
Standing Up for Business
North San Diego Business Chamber serves as a lead advocate for business issues and works to create a business-friendly environment for our region – representing the interest of business on a local, state and federal level.
The Chamber monitors legislation and works closely with local city councils, state officials and congressional leaders in Washington, D.C. to ensure that interests of the business community are well-represented in public policy decisions.
We encourage members and community residents to exercise their right to vote and get involved with the below initiatives facilitated by the Chamber.
Creating Positive Change in San Diego Starts with You
Make Your Voice Heard
North San Diego Business Chamber has designed the following tool kit to serve as a resource to allow your voice to be heard, become educated and take a stance on issues facing the region.
North San Diego Business Chamber's Advisory Councils provide a forum for Chamber Members to participate in the dialogue and direction of the region through action. The Advisory Council structure is designed to provide each Member an opportunity to have their voice heard. Each Council has 20-25 seated members and all meetings are open to Chamber Members to attend. For more information on how to get involved or if you have any questions, please contact Sophia Hernandez.
Below is a list of all of the Advisory Councils and their meeting schedules. All meetings run from 8:00 am - 9:00 am with networking at 7:45 am. Please click on the Council name for more details and to register to attend a meeting.
- Economic Development & Advocacy - first Thursday of every month
- Health – fourth Tuesday of every month
- Military Affairs - first Tuesday of every month
Support the Chamber's Advocacy efforts by becoming a Community Supporter. For $120 a year, individuals can support the Chamber and participate in Business Advocacy. Join Now
In order to vote you must be:
- A United States Citizen and a resident of California
- 18 years or older on Election Day
- Not currently in state or federal prison or on parole for the conviction of a felony (for more information on the rights of people who have been incarcerated, please see the Secretary of State's Voting Rights: Persons with a Criminal History)
- Not currently found mentally incompetent to vote by a court (for more information, please see Voting Rights: Persons Subject to Conservatorship).
More important voting information
A simple phone call, email, or letter to an Elected Office has a powerful impact on influencing how your legislators view different issues. Especially if you can coordinate an advocacy campaign with other business leaders and community members. Creating a group of people advocating on the same issue is an excellent way to create a voice for your community.
Tips for effective communication
- Clearly identify yourself as a constituent and business owner or community member in their district
- Be concise and to the point
- Make your communication personalized, let them know how this bill will affect your business and life
- Clearly let the Elected Official know if you support or oppose the legislation
- If you write a letter use your letterhead, personally sign it, and leave your contact information
- Refer to the specific Bill number
Simply type the bill number or keywords into these data bases to find past and present California Legislation and United States Legislation
What Your Chamber Has Done For You
May 2023
The Economic Development & Advocacy Advisory Council Sacramento Delegation Trip initiative was a unique opportunity for San Diego business leaders to collaborate and voice their needs to Sacramento legislators and policy officials.
April 2023
Chamber wrote a letter to San Diego County Board of Supervisors strongly requesting a reconsideration of the candidate for the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and restart the hiring process.
November 2022
Chamber signed on to a broad stakeholder letter urging Congress to extend the Telehealth provision that provides employers the flexibility to offer their employees with a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA) access to telehealth services pre-deductible.
October 2022
Legislative Positions Guide and Elected Official Scorecard for November 2022 election.
Chamber Opposes City of San Diego Measure B - Solid Waste Management System on the November ballot.
Chamber Opposes City of San Diego Measure D - Project Labor Agreements on City Construction Projects on the November ballot.
Chamber hosted a Candidate Conversation for the 49th Congressional District race featuring candidate Brian Maryott. Rep Mike Levin was invited but was unable to attend.
September 2022
Chamber Opposes Proposition 30 - Tax on Personal Income Over $2 Million
Chamber hosted a Candidate Conversation for the San Diego County District 5 race featuring Supervisor Jim Desmond. Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson was invited but was unable to attend.
August 2022
Chamber signed on to a U.S. Chamber Coalition Letter Opposing the Inflation Reduction Act. The Inflation Reduction Act would discourage investment and undermine economic growth and price controls that would limit American innovation.
