WASHINGTON, DC – A group of more than 170 business and civic leaders from across the San Diego and Baja, California region traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate for critical environmental, business growth, job creation and economic issues.
The trip represents a valuable opportunity for San Diego business leaders to engage with policymakers, promote key initiatives and foster relationships crucial to the continued growth and success of our region.
“The Chamber delegation’s trip to Washington, D.C. is critical to foster relationships with policymakers and advocate for initiatives vital to our region’s growth,” said Jerry Sanders, President and CEO of the Chamber.
Todd Gloria, Mayor of San Diego, commented that the mission to Washington, D.C. helps bring the region’s unified voice, as well as the wants and needs of San Diegans to the table in the nation’s capital.
“Together, we are showcasing our binational and cross-sector cooperation as we advocate for federal policies and support that will help our communities,” commented Gloria.
One of the issues addressed at the meeting was pollution in the Tijuana River Valley. Terra Lawson-Remer, Vice Chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, explained that the wastewater crisis in the Tijuana River Valley is polluting the shorelines and making the water unhealthy and unsafe, affecting coastal communities from Coronado to Carlsbad.
“I am here to fight for immediate resources to help San Diego County protect our ocean, beaches and coastline from toxic pollution. This can be fixed by fixing our failing sewage infrastructure,” said Lawson-Remer.
“The sewage crisis is preventing local families from enjoying the beaches and ocean, making our children sick, and hurting small businesses and workers in our beach communities,” continued Supervisor Lawson-Remer. “If people can’t get in the water, it prevents people from coming to coastal areas, which hurts the local economy. This is an environmental catastrophe, and we need federal support to fix it.”
During the trip, the delegates, including San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, participated in a series of meetings, briefings and networking events with members of Congress, administration officials and other influential stakeholders.
The agenda focused on key issues affecting the San Diego region’s economy, infrastructure, workforce development, healthcare and innovation ecosystem.
