POLICY WATCH – October 2025
In This Issue
Spotlight on Childcare and Why Early Childhood Education is Crucial by Susan Gilmore
Key Highlights from the State of the North Bay Economic Conference
What is a “Place Bubble” by Bill Fulton
Transportation Update- Highway 37 Survey
Upcoming Events
o 2025 State of Housing Report Release and Housing for Healthy Communities Initiative Launch
Welcome New Member- Petaluma River Park Foundation
Members in the News
This month’s newsletter is packed with insights shaping the North Bay’s future — from the economy and housing to childcare and transportation. Susan Gilmore spotlights why early childhood education is crucial to our region’s long-term success, while highlights from the State of the North Bay Economic Conference reveal the regions challenges and spotlight key opportunites. Urban planner Bill Fulton explains what a “Place Bubble” is and how to recognize one in your community. We also share the latest transportation update on the Highway 37 and offer you a survey to share your thoughts on tolling and preview upcoming events, including the release of the 2025 State of Housing Report and launch of the Housing for Healthy Communities Initiative. Finally, we’re pleased to welcome our newest member, the Petaluma River Park Foundation, to our growing network of regional leaders.
Have a happy and safe Halloween.
Best Regards,
Joanne
NBLC Work Plan Priority- Childcare
Goal: Provide High Quality Early Learning Experiences for All Children
Spotlight on Childcare and Celebrating North Bay Children’s Center’s New Campus in Novato by NBLC member- Susan Gilmore
Below is an excerpt from a Marin Voice by Susan Gilmore, President and CEO of the North Bay Children’s Center and member of NBLC, Marin IJ October 9th. Susan writes, “Our nation’s economic future depends on an educated and skilled workforce, and early childhood education is the most effective pathway to achieve it. Yet too many children are left behind during this critical stage of development.
The North Bay Children’s Center is dedicated to changing that, ensuring all children — especially our most vulnerable — have access to high-quality early learning experiences that lay the foundation for lifelong success. Today, we serve over 650 infants, toddlers and preschoolers across 14 locations in Marin and Sonoma counties.
With immense gratitude and joy, we now celebrate the opening of the Al and Lisa Brayton Campus in Novato, a milestone 18 years in the making. More than just classrooms and gardens, this new campus represents an investment in children, families and the future of the North Bay.
With space for 176 children, the new campus will enable us to significantly increase our child-care capacity, strengthen early learning outcomes and create a national model for high-quality, inclusive and environmentally focused education.
Every square foot was designed with care to create spaces that spark curiosity, foster resilience and encourage problem-solving. From our state-of-the-art classrooms and teacher training center to the outdoor kitchens and amphitheater, the campus offers children hands-on opportunities to learn, explore and grow.
What truly sets this campus apart is our Garden of Eatin’ Learning Lab, designed to serve the broader community of early childhood educators. This innovative lab will be a hub of research, training and collaboration, sharing best practices and sustainable approaches to child care far beyond our own doors. Here, educators can learn side by side with children, experimenting with curricula that integrate gardening, nutrition, environmental awareness and play.
Parents, too, benefit from knowing their children are in a safe, nurturing environment, giving them the ability to pursue work, support their families and contribute to the local economy.
Yet even as we celebrate this accomplishment, we must also acknowledge a larger truth: Access to affordable, high-quality child care cannot depend on philanthropy and individual commitment alone.
Families across the nation (and across Marin) are struggling. The shortage of affordable early learning opportunities places enormous strain on parents, employers and communities. Public policy must play a central role.
Lawmakers at every level have the power — and the responsibility — to invest in early childhood programs, support working parents and ensure that every child has the education and care they deserve.
We call on policymakers, business and community leaders, parents, grandparents and all who care about the future of our children to join us in this effort. Advocate for funding, champion legislation that supports working families, and invest in programs that give every child a strong start and the chance to enter school ready to succeed.
By prioritizing children and families today, we strengthen local economies, promote equity and secure a brighter future for generations to come.