Military Affairs Advisory Council voted to support AB 1692 which would require CalVet to conduct a study on female veterans.
Letter in support of The Arc of San Diego’s application to the Department of Developmental Services Employment for grant funding.
July 2022
Chamber signed on to an AB 107 Support Letter with Senator Bob Archuleta and Senator Shannon Grove. AB 107 will push CA into the “green” category, which will facilitate military spouse employment through facilitating temporary licenses for veteran and military spouses.
June 2022
Chamber signed on to a S. 2992 and S. 2710 Opposition Letter with the US Chamber. S. 2992 “American Innovation and Choice Online Act” and S. 2710 “ Open App Markets Act” would have fundamentally rewritten America’s antitrust laws to protect competitors rather than consumers.
April 2022
Letter in support of Hire Heroes USA’s community project funding request.
July 2021
Chamber hosted an Economic Development Meeting and invited SANDAG to present their update Regional Plan and gave members the opportunity to share their feedback.
June 2021
Chamber wrote a Support Letter for AB 107 which would expand veteran and military spouse temporary license accessibility. Coordinated support letter campaign with Military Affairs Advisory Council.
May 2021
Chamber wrote a Support Letter for the McClellan-Palomar Airport Master Plan Update which was originally approved by the County Board of Supervisors in 2018. Letter was featured during the May 5 Board of Supervisor's meeting.
Chamber created a Support Letter Campaign for AB 593 which would help fuel growth for Life Science Companies in California for the tax years of 2021 and 2022.
Chamber signed onto an AB 1041 Opposition Letter with the California Chamber of Commerce which which will significantly expand the California Family Rights Act.
Chamber President & CEO Debra Rosen and Sr. Manager of Economic Development & Advocacy Dylan Fisher provided testimony during City of Carlsbad City Council meeting encouraging the City to revisit tax policy that would negatively impact Carlsbad businesses.
Chamber sent out an e-blast educating members and public of AB 1139 that was quickly moving through the Assembly. AB 1139 would retroactively reduce the “grandfathering” of the Net Metering Agreements to 10-years from the original solar installation date.
April 2021
Emerging Leaders created a Support Letter Campaign for The Trails Housing Project in Carmel Mountain Ranch. The Trails would create 1,200 new residential units in a high employment area that would be affordable for young families and emerging leaders.
Chamber signed onto an AB 61 Coalition Support Letter which supports restaurants impacted by COVID-19 by providing temporary regulatory flexibility.
Chamber wrote an Official Inquisition Letter for the California Relief Grant Fund requesting the exact criteria for awarding funds was shared. Letter was sent to all local Elected Officials at the state level.
March 2021
Chamber signed onto a AB 1119 Opposition Letter with the California Chamber of Commerce which adds to the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), harming small businesses.
Chamber signed onto a AB 95 Opposition Letter with the California Chamber of Commerce. AB 95 will create increased leave benefits harming small businesses.
Chamber signed onto a AB 1041 Opposition Letter with the California Chamber of Commerce. AB 1041 will significantly expand the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) and paid sick leave.
Chamber signed onto a AB 62 Support Letter with the California Chamber of Commerce. AB 62 will facilitate and assist with California’s economic recovery by providing a tax credit for struggling businesses seeking to comply with costly new COVID-19 regulations.
Chamber created and coordinated a H.R. 842 Opposition Letter Campaign with the US Chamber. H.R. 842 or the PRO Act would rewrite American labor policy through many harmful provisions listed in the letter linked here.
Chamber created a Support Letter Campaign for The Trails Housing Project in Carmel Mountain Ranch. The Trails would create 1,200 new residential units in a high employment area that would be affordable for young families and emerging leaders.
Chamber created a Support Letter Campaign for Brewers in San Diego. All letters were directed to the San Diego County Supervisors requesting support for the brewing industry through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
February 2021
Chamber created and sent a letter to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors respectfully requesting the reclassification of Law Enforcement Personnel for the COVID-19 vaccine. We encouraged members to sign onto the letter and received 169 signatures.
