South Coast Chamber presents five‑year strategic plan and starts economic development foundation
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Summary
The South Coast Chamber of Commerce unveiled a five‑year strategic plan and announced formation of a Santa Barbara Economic Development Foundation (a 501(c)(3)) to expand workforce development, streamline permitting input and gather local economic data to support business retention and growth across the region.
The South Coast Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 10 told the Santa Barbara City Council it will pursue regional coordination, workforce pipeline programs and permit reform under a new five‑year strategic plan, and announced the creation of a Santa Barbara Economic Development Foundation to support that work.
Kristen Miller, president and CEO of the Chamber, described five strategies that focus on shaping the region’s narrative, building organizational capacity, reducing regulatory bottlenecks and supporting industries the Chamber identified as critical — high‑tech, hospitality and health care. “When these sectors flourish, our whole community rises,” Miller said.
Board chair Randy Berg said the chamber has grown since a merger of local chambers and outlined a membership and events record: roughly 850 members, five signature events, and a stronger footprint connecting businesses, nonprofits and local government. “We want to be a part of that,” Berg said, describing efforts to strengthen the talent pipeline and open doors for underserved students.
Dustin, the Chamber’s director of economic development, announced formation of the Santa Barbara Economic Development Foundation, a separate 501(c)(3) intended to allow the chamber to expand work beyond membership services into data collection, workforce housing solutions and business retention programs. The foundation will partner with cities, the county, City College and UC Santa Barbara on workforce and data initiatives, the presenters said.
City staff framed the chamber presentation as complementary to the city’s new Office of Housing and Community Vitality. “We have announced the name of our office, which is the Office of Housing and Community Vitality,” Anthony Valdez, deputy city administrator, said and introduced the chamber team to council. Valdez also outlined staff roles tied to State Street planning, parking and housing and economic development.
Council members generally welcomed the plan and asked for details on priorities the city should focus on in the next five years; suggestions included workforce training aligned with UCSB and City College, airport and waterfront opportunities, and targeted support for distinct business districts. Amy Steinfeld (Brownstein) and Randall Hernandez (Power of Public Affairs) offered public support, saying public‑private partnerships and expanded data would help attract investment and diversify the tax base.
The item was informational and not an action item; council members encouraged continued collaboration with the chamber and asked staff and chamber representatives to keep the council updated as the foundation and programs move toward implementation.