Together, we can ensure that every child in Marin has access to high-quality early learning, that every parent has the support they need, and that our communities thrive as a result.”
NBLC Work Plan Priority- Economic Resiliency
Goal: Strengthen Economic Resiliency
State of the North Bay Economic Report
The North Bay Leadership Council (NBLC) hosted its annual State of the North Bay Economic Conference on October 16th, bringing together more than 125 business and community leaders virtually. This annual event helps decision-makers better understand the trends shaping our regional economy and identify strategies for future growth. Jeff Bellisario, Executive Director of the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, delivered the keynote address and presented the findings of the 2025 State of the North Bay Economic Report.
The report showed that while the North Bay’s economic recovery from the pandemic has been slower than the state and national average, the region has recently gained momentum. From August 2024 to August 2025, employment in the North Bay grew by 1%, outpacing other Bay Area subregions. Still, the economy remains somewhat volatile, with uneven job production over the past three years. Growth has been strongest in education and health services, leisure and hospitality, and manufacturing, while professional services, construction, financial activities, and trade have declined since 2020.
Leisure and hospitality continue to play a vital role in the North Bay’s economy. Hotel tax revenues in Napa and Sonoma counties demonstrate resilience, though hotel performance has varied across the region, with fluctuating revenue per available room (RevPAR). Housing affordability remains a pressing issue—Marin County’s housing costs rival those of San Francisco, while Napa and Sonoma offer relatively more attainable options. Despite only accounting for 15% of the Bay Area’s new housing permits, the North Bay leads the region in per capita housing production, signaling steady local progress toward meeting housing demand.
However, the report underscored a growing population crisis. The North Bay’s population has declined every year since 2016, with more than 3,000 residents leaving in 2024 due to domestic out-migration and minimal natural growth. The region is also aging rapidly—Marin County has the highest median age in the Bay Area at 47.3 years—raising concerns about future workforce availability and community sustainability.
Despite these challenges, Bellisario highlighted several reasons for optimism. The Bay Area remains the national leader in venture capital investment, with nearly two-thirds of U.S. funding directed toward AI and machine learning companies. The North Bay is well-positioned to capitalize on this innovation wave, especially in advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, aerospace, and agricultural technology—industries that align with the region’s assets in space, talent, and research. Looking ahead, sectors like healthcare, climate resilience, and clean energy offer promising opportunities to create middle-income jobs and build a more resilient, inclusive economy for the North Bay’s future.
What is a Place Bubble?
A recent article from Future of Where, urban planner and author Bill Fulton explores the idea of “place bubbles” — periods when a city, region, or neighborhood experiences rapid growth and investment. These bubbles often form around new infrastructure, talent attraction, favorable policy changes, or upgraded amenities. Think AI boom currently happening in San Francisco or remote workers showing up out of nowhere and started bringing a lot of money into a town, as has happened in Zoomtowns all over the West in places like Bend and Boise. While they can bring opportunity, they also carry risk. Timing, strong fundamentals, and the ability to convert short-term growth into lasting value all determine whether a region truly benefits.
The author, on the FutureofWhere.substack.com (subscription required), outlines a three-step mindset for navigating these bubbles: identify, engage, and adapt. First, identify the economic assets being created, such as new transit corridors, tech clusters, or placemaking investments. Next, engage by aligning businesses, government, and civic leaders to capture the benefits rather than simply reacting to them. Finally, be ready to adapt or exit when growth momentum slows or underlying fundamentals weaken—because no bubble lasts forever.
Fulton continues “The thing about bubbles is that they burst. And so the question about the future of where is whether the Place Bubbles – whether driven by zoom or in-person work – will burst too and what happens if they do.
We are living through an unusual time in history where we are transitioning from a situation where we are traveling to places and being in places because we have to, to a situation where we travel and locate in places because we want to. I think the fundamental Place Bubble question is whether there are limits to this transition.