Chamber signed onto a SB 74 Support Letter through the California Chamber of Commerce. SB 84 will facilitate and assist with California's economic recovery.
Chamber signed onto a AB 84/SB 95 Opposition Letter through the California Chamber of Commerce. AB 84/SB 95 would mandate that all public and private California employers provide more paid leave for employees.
January 2021
Chamber signed onto a COVID-19 Liability Protections Coalition Letter through the U.S. Chamber. The letter urged Congress to provide critical COVID-19 liability protections that would help safeguard educational institutions, healthcare providers, businesses and non-profit organizations from unfair lawsuits.
December 2020
In coordination with other North County Chambers the NSDBC signed onto a Save Small Business Coalition Letter urging local elected officials to push back on state policies regarding mandated business closures.
Phone conversations with several local elected officials about the Save Small Business Coalition Letter.
Organized an email campaign for individuals to voice their support of small businesses directly with elected officials
Ocotber 2020
Chamber hosted a Candidate Forum for the San Diego County Board of Supervisors District 3 race featuring candidates Kristin Gaspar and Terra Lawson-Remer.
Chamber hosted a Candidate Forum for the San Diego Mayoral race featuring candidates Barbara Bry and Todd Gloria.
Chamber hosted a Candidate Forum for 50th Congressional District race featuring candidates Ammar Campa-Najjar and Darrell Issa
Chamber hosted a Meet the Candidate Forum for the San Diego City Council District 5 Race featuring candidate Joe Leventhal
Chamber signed coalition letter in support of Proposition 22 (App Based Drivers as Contractors) which would allow app-based drivers to be designated as independent contractors.
September 2020
Chamber Supports Proposition 22 - App Based Drivers as Contractors.
Created editorial educating members and public of the Real Impact of Proposition 15 on November Ballot
Legislative Positions Guide for November 2020 election.
Chamber President & CEO Debra Rosen provided testimony during County Board of Supervisors meeting encouraging them to not reclose businesses again.
Chamber organized Emerging Leaders Testimony in support of Alante Housing Project in front of San Diego City Council.
Organized letters of support for HR2326 (Mil Transition Program Improvement) which creates increased accountability for transition service programs and a grant program for transition service hubs that offer multiple services.
August 2020
Chamber Supports Measure P on the City of Poway November ballot. The Farm in Poway is a housing development proposed at the site of a former country club.
Chamber President & CEO Debra Rosen provided testimony during County Board of Supervisors meeting several times encouraging local officials to continue allowing local businesses to open
Organized Chamber members to testify at County Board of Supervisors meetings to advocate on behalf of business.
July 2020
Emerging Leaders Advisory Council began a letter campaign in support of Alante Housing project
Signed Coalition letters in opposition of Proposition 15 (Split Roll) & Proposition 21 (Rent Control)
Chamber testified in front of County Board of Supervisors with the real impacts of COVID-19
Chamber Opposes Proposition 15 on the November ballot which proposes property tax increase on commercial properties.
Chamber Opposes Proposition 21 on the November ballot which would grant local governments ability to enact rent control.
Organized letters of support for AB 2549 (Department of Consumer Affairs: temporary licenses) allowing an out-of-state licensed applicant in good standing who is married to, or in a domestic partnership or other legal union with, an active duty member of the Armed Forces to receive expedited, temporary authorization to practice while meeting state-specific requirements.
Organized letters of support for AB 3045 which would provide a temporary license for veterans and military spouses when moving into California.
Organized Emerging Leaders Testimony in support of Alante Housing Project in front of San Diego Planning Commission
June 2020
Letter to Governor Newsom and San Diego elected officials urging him to reopen Lodging and Attractions in San Diego.
Letter in support of SB 878 from Senator Jones office which will increase transparency at the Department on Consumer Affairs.
