Committee Update:
Representing Business with Government

The Chamber's Economic and Governmental Affairs Committee serves to educate and inform the membership on issues related to economic development activity and proposals in the region as well as issues related to government rule and regulations. This committee has effectively worked with the City of West Sacramento on a number of important issues including business outreach, development impact fees, general plan policies, building standards, local tax and licensing and regulation proposals.

The October meeting of this integral committee featured a report by Wendy Williams, Sr. Civil Engineer, on the City's proposed Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance (WELO) scheduled for City Council review Oct. 19th. This new ordinance targets new and rehabilitated public and private development projects with landscape areas over 2,500 sq ft and large private home-owner projects over 5,000 sq ft of landscape area. The West Sacramento Chamber office has written copies of the proposed ordinance, the Application and Information Package and copies of previous agenda reports.

Charline Hamilton, Director of Community Development City of West Sacramento, discussed changes in the business licensing process with participating Chamber members. Business licenses have been moved from the Finance Department to the Community Development department. Modification and simplification of the required form is currently underway.

As the premier advocate for local businesses, the Chamber partners with the City of West Sacramento in efforts to effectively impact the federal decision making process. As outlined by Mike Luken, Port Manager and Bill Panos, Director of Public Works, this partnership has proven effective and valuable to the process. Fiscal year 2012 federal priorities include flood protection and the Port channel deepening project.

Monthly meetings of the West Sacramento Chamber's Economic and Government Affairs Committee are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 8:30a in the Chamber conference room. Participation is open to all Chamber members. For a monthly reminder contact: Meaghan@westsacramentochamber.com

Jason Smith
Committee Chair
District Manager,
Waste Management