ARTICLE
By Yvette Brooks & Nicole Coburn, CAC Co-Chairs The Santa Cruz Area Chamber’s Community Affairs Committee offers a forum for members to engage with public policy issues that influence the future of our local economy and community. The committee identifies and explores key topics at the local and state levels, hosts timely discussions, and supports the Chamber’s advocacy work. Monthly meetings include presentations from local organizations, updates from public agencies, and opportunities to stay current on important developments across Santa Cruz County. Committee members also review and provide input on legislation and policy proposals that could affect the business climate, Chamber members, or the broader community. The committee meets virtually each month and often provides input on matters that may be elevated to the Chamber Board for formal action, helping ensure that the business voice is represented in policy discussions and community development efforts. Meet Your CAC Co-Chairs Yvette Lopez Brooks A longtime Capitola resident and the City of Capitola’s first Latina Mayor, I currently serve as Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Santa Cruz County, advancing equity, education, and economic opportunity. Nicole Coburn Since 2017, I have served as Santa Cruz County’s Assistant County Executive Officer overseeing public safety departments, strategic initiatives, and budgets, including successful local ballot measures. I’m honored to co-chair the CAC and champion civic engagement. As Co-Chairs of the Chamber’s CAC, we’re excited to share how your voice can make a difference in the conversations shaping our community. The CAC is a welcoming space for both Chamber and community members to connect, learn, and act on key civic issues. Mark Your Calendar: August CAC Meeting – Focus on Housing Date: August 14, 2025 Time & Location: 12:00-1:30 pm via Zoom For our August meeting, we’re pleased to bring together local experts to spotlight housing developments that are vital to our region’s future: City of Santa Cruz 2025 housing measures – Diverse perspectives on ballot initiatives designed to fund critical housing infrastructure in the City of Santa Cruz. Anton Solana project – Updates on the proposed mixed-use community and workforce housing development at Thurber Lane and Soquel Drive. Paul Sweet Road project – Updates on the proposed apartment complex on a half-acre site situated in between Dominican Oaks, a retirement community. This session is open to all, whether you’re curious, want to contribute, or simply want to stay informed. Why Participate? As a member of the Community Affairs Committee, you’ll stay informed about decisions impacting housing affordability and availability, engage directly with project leads and public officials in a small-group setting, and connect with peers who care deeply about the future of Santa Cruz County. Ready to Get Involved? We’d love to have you! Please sign up here for the CAC meeting invite and timely updates. Whether you attend once or jump in regularly, your lived experience and interests strengthen our collective understanding, and our impact.
By Yvette Brooks & Nicole Coburn, CAC Co-Chairs
The Santa Cruz Area Chamber’s Community Affairs Committee offers a forum for members to engage with public policy issues that influence the future of our local economy and community. The committee identifies and explores key topics at the local and state levels, hosts timely discussions, and supports the Chamber’s advocacy work. Monthly meetings include presentations from local organizations, updates from public agencies, and opportunities to stay current on important developments across Santa Cruz County.
Committee members also review and provide input on legislation and policy proposals that could affect the business climate, Chamber members, or the broader community. The committee meets virtually each month and often provides input on matters that may be elevated to the Chamber Board for formal action, helping ensure that the business voice is represented in policy discussions and community development efforts.
Meet Your CAC Co-Chairs
Yvette Lopez Brooks A longtime Capitola resident and the City of Capitola’s first Latina Mayor, I currently serve as Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Santa Cruz County, advancing equity, education, and economic opportunity.
Nicole Coburn Since 2017, I have served as Santa Cruz County’s Assistant County Executive Officer overseeing public safety departments, strategic initiatives, and budgets, including successful local ballot measures. I’m honored to co-chair the CAC and champion civic engagement.
As Co-Chairs of the Chamber’s CAC, we’re excited to share how your voice can make a difference in the conversations shaping our community. The CAC is a welcoming space for both Chamber and community members to connect, learn, and act on key civic issues.
Mark Your Calendar: August CAC Meeting – Focus on Housing
Date: August 14, 2025 Time & Location: 12:00-1:30 pm via Zoom
For our August meeting, we’re pleased to bring together local experts to spotlight housing developments that are vital to our region’s future:
This session is open to all, whether you’re curious, want to contribute, or simply want to stay informed.
Why Participate?
As a member of the Community Affairs Committee, you’ll stay informed about decisions impacting housing affordability and availability, engage directly with project leads and public officials in a small-group setting, and connect with peers who care deeply about the future of Santa Cruz County.
Ready to Get Involved?
We’d love to have you! Please sign up here for the CAC meeting invite and timely updates. Whether you attend once or jump in regularly, your lived experience and interests strengthen our collective understanding, and our impact.