In partnership with the California Chamber of Commerce - sent letter in of Opposition of AB 398 - Employee Headcount Tax. Bill would create a statewide tax on jobs by imposing a new “headcount” tax on California employers who have more than 500 employees. The tax rate would be $275 per employee.
May 2020
Letter of opposition to Governor Newsom in opposition of an expansion in the ability of workers to file for worker’ compensation claims in CA that may or may not be related to COVID-19.
Letter to Governor Newsom urging him to grant local control to reopen San Diego Businesses
- Over 900 Letters sent by Chambers & local businesses
- Local control granted within 2 weeks of letter campaign
Economic Development & Advocacy Advisory Council began a letter campaign in support of Alante Housing project
Email campaign in coordination with Cal Chamber to local elected officials requesting they oppose expanding a mandatory 12 week leave of absence for small businesses and up to 24 weeks for large businesses (50 or more employees)
Opposition email campaign to possible Emergency Order that would expand Workers Comp claims to those that may or may not be related to COVID-19.
In partnership with the California Chamber of Commerce - sent letter in opposition of SB 950 - California Environmental Quality Act. Proposes to expand the California Environmental Quality Act’s (CEQA) patchwork of existing requirements with costly new mandates
In partnership with the California Chamber of Commerce - sent letter in of Support of SB 806 – Worker Status: Employees: Independent Contractors Support. Would amend the ABC test of AB-5 and give more flexibility to those who would prefer to be considered independent contractors
April 2020
Hosted Resource Forum for businesses with local partners, the City and County of San Diego, the Small Business Development Center, San Diego Workforce Partnership, Office of Congressman Scott Peters
Sent a Chamber Coalition letter to all San Diego Assemblymembers and Senators to urge Gov. Newsom to allow more businesses to open in compliance with State requirements
Embarked on two separate email campaigns in coordination with County Supervisor's Jim Desmond and Kristin Gaspar to collect information that will allow them to lobby for opening business sooner
Created virtual resource center to provide aid to San Diego businesses and individuals out of work.
Created Open for Business page on Chamber site that featured over 260 members and 100+ non-members to help generate business for open organizations
Letter to the Federal Reserve urging for less stringent PPP requirements to allow more Non-Profits and other businesses to apply for funds
In partnership with the California Chamber of Commerce - sent letter in opposition of AB 828 - Unlawful Detainer Moratorium. Would force a 25% reduction in rents due to COVID-19.
In partnership with the California Chamber of Commerce - sent letter in opposition of AB 2843 - Local Employer Affordable Housing Fees. Would require a city, county, or city and county to impose an annual tax of up to $150 per employee on all applicants for a local business license, unless they have 50 or fewer employees.
In partnership with the California Chamber of Commerce - sent a response to California Labor Federation Letter - Cal Labor Fed sent a letter to Gov. Newsom that CA businesses should be the safety net to mitigate COVID outcomes. This letter explained why businesses cannot support a new employer-financed safety net.
March 2020
Chamber President & CEO Debra Rosen appointed to County of San Diego Responsible COVID-19 Economic Reopening (RECOVER) Advisory Group.
April 2020 Property Tax Deadline - The Chamber organized a campaign to urge San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector Dan McAllister to waive late fees, fines, penalties, and interest for 90 days. This would provide some relief to a number of individuals who have recently lost employment due to the onset of COVID-19.
Phone conversations with County Treasurer-Tax Collector Dan McAllister to discuss the property tax deadline and the impact on individuals.
Sent letter to County Treasurer-Tax Collector Dan McAllister to urge him to waive late fees, fines, penalties, and interest for 90 days in preparation for the April property tax deadline. The Chamber coordinated with several Chambers of Commerce and collected 896 signatures.
Organized an email campaign for individuals to voice their support of waiving late fees directly to McAllister.
February 2020
Legislative Positions Guide for March 2020 Primary
Chamber Opposes County of San Diego Measure A - Voter Approval for Land Use Amendments to County General Plan (Save Our San Diego Countryside)
Chamber Supports County of San Diego Measure B - General Plan Amendments for Newland Sierra Project (Better Choice)