Five and a half years after the pandemic – and one year after starting to write The Future Of Where – I think the answer is yes. For one thing, most people don’t work remotely and never will. All you have to do is drive on a freeway at rush hour to see that. And for another, as the tech companies have found, there’s no remote replacement for the quality of in-person interaction among workers. Even all workers who can work remotely won’t.
And even though we all want to be free of the shackles of our daily commute – and other aspects of our daily life as well – I think that’s a good thing. The most important thing about limits to this transition is it places limits to the Place Bubbles. Yes, there will always be Place Bubbles – especially at a time of wealth inequality, when some people can move where they want and some cannot. But as the recent San Francisco turnaround shows, the need to be rooted in a particular place can help stabilize the place and make it better – which is, after all, the whole idea of a city.”
This framework is particularly relevant for the North Bay, where growth management, housing, infrastructure, and economic diversification remain top priorities. It raises key questions: What new investments are creating momentum here—such as transit improvements, AI expansion, or climate resiliency? How can our business community and workforce position themselves to benefit from these shifts? And what early warning signs should we watch for to avoid being caught off guard if growth slows?
In short, regional growth does not automatically translate into lasting value—it requires intentional collaboration and planning. By being proactive now, the region can ensure today’s momentum builds a stronger, more resilient economy for the future.
NBLC Work Plan Priority- Transportation
Goal: Support Improved Infrastructure for Better Mobility
State Route 37 Update: Significant progress is being made on long-awaited improvements to State Route 37 (SR 37), a critical transportation corridor connecting Solano County and the broader North Bay region. On October 9th, Governor Gavin Newsom signed NBLC supported bill- AB 697 into law, removing longstanding regulatory hurdles and clearing the way for major upgrades to move forward.
The project will widen SR 37 between Sears Point and Mare Island to two lanes in each direction, easing chronic congestion and improving commuter reliability for thousands of daily drivers. The corridor has faced repeated closures due to flooding and storm impacts, underscoring the urgency of addressing its vulnerability to sea-level rise and extreme weather.
MTC and its regional partners recently launched an online survey to seek input from travelers and community members about proposed tolling plans on SR 37. MTC website states that “Short-term improvements to Highway 37 include easing the 10-mile bottleneck between Sears Point in Sonoma County and Mare Island in Solano County by expanding the roadway from one lane to two lanes in each direction. One lane would remain free-of-charge for eligible carpool vehicles, buses and motorcycles, while the other lane would be a tolled lane.
This project is expected to cost $500 million and open to the public in 2030.
The proposed toll would support shorter commute times, improved road conditions, increased travel options and improved air quality for all who travel Highway 37 between Sears Point and Mare Island. Toll rates are expected to be similar to those on Bay Area toll bridges. MTC is looking at potential discount programs for qualifying low-income drivers.”
For the North Bay business community and regional stakeholders this is a key moment: the survey offers a channel to express concerns, recommend conditions and help shape how tolling and investment strategies for SR 37 may evolve. NBLC supports the improvement of SR 37 (including widening, resilience, mobility enhancements) and supports the idea of tolling on State Route 37 as part of the funding solution for its improvements.
Upcoming Events:
2025 State of Housing Report Release & Housing for Healthy Communities Initiative Launch
Join our partner Generation Housing on Thursday, November 13, from 3:30–5:00 PM at Redwood Credit Union in Santa Rosa for the 2025 Sonoma County State of Housing Report Release and Housing for Healthy Communities Initiative Event!
Hear from Generation Housing Executive Director Jen Klose, Director of Special Initiatives Dr. Joshua Shipper, and Adrian Covert, Bay Area Council VP of Public Policy & Local Lead at SR YIMBY, as they share key insights, data, and bold new ideas for the future of housing in the North Bay.
This event will explore key findings from the 2025 State of Housing Report, highlight lessons from Napa County’s Made the Rent Report, and launch Housing for Healthy Communities, a 2026 policy initiative that connects housing growth with community health and fiscal benefits.
👉 Seating is limited - Register Today
Welcome New Member- Petaluma River Park Foundation
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.
