Guiding Principles & Policy Statement
The San Leandro Chamber of Commerce (SLCC) advocates for businesses at all levels of government, shaping public policy to ensure economic prosperity and a high quality of life. Committed to a vibrant local economy, the SLCC recognizes the business sector as a key contributor to the city's budget, driving job creation, supporting those in need, and combating homelessness.
(This list of statements is not placed in order of importance, nor does it necessarily exclude guiding principles, which the Chamber Board of Directors may state at a later time.)
Economic Sustainability
Sustained economic prosperity depends on a vibrant business climate
The San Leandro Chamber of Commerce supports:
- Strategic city planning and development to attract jobs and investment to San Leandro.
- Advocates for zoning that enables encourages sustainable business growth, innovation, and invites more commerce to San Leandro.
- Streamlining the approval process for expedited permitting services.
- A citywide workforce development plan and partnerships that establish viable interest and accessibility to skilled and unskilled labor.
- Business ordinances that prevent excessive regulations and work to eliminate outdated policies and processes that adversely impact businesses.
- Business taxes that are fair and responsibly spent, with the goal of economic sustainability and quality public services.
Public Safety
Safety and civility are essential to a high-quality of life in San Leandro
The San Leandro Chamber of Commerce supports:
- The San Leandro Police Department, Alameda County and the State of CA in their respective efforts to ensure adequate and efficient law enforcement and public safety.
- Enforcement of all traffic laws, including speed limits.
- Utilizing state mandates for clean-up of homeless encampments.
- Installing more lighting in walkable areas to create a safer environment for employees, community members and visitors.
- Implementing code enforcement that ensures fair competition among businesses, promotes modern and creative business façades, and foster a cleaner community by addressing illegal parking of abandoned and/or non-working vehicles, garbage dumping, littering, the upkeep of all commercial vacant lots, residential properties and the clean-up of homeless encampments.
Workforce Development
Education and skills are keys to both individual prosperity and economic vitality in communities
The San Leandro Chamber of Commerce supports:
- Policies and programs that improve student outcomes and pathways to success.
- Partnerships that connect the private sector with the city's public education system from high school, trade schools, city college, universities and youth focused organizations.
- Internships, summer hiring programs, and permanent employment opportunities along with equitable and inclusive workforce hiring policies and opportunities.
- Professional and leadership development programs that help businesses, employees, and community members thrive while encouraging them to take on leadership roles or run for elected positions.
Ensure Good Government
Even the best legislative ideas can have unintended consequences
The San Leandro Chamber of Commerce supports:
- Holding our elected officials accountable for thoroughly reviewing proposed legislation to avoid redundant policy, reduce excessive process and unnecessary, burdensome regulations that slow innovation and investment.
- Engaging proactively with elected officials in the development, implementation, and enforcement of ordinances and regulations that affect business and the economy.
- Greater transparency and communication in drafting local ordinances.
- Fiscal responsibility and oversight for all areas of the city's finances that impact the local economy and public services, ensuring integrity and honesty in the budget process.
Racial and Social Equity
Diversity encourages a more positive environment
The San Leandro Chamber of Commerce recognizes the responsibility of all business and civic leaders to participate in efforts to remove barriers to inclusivity and supports programs and initiatives that strengthen inclusion and success for all citizens.
Provide Places for People to Live
Housing is an economic driver that supports and anchors neighborhoods
The San Leandro Chamber of Commerce supports all housing types at all income levels to meet the goals of the City of San Leandro's Housing Element as stated in the City's General Plan and contribute to addressing the Bay Area housing crisis.