POLICY WATCH – September 2026
In This Issue
NBLC General Election and Candidate Endorsements- November Ballot
Measure P- Childcare Initiative in Marin Gaining Momentum
NBLC Victory for the North Bay- Governor Vetoes SB 954
What Workers Need—and What It Means for the North Bay Workforce
Upcoming Events
State of the North Bay Economic Conference, October 14, 8:30am-10:00am via zoom Jeff Bellasario, BAC Economic Institute will deliver the North Bay Economic Report followed by a panel discussing: From Jobs to Homeownership: Building Economic Opportunity in the North Bay
Members in the News
As we head into the final weeks of a very busy year, there is a lot happening across the North Bay and much of it speaks directly to the issues NBLC has been focused on throughout 2026.
This month, we’re seeing some encouraging examples of what can happen when employers, community leaders and regional partners work together. From growing support for Measure P in Marin, to the Governor’s veto of SB 954 and the coalition effort behind it, these are important moments for the North Bay.
At the same time, the challenges facing our region are increasingly interconnected. Housing affordability, childcare, workforce development, economic mobility and the changing nature of work are not separate issues, they all shape whether people can build careers, support their families and afford to live in the communities where they work.
That is why I’m especially looking forward to our upcoming State of the North Bay Economic Conference on October 14, where we’ll unveil our latest economic report and bring regional leaders together to explore what it will take to move from simply creating jobs to creating greater economic opportunity.
Thank you, as always, for being part of NBLC and for helping us build a stronger, more resilient North Bay.
Best regards,
Joanne
NBLC General Election and Candidate Endorsements - November Ballot:
With the November 3 election approaching, NBLC has reviewed the statewide and regional measures on the ballot through the lens of our 2026 policy priorities. These priority focus areas include housing, transportation, childcare, workforce development, climate resilience, economic resilience and healthcare. Several measures directly intersect with issues NBLC has been working on for years, including expanding housing opportunities and advancing CEQA reforms to reduce unnecessary delays and help California build the housing, infrastructure and economic development projects our communities need. Our analysis focuses on how these measures could affect the North Bay’s employers, workers and communities. Please find below the link to NBLC’s recommendations on the measures we believe are most relevant to our region and our members.
In addition to reviewing the November ballot measures, NBLC has endorsed candidates in several key congressional, state legislative and Sonoma County races. As an employer-led organization, NBLC looks for candidates whose priorities and approach align with our mission of promoting a strong economy and making the North Bay a better place to live and work. Our focus includes policies that support employers and workers, expand economic opportunity, address housing and workforce challenges, and strengthen the communities in which businesses operate.
Below is NBLC’s 2026 candidate endorsement list, reflecting the Council’s policy priorities and engagement in the November election.
Please watch for local candidates races in Santa Rosa, Petaluma and San Rafael
Momentum Building for Measure P:
Support for Measure P in Marin continues to grow. The Marin Independent Journal editorial board has endorsed Measure P, calling for support for the countywide childcare initiative in its September 26 editorial. The IJ joins a growing coalition of elected officials, educators, health care leaders, early childhood professionals and community leaders supporting Measure P, including Congressman Jared Huffman, State Senator Mike McGuire, Assemblymember Damon Connolly, Marin County Supervisors Brian Colbert, Eric Lucan, Stephanie Moulton-Peters, Dennis Rodoni and Mary Sackett, and Marin County District Attorney Lori Frugoli. Support also includes leaders from College of Marin, Dominican University, Marin YMCA, North Bay Children’s Center, Bay Area Discovery Museum, Marin Child Care Council, Tamalpais Pediatrics and other community organizations and early childhood providers.
With ballots arriving soon, this growing breadth of support reflects the broad community interest in expanding access to high-quality early learning, strengthening the childcare workforce and helping Marin families and employers in Marin.
As NBLC President & CEO Joanne Webster told the Marin Independent Journal editorial board, “There are many benefits for children, from better education and health outcomes to a stronger economic outcome over their lifetime. This should be part of infrastructure that helps families and our economy thrive.
The IJ agreed, “Childcare for families in need allows Marin workers to contribute to businesses that support the economy. That’s beneficial to us all.” They conclude with “In support of low-income families, today’s workforce and the positive outcomes we want for all Marin children as they grow, the IJ editorial board recommends a yes vote on Measure P”.
To find out more please visit ourkidsmarin.org.
Governor Vetoes SB 954:
A recent win in Sacramento and a sobering development here at home underscore the importance of keeping California a competitive place to manufacture and invest.
Governor Newsom has vetoed SB 954, legislation NBLC opposed because of its potential to discourage manufacturing investment and expansion in California. The Governor’s veto message echoes several of the concerns raised by NBLC and our business partners throughout the year.
