June 6, 2024

On Tuesday, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted to support the formation of a Community Benefit Improvement District (CBID) in downtown Santa Barbara. As a significant property owner within the proposed district, the County now joins the City of Santa Barbara and other property owners in backing this initiative to provide much-needed services for the downtown area.

The CBID allows property owners to self-impose an assessment, enabling them to fund enhanced services beyond what the City's general services and budget constraints can cover. The estimated $2 million in funds collected will be specifically allocated to improvements and services designed to benefit the district both economically and socially. These enhancements include increased safety, improved cleanliness, and promotional activities aimed at attracting more visitors and businesses to the area. This initiative is championed by the Chamber, Downtown Santa Barbara, and the CBID Steering Committee. Learn more here.

Last month, the Chamber hosted an Internship Matchmaking Dinner as part of the Workforce Development program. The event included representatives from 10 local technology and advanced manufacturing employers as well as students from high school and college. This collaboration between industry and education partners is focused on developing the local talent pipeline into high-demand employment opportunities in this local industry sector. Industry partners have reported great value in the number of high-quality local candidates they were able to meet within a short period of time. For students, the dinner was an opportunity for them to connect with company representatives, build relationships, increase their chances of landing an internship, and learn how they can stand apart from other applicants. The Chamber looks forward to making this a recurring event. For more details, please contact the Chamber’s Workforce Development Program Lead, Ben Werner.

The Chamber just released the quarterly Public Policy Update. At the heart of our mission lies a dedication to facilitating connections between businesses and government bodies, alongside offering essential insights into matters affecting the local business landscape. Our quarterly Public Policy Update serves as a dedicated platform for disseminating advocacy updates, providing comprehensive information on recent and forthcoming public policy matters impacting the South Coast.

Click here to view the quarterly Public Policy Update.

TECHTOPIA SUMMIT

 UC Santa Barbara

June 26, 2024

3-6:30 PM 

B2B NETWORKING BREAKFAST

Sponsored by

SEEAG

June 27, 9-10:30 AM

MEET ME IN OLD TOWN GOLETA

Free Community Event

Entertainment: Mezcal Martini

July 18, 5-7 PM 

Community Environmental Council’s Electrify Your Life

Santa Barbara County Green Business Program

California Employers

California Equal Play Playbook

Visit the Chamber's RESOURCES page for more information and additional resources.

Last month, the Chamber launched the "So Much To Love In Santa Barbara" campaign, aimed at highlighting the community’s love for their city and the unique offerings of Santa Barbara. This week, we're highlighting the Old Mission Santa Barbara. Don't miss the Old Mission Motor Show on July 13, 9AM to 2PM, set against the stunning backdrop of this national treasure! Share your moments using #SoMuchToLoveSB

For more information about the “So Much To Love” campaign, a free toolkit, information on how to participate and more, click here.

SCORE

Optimizing Your LinkedIn and

Alignable Profiles for Success

June 7 | 10 AM

SBA Loan

What to Expect When

Applying for an SBA Loan

June 13 | 12 PM 

Santa Barbara Surf Film Festival

The Santa Barbara Surf Film Festival takes place over two days at Lobero Theatre, June 7 & 8.

Santa Barbara Trapeze

Join us for Trapeze Summer Camp 

Drop-In Days Available in June 

Mon-Thur 9AM - 3PM, Fri 9AM -1PM.

Old Mission Santa Barbara

This Summer, experience a journey through time at the Old Mission Motor Show on July 13.

Santa Barbara Block Party

Celebrate Juneteenth at the annual Santa Barbara Block Party in the Funk Zone.

Sara Caputo

Learn productivity hacks and then get to work! Join the Hive Power Series on June 20 | 9:30-11:30 AM.

Central Coast Community Energy

Join 3CE for lunch and a

stakeholder workshop on

June 20 | 12:45-2:30 PM.

Casa Del Herrero

Summer Solstice Golden Hour Sound Bath

Thursday, June 20

In order to offer no cost lunches to local seniors five days a week, the Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens needs volunteers.

City’s First Community Garden, New Playground and Extended Bike Path Now Open at

Armitos Park.

City of Santa Barbara’s Draft Annual Action Plan for Program Year 2024 is available for a 30-day public review period.