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By Kristen Brown, Executive Director, Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce California’s economy is in transition, shaped by shifting global markets, workforce shortages, and rapid innovation. These changes bring both uncertainty and new possibilities for businesses, non-profit organizations, and local governments. On Thursday, August 20th, the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce will host State Treasurer Fiona Ma for a candid conversation about how state-level economic strategies can translate into real opportunities for Santa Cruz County. Event Details & Registration Here As California’s primary banker, Treasurer Ma manages an investment portfolio averaging more than $200 billion and oversees more than $3 trillion in banking transactions annually. Her office helps finance housing, transportation, environmental, and public facility projects, while also running programs that expand capital access for small businesses, support green energy adoption, and invest in underserved communities. Why This Conversation Matters Now In recent months, California has directed millions toward projects designed to strengthen communities and stimulate private sector growth. While none of these latest awards have yet landed in Santa Cruz County, they reveal the scale of resources available and the kinds of initiatives the state is backing. Recent examples include $52.4 million in Community Reinvestment Grants for workforce training, job placement, and linkages to medical care, and $7.9 million in California Competes Tax Credits to companies expected to generate $87 million in private investment statewide, primarily in industries such as solar energy, manufacturing, battery storage, and healthcare technology. For Santa Cruz County, this means there is a clear pathway to compete for these funds in future rounds. With the right preparation, partnerships, and proposals, our community could secure significant investments in housing, infrastructure, workforce development, and high-growth industries. Treasurer Ma will share how local businesses and organizations can position themselves to access these opportunities. The Local Economic Picture According to the Santa Cruz County 2025 State of the Workforce Report and the Santa Cruz County 5-Year Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, our region faces a dual challenge: ensuring a skilled workforce for emerging industries while meeting foundational needs like affordable housing, infrastructure, and business capital access. Housing affordability remains one of the largest barriers to retaining and attracting talent, affecting industries from hospitality to technology. At the same time, high-growth sectors such as clean energy, climate resilience technologies, and visitor-serving industries are poised for expansion but need targeted investment. Many local entrepreneurs face challenges securing financing, making state programs and initiatives from the Treasurer’s office especially critical. Addressing infrastructure gaps, including broadband expansion, transportation upgrades, and climate-resilient projects, will also be essential for long-term competitiveness. As part of the efforts to support economic growth and community well-being, one key initiative from Treasurer Ma’s office is the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee. This committee administers the federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Programs, which encourage private investment in affordable rental housing for low-income Californians. Since 1991, these programs have supported more than 51 affordable housing projects in Santa Cruz County, helping to address one of the region’s most pressing economic challenges. In addition, the Treasurer’s office oversees a range of other programs that provide resources and funding related to economic development, health, education, community investment, environmental protection, and small business support. What You’ll Learn from Treasurer Ma At next weeks’ event, Treasurer Ma will share her thoughts on the state’s economic outlook for 2025 and beyond, highlighting financing tooling her office’s programs, tools and partnerships that can accelerate local growth. Event Agenda 2:00 PM: Registration & Check-In 2:30PM - 3:15PM: Fireside Chat with Fiona Ma, CPA, California State Treasurer 3:15PM - 3:30PM: Audience Q&A Session 3:30 PM - 4:30PM: Mixer & Networking – Enjoy a delicious spread of food and drink, and connect with fellow business leaders This conversation is essential for anyone who wants to understand and influence the economic forces shaping Santa Cruz County’s future. Secure your seat today.
By Kristen Brown, Executive Director, Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce
California’s economy is in transition, shaped by shifting global markets, workforce shortages, and rapid innovation. These changes bring both uncertainty and new possibilities for businesses, non-profit organizations, and local governments. On Thursday, August 20th, the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce will host State Treasurer Fiona Ma for a candid conversation about how state-level economic strategies can translate into real opportunities for Santa Cruz County.
Event Details & Registration Here
As California’s primary banker, Treasurer Ma manages an investment portfolio averaging more than $200 billion and oversees more than $3 trillion in banking transactions annually. Her office helps finance housing, transportation, environmental, and public facility projects, while also running programs that expand capital access for small businesses, support green energy adoption, and invest in underserved communities.
Why This Conversation Matters Now
In recent months, California has directed millions toward projects designed to strengthen communities and stimulate private sector growth. While none of these latest awards have yet landed in Santa Cruz County, they reveal the scale of resources available and the kinds of initiatives the state is backing. Recent examples include $52.4 million in Community Reinvestment Grants for workforce training, job placement, and linkages to medical care, and $7.9 million in California Competes Tax Credits to companies expected to generate $87 million in private investment statewide, primarily in industries such as solar energy, manufacturing, battery storage, and healthcare technology.
For Santa Cruz County, this means there is a clear pathway to compete for these funds in future rounds. With the right preparation, partnerships, and proposals, our community could secure significant investments in housing, infrastructure, workforce development, and high-growth industries. Treasurer Ma will share how local businesses and organizations can position themselves to access these opportunities.
The Local Economic Picture
According to the Santa Cruz County 2025 State of the Workforce Report and the Santa Cruz County 5-Year Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, our region faces a dual challenge: ensuring a skilled workforce for emerging industries while meeting foundational needs like affordable housing, infrastructure, and business capital access.
Housing affordability remains one of the largest barriers to retaining and attracting talent, affecting industries from hospitality to technology. At the same time, high-growth sectors such as clean energy, climate resilience technologies, and visitor-serving industries are poised for expansion but need targeted investment. Many local entrepreneurs face challenges securing financing, making state programs and initiatives from the Treasurer’s office especially critical. Addressing infrastructure gaps, including broadband expansion, transportation upgrades, and climate-resilient projects, will also be essential for long-term competitiveness.
As part of the efforts to support economic growth and community well-being, one key initiative from Treasurer Ma’s office is the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee. This committee administers the federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Programs, which encourage private investment in affordable rental housing for low-income Californians. Since 1991, these programs have supported more than 51 affordable housing projects in Santa Cruz County, helping to address one of the region’s most pressing economic challenges. In addition, the Treasurer’s office oversees a range of other programs that provide resources and funding related to economic development, health, education, community investment, environmental protection, and small business support.
What You’ll Learn from Treasurer Ma At next weeks’ event, Treasurer Ma will share her thoughts on the state’s economic outlook for 2025 and beyond, highlighting financing tooling her office’s programs, tools and partnerships that can accelerate local growth.
Event Agenda 2:00 PM: Registration & Check-In 2:30PM - 3:15PM: Fireside Chat with Fiona Ma, CPA, California State Treasurer 3:15PM - 3:30PM: Audience Q&A Session 3:30 PM - 4:30PM: Mixer & Networking – Enjoy a delicious spread of food and drink, and connect with fellow business leaders
This conversation is essential for anyone who wants to understand and influence the economic forces shaping Santa Cruz County’s future. Secure your seat today.