The veto comes at a particularly important time for the North Bay. The Press Democrat recently reported that Amy’s Kitchen is leaving the North Bay for Idaho, a decision that has broader implications for the region’s manufacturing base. As Sonoma State University economics professor Robert Eyler told the Press Democrat, the planned shutdown “suggests that it’s getting more difficult to do food manufacturing at scale here in Sonoma County.”
While Amy’s Kitchen cited a number of factors, its departure is a reminder of the challenges facing manufacturers that operate and invest in California. Manufacturing supports good jobs, local businesses and the broader regional economy.
NBLC is grateful to our partners at the Bay Area Council and the broader business coalition that worked together on SB 954. The veto is an important example of what can be accomplished when the North Bay business community works together with regional and statewide partners.
Read the Governor’s veto message here.
What Workers Need — and What It Means for the North Bay Workforce:
A new Bank of America 2026 Workplace Benefits Report offers useful insight into the changing needs of today’s workforce and several of its findings reinforce issues NBLC has been focused on across the North Bay.
The national survey of 941 employees and 806 employers finds that while employee financial well-being has improved, significant economic pressures remain. Only 55% of employees describe their financial wellness as good or excellent, compared with 71% of employers who believe their employees are financially well. At the same time, 76% of employees say they feel stressed about the economy and 62% are very concerned about inflation.
The report also highlights how workforce needs are changing across generations. Younger workers are focused on building financial security, with 44% prioritizing emergency savings, while 24% of Gen Z and Millennials are saving to buy their first home. Nearly six in 10 employees are caregivers, balancing work with caring for children, aging parents or other family members.
For employers, the report points to another major challenge: preparing workers for a rapidly changing economy. Four in 10 employers say reskilling workers to embrace artificial intelligence will be a major challenge over the next five years. Meanwhile, the aging workforce is creating another potential talent gap as experienced workers approach retirement.
These findings reinforce why NBLC's work cannot be viewed as separate policy silos. Housing affordability, childcare and caregiving, workforce development, economic mobility, healthcare and the changing nature of work are all interconnected.
For North Bay employers, the challenge is not simply finding workers it is creating the conditions that allow people to enter the workforce, remain in it, advance their careers and afford to live in the communities where they work.
The report also reinforces the importance of thinking about workforce development broadly. Preparing workers for AI and other changes in the economy will require not only training and education, but also stronger connections between employers, educators and workforce-development organizations.
For NBLC, that is precisely where regional collaboration can make a difference: bringing employers and community leaders together around the policies and investments needed to build a workforce that can support a stronger North Bay economy.
Read the full Bank of America 2026 Workplace Benefits Report.
Upcoming Events:
State of the North Bay Economic Conference, October 14, 8:30am-10:00am via zoom
We’ll explore these issues in greater depth at NBLC’s upcoming State of the North Bay Economic Conference, where we will unveil our latest North Bay economic report, presented by Jeff Bellisario, Bay Area Council Economic Institute, followed by a discussion with regional leaders on: From Jobs to Homeownership: Building Economic Opportunity in the North Bay
The panel will tackle one central question:
“What does the North Bay need to do differently if we want people not just to work here, but to build a career, buy a home, and build a future here?”
The conversation will look beyond job creation alone to the broader conditions that shape economic opportunity from wages and career pathways to housing, childcare, education and workforce development.
Register for the State of the North Bay Economic Conference Here.
Members in the News
Northern California Public Media Youth Townhall Candidate Interviews
Northern California Public Media in partnership with NBLC brought to life 2 amazing programs for Sonoma County residents interested in learning more about their candidates up for election.
Basin Street Properties Expands Marin County Presence with Acquisition of 899 and 1050 Northgate Drive
Basin Street Properties, a leading owner and operator of commercial real estate in Northern California and Northern Nevada, announced today the acquisition of 899 Northgate Drive and 1050 Northgate Drive, two Class A office and medical office properties totaling 113,094 square feet in San Rafael.
Bank of America’s 2026 Workplace Benefits Report
As the talent acquisition and retention landscape continues to be challenging for businesses, a new study from Bank of America sheds light on how employees are viewing their financial wellness.
Congratulations to Our Members Named Best Places to Work in 2026 by North Bay Business Journal
Continuing a tradition spanning 21 years, the North Bay Business Journal honors members of the business community whose employees say their companies are the Best Places to Work.
Santa Rosa Junior College President's Address to the Community
Superintendent/President Dr. Angélica Garcia will share updates on Santa Rosa Junior College, celebrate the people and programs making a difference for our students, and look ahead to what’s next for SRJC and the communities we serve.
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
www.northbayleadership.org