Government Affairs Committee

Mission Statement:
Representing the interests of the business community in local, state and federal legislative issues and to communicate those interests to members, the community and elected officials.

Meeting Details:
First Wednesday of the Month
7:30am – 9:00am
No July Meeting

Chamber Staff Liaison:
Bret Schanzenbach
760-931-8400

Committee Notifications:
Contact Staff Liaison to receive committee notifications

Voted Committee of the Year:
2015

YOUR LEGISLATIVE CONNECTION

The Government Affairs Committee (GAC) is open to all Chamber Members. The GAC monitors and acts on local, state and federal legislation. It also develops relationships with public officials to ensure business input and representation at all levels of government.

Government Affairs Committee Goals:

Expand periodic joint meetings with area elected officials and CCC Board.
Create public policy (government relations) roundtables.
Sacramento & Washington DC lobbying trips.
Develop methods for broader and larger committee membership.
Develop alliances with industry groups and other advocacy partners.

COMMITTEE OFFICERS:

”The Government Affairs Committee is a great opportunity to engage with the Carlsbad Community. It is the gathering spot for business, education, and civic leaders.”

Wade Aschbrenner, Secretary

Audeo Charter School II

”The Government Affairs Committee offers us a great opportunity to be engaged with Carlsbad businesses and residents who are interested in learning how state and local policy affect us. The committee also influences more in-depth connections with local organizations/businesses, events and our elected officials.”

Haley Wonsley, Chair

Intesa Communications Group

RECENT MEETINGS:

2020 Election Results - December 2, 2020
At our December Government Affairs Committee, we had two guest speakers to share the results of the 2020 election from a national, state and local perspective: Jennings Imel from the United States Chamber of Commerce and John Dadian from Dadian & Associates.

Election Process and Votes - October 7, 2020
Our Government Affairs Committee met for a special presentation by San Diego County Registrar of Voters, Michael Vu. Do you have questions about the election process and how the votes will be counted. This is your opportunity to get all the information you need to vote safely! The Government Affairs Committee (GAC) monitors and acts on local, state and federal legislation. It also develops relationships with public officials to ensure business input and representation at all levels of government.

Propositions for November Ballot - September 2, 2020
November Ballot Initiatives - September 2, 2020 - The Government Affairs Committee (GAC) monitors and acts on local, state and federal legislation. It also develops relationships with public officials to ensure business input and representation at all levels of government. On September 2, Kristen Huyck, Director of Public Relations with MiraCosta College, will be our guest speaker. Kristen will explain all the Ballot Measures on the November general election.

Proposition 15, the Split Tax Roll - August 5, 2020
Our Government Affairs Committee hosted two presentations on August 5, 2020. The first was on the progress of decommissioning SONGS. The second was on Proposition 15, the new proposed amendments to Prop 13 for commercial properties. We had guest speakers from the "Yes on 15" side and Haney Hong from the San Diego Taxpayers Association who spoke against Prop 15.

Carlsbad Station Development & I5 Construction Update - June 3, 2020
Our Government Affairs Committee hosted two presentations on June 3, 2020. The first was from Caltrans on the construction of a car pool lane on the I-5 Freeway in south Carlsbad. The second was on a new mixed-use development in Carlsbad Village called Carlsbad Station.

Government Affairs Committee - May 6, 2020 - Carlsbad's $5M Economic Recovery & Revitilization Initiative:
The Government Affairs Committee (GAC) monitors and acts on local, state and federal legislation. It also develops relationships with public officials to ensure business input and representation at all levels of government. David Graham, City of Carlsbad's Chief Innovation Officer, will be speaking on Carlsbad's new $5M Economic Recovery and Revitalization Initiative.

April 2020 - Elected Official Update on COVID-19:
Speakers: County Supervisor Jim Desmond, State Senator Patricia Bates, State Assembly Member Tasha Boehner Horvath, Congressman Mike Levin, Mayor Matt Hall, US Chamber’s Lead COVID-19 Lobbyist, Allison Dembeck.