POLICY WATCH – May 2026
In This Issue
NBLC Backs ADAPT Act to Strengthen North Bay Transportation Infrastructure
NBLC Joins Statewide Coalition Supporting Diablo Canyon Extension
Still Got Your Ballot? When is the right time to vote?
A Common Theme at 2026 Commencements: AI Boos
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
As we head into the summer months, the policy conversations shaping the North Bay continue to move quickly from transportation resilience and energy reliability to workforce transformation and the growing impact of artificial intelligence on our economy. In this edition of Policy Watch, we highlight several issues where North Bay Leadership Council is actively engaging to support a more resilient, competitive, and economically vibrant region.
We also encourage everyone to stay engaged in the democratic process as the June election approaches and to continue participating in the important conversations shaping the future of our communities and businesses.
Thank you for your continued partnership and leadership.
Best regards,
Joanne
NBLC Supports: Accelerating Demonstration Approaches for Protecting Transportation Assets (ADAPT) Act:
This month, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08) and Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced the introduction of the ADAPT Assets Act. The bill accelerates projects that protect vital infrastructure from natural disasters across the country, such as the much-needed flood protection on Highway 37. To mark the introduction of this bill, Congressman Garamendi held a press conference with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), MTC Vice Chair Moulton-Peters, North Bay Leadership Council, California Alliance for Jobs, and other local elected officials on Highway 37. “North Bay Leadership Council supports the ADAPT Act because it finally provides the kind of coordinated funding and delivery framework needed to move critical resilience projects like State Route 37 from planning to reality. We’ve waited too long! The two-lane Highway 37 is gridlocked most of the day and is prone to flooding and disruptions causing massive delays for teachers, nurses, childcare providers, truck drivers and working families who keep our economy moving. The ADAPT Act will strengthen this vital corridor for our economy, our communities, and the long-term mobility of the North Bay,” said Joanne Webster, President and CEO of the North Bay Leadership Council.
While NBLC strongly supports the long-term vision for Highway 37, we also continue to advocate for near-term improvements that can provide immediate relief for commuters, businesses, and working families who rely on the corridor every day. Together, the near-term operational improvements and the long-term resilience project represent the balanced, coordinated approach needed to protect one of the North Bay’s most critical transportation and economic lifelines. We were thrilled when a major milestone was reached this month for the future of Highway 37, as regional agencies approved an important permit advancing the long-term transformation of the corridor.
Diablo Canyon Coalition:
NBLC joined a coalition of 25 organizations launched in April, aimed at urging the California legislature to pass legislation that extends the operation of the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant beyond its currently approved 2030 closure date, aiming for an extension until 2045. The coalition is concerned that California will not be able to meet its projected demand for power driven by data centers expansion, and electrification of buildings, and transportation. This push for electric vehicles, AI explosion and building transformations are putting a strain on our grid. As the state continues transitioning to renewable energy, Diablo Canyon provides stable, carbon-free power that helps prevent shortages, reduce price volatility, and support businesses and employers across the North Bay and California.
Recent state energy reliability reports make clear that while California has made major progress in expanding clean energy and battery storage, the grid still faces growing pressure from extreme heat, electrification, and increased demand. Keeping Diablo Canyon online provides an important bridge that protects reliability while new energy infrastructure continues to come online.
For employers, energy reliability is an economic issue. Businesses need certainty that the lights stay on, costs remain manageable, and the state can support future growth without risking disruptions to operations or jobs.
Find more information here- Diablo Canyon 2045
Still Got Your Ballot?
Do you still have your ballot? Here’s why timing may matter in this election. A recent CalMatters commentary explores the growing debate over when voters should cast their ballots in California’s increasingly fluid political environment.
Kim Alexander, President of the California Voter Foundation suggests the following:
“Make a plan. Decide now when you want to vote. Here are some options, listed in order of my preference:
If you want to help speed up the vote count and see your results in totals on Election Night, then return your completed vote-by-mail ballot in-person to an official county ballot drop box, election office or voting site on or before May 30th, the Saturday before Election Day.
