Representatives of the Monterey County Green Business Program and its partners addressed the Board of Supervisors during general public comment on Jan. 13 to request continued county funding and to report program outcomes.

Jackie Castorena Davila, representing the Monterey County Green Business Program, thanked the board for $15,000 in FY 2024–25 support and said the local program — part of the California Green Business Network — provides one‑on‑one technical assistance, certification, and access to incentives for small businesses. "We currently have 71 certified green businesses in the county," she said, and reported program achievements including diverting over 12,000 pounds of waste and conserving more than 500,000 gallons of water.

Brian (first name only), representing the California Green Business Network and Environmental Innovations, echoed the request and explained that when businesses receive technical assistance and certification, compliance and environmental outcomes improve; he asked the board to consider the program during fiscal‑year budget planning.

The chair thanked both speakers and invited written comments to the clerk for the record.

What’s next: advocates asked county budget staff to consider continued funding in the upcoming budget cycle.