permitting for small business owners from minority and underserved communities.
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