If you want to take as much time as possible, plan to vote in person on Election Day on June 2.
If you want to submit your ballot by mail, then plan to do that at least a full week before Election Day; that’s Tuesday, May 26.
Saturday, May 30th is the sweet spot for me, because it provides more time and, for the first time, all county election offices will be open at least six hours that day. But that means deciding by Friday, May 29th who I am voting for.
In the meantime, I suggest you keep talking to friends, attending events, watching debates and engaging in social media discussions.”
Read full story here
AI, Leadership, and the Workforce: A Common Theme at 2026 Commencements:
This year’s commencement season revealed a growing national conversation about artificial intelligence and the future of work. At several universities, graduates openly pushed back on speakers who enthusiastically promoted AI without acknowledging concerns about job disruption and economic uncertainty. As reported by Business Insider, “Students booed former Google CEO Eric Schmidt at the University of Arizona, while Big Machine Records CEO Scott Borchetta drew backlash at Middle Tennessee State University after he discussed AI's impact on music and media. So, the hosts of the tech podcast ‘Hard Fork’ recently asked Google CEO Sundar Pichai what his ‘boo strategy’ will be when he gives the commencement speech at Stanford University next month. For Pichai, the challenge is real: He leads one of the companies driving the AI boom at a time when many graduates worry the technology could evaporate the jobs they're about to pursue.”
"I've always been extraordinarily optimistic about the next generation," he told the hosts. AI, he said, doesn't change that. "My goal would be to share my experiences, and that's what I'm looking to do."
At the same time, other speakers focused on adaptability, innovation, and human creativity as the skills that will matter most in the years ahead. Business Insider stated on May 21st, “Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak received strong applause after reminding graduates at Grand Valley State University's graduation ceremony earlier this month. that they still possess ‘actual intelligence’ emphasizing that technology should support, not replace, human ingenuity.”
"It would take too long to go deeply into what I think about AI, but we've been trying to create a brain," Wozniak said. Is there a way we can duplicate a routine a trillion times and have it work like a brain? AI is one of those attempts."
“While Wozniak delivered his speech without interruption, the same can't be said of some other AI-forward commencement speakers. AI is looming over new graduates as they enter the job market. The tech is changing the landscape, from the skills candidates need to how companies assess them. Its ability to automate many tasks has led some companies to conduct AI-related layoffs.”
“During his commencement address, Wozniak reflected on working at Apple and offered students some advice as they begin their careers.”
"You should always try to think different," he said. “Don't follow the same steps as a million other people. Think, is there something I can do a little different?"
Upcoming Events:
Save the Date- State of the North Bay Economic Conference, October 14, 8:30am-10:00am via zoom
Members in the News
Redwood Credit Union Re-elects Board Members
Redwood Credit Union has re-elected three volunteer officials to its board of directors for the 2026-2029 term: Debra Watts, David Gouin and M. Christina Rivera.
Dominican University of California Will Have Veteran Marin Educator to Honor Graduates
Mary Jane Burke, a 1974 Dominican graduate who became the Marin County schools superintendent for 28 years, said the college “helped shape the course of my life in ways I could never have imagined.”
Midstate Construction Names New CEO as Longtime Leader Steps Back
Midstate Construction Corp., a Petaluma-based general contractor in business for more than 91 years, has announced a series of leadership promotions and personnel changes. All changes took effect May 5.
Basin Street Properties Welcomes Sonoma County Tourism’s New Offices at Fountaingrove Center in Santa Rosa
Basin Street Properties, a prominent real estate investment, development, and management firm, is proud to announce that Sonoma County Tourism has signed a lease at Fountaingrove Center in Santa Rosa, California.
Exchange Bank Profit Jumps 34% in First Quarter on Stronger Lending Income
Exchange Bank has reported higher first-quarter earnings, driven by stronger lending income and lower funding costs.
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