Petaluma River Park Foundation- “The mission of the Petaluma River Park Foundation is to meet our vital need for shared space that connects people, art, and nature. When we succeed, the River Park will be a vibrant, welcoming place that fosters a love of nature, sparks creativity, and unifies our community for generations to come. “
The Petaluma River Park Foundation will be a strong addition to NBLC because its mission aligns closely with our focus on regional vitality, sustainability, and quality of life. The Foundation is transforming a unique natural asset into a community park that connects people, nature, and local culture — exactly the kind of visionary, community-centered project that strengthens the North Bay’s identity and economy. The project enhances the region’s economic vitality by transforming the riverfront into a vibrant public destination that supports local businesses, tourism, and community events. Also, by improving quality of life and access to outdoor spaces which is desired by younger families, it helps attract and retain talent — a key driver of regional competitiveness. The Petaluma River Park project directly addresses this by creating a welcoming, family-friendly space for walking, biking, gathering, and engaging with nature — all of which are top priorities for younger families choosing where to live and put down roots.
NBLC Board Chair Karleen Arnink-Pate, Chief Revenue Officer, Sonoma Media Investments, said, “We are excited that Petaluma Priver Park Foundation is joining NBLC. The Foundation exemplifies the kind of collaborative, community-minded leadership that strengthens the North Bay. I’ve been impressed by their vision and the tangible impact they’re having in connecting people, nature, and place— all part of our region’s continued success.”
Members in the News
NBLC Members Ranked ‘Best’ Children’s Hospitals in Bay Area in New Report
U.S. News & World Report has released its 2025-2026 “best children’s hospitals” rankings, and it includes MarinHealth and Sonoma Valley Hospital.
Sonoma Valley Hospital Appoints New CEO
Kelley Kaiser has been appointed CEO of Sonoma Valley Hospital, following a vote by the Sonoma Valley Health Care District Board of Directors in tandem with UCSF Health.
Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership and 100MARIN Announce Fall 2025 Philanthropy Award Recipient
Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) is thrilled to announce that Marin Foster Care Association has been selected as the recipient of the $15,000 award at the 100MARIN Fall 2025 Celebration of Philanthropy.
Redwood Credit Union Employees Pack 4,000 Care Bags for Local Foster Youth During Day of Impact
While most financial institutions observed Columbus Day, Santa Rosa-based Redwood Credit Union continued its tradition of dedicating the day to making meaningful change through its Day of Impact.
Recology’s Grand Opening of The Recology Artstart Student Hub
This Summer, a special partnership between Recology and Artstart formed - resulting in the TRASH art program. Five local student artists were selected to be part of the inaugural seven-week residency, to make art out of trash, with the intention of inspiring viewers to think more critically about their own consumption and waste.
Basin Street Properties Welcomes Ryan Obedin to North Bay Leasing Team
Basin Street Properties is pleased to announce that Ryan Obedin has joined our North Bay leasing team. Ryan will lead our leasing efforts across our Mill Valley, Petaluma and Santa Rosa properties, supporting our outstanding community of North Bay brokers.
Dominican University President Shares Plan for Resilience Amid Cuts
In recent weeks, the U.S. Department of Education abruptly ended approximately $350 million in discretionary grants for so-called “minority-serving institutions,” including the Title V programs that specifically supported Hispanic-serving institutions like Dominican University of California.
College of Marin Gets $10M Pledge for Endowment Fund
The College of Marin will receive a $10 million matching grant to establish a new endowment for students in need.
Sonoma State University Moves Up Regional List of Best US Colleges
Despite a tumultuous year with announced funding cuts, a budget deficit and leadership changes, Sonoma State University has moved up slightly in the rankings as one of the top universities in the region, according to the 2026 annual U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges rankings.
Sonoma Clean Power to Make Pitch for Lake County to Join
Sonoma Clean Power is set to make its case Tuesday evening for Lake County to join the energy agency currently serving Sonoma and Mendocino counties. It’s a conversation a decade in the making.