ARTICLE
By Elyse Mitchell, Chamber Operations Associate Last Wednesday, February 19th, the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed members, civic leaders, and community partners to the Dream Inn for our annual State of the City Breakfast. With sweeping ocean views and a vibrant sense of connection in the air, the morning offered a meaningful space for reflection, conversation, and community. Guests were welcomed with delicious breakfast bites, fresh juices, and hot coffee as the room filled with conversation and anticipation. The ambiance reflected the very spirit of Santa Cruz, relaxed yet energized, coastal yet forward thinking. Attendees enjoyed capturing the moment at the Santa Cruz Digital Photo Booth, with special thanks to Alexander Barber for creating such a fun and interactive experience that allowed guests to connect and leave with a lasting memory. Just beyond the windows, local artist Santa Cruz Sand created a stunning sand installation of the Santa Cruz Area Chamber logo along the shoreline. The intricate artwork served as a uniquely Santa Cruz welcome and a reminder of the creativity that defines our region. We also extend our sincere appreciation to Andrew O’Keefe and Paloma Bobadilla of AMotion Video for their exceptional video production and storytelling, helping preserve the energy and significance of the morning. At the event, Mayor Fred Keeley delivered his final State of the City address, offering a thoughtful and forward looking perspective on Santa Cruz’s progress and future. Housing remained a central focus, with Keeley highlighting the city’s shift toward more proactive and solutions oriented development. He spoke to major housing projects underway and the importance of the Workforce Housing Affordability Act of 2025, which established dedicated funding to support affordable housing and long term stability for the community. Keeley also shared encouraging progress in addressing homelessness, noting that Santa Cruz has seen a nearly 50 percent reduction in unsheltered homelessness over the past four years. While acknowledging the work that remains, he emphasized that sustained collaboration and investment are making meaningful progress. Downtown Santa Cruz continues to evolve, with new housing, infrastructure improvements, and revitalization efforts shaping a more vibrant and resilient city center. Keeley’s remarks reflected a shared vision for Santa Cruz’s future, one rooted in thoughtful growth, economic vitality, and community connection. The State of the City Breakfast served as a powerful reminder of the strength and engagement of Santa Cruz’s business and civic community. The Chamber remains proud to convene these important conversations and to support the partnerships that continue to move our city forward.
By Elyse Mitchell, Chamber Operations Associate
Last Wednesday, February 19th, the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed members, civic leaders, and community partners to the Dream Inn for our annual State of the City Breakfast. With sweeping ocean views and a vibrant sense of connection in the air, the morning offered a meaningful space for reflection, conversation, and community.
Guests were welcomed with delicious breakfast bites, fresh juices, and hot coffee as the room filled with conversation and anticipation. The ambiance reflected the very spirit of Santa Cruz, relaxed yet energized, coastal yet forward thinking. Attendees enjoyed capturing the moment at the Santa Cruz Digital Photo Booth, with special thanks to Alexander Barber for creating such a fun and interactive experience that allowed guests to connect and leave with a lasting memory.
Just beyond the windows, local artist Santa Cruz Sand created a stunning sand installation of the Santa Cruz Area Chamber logo along the shoreline. The intricate artwork served as a uniquely Santa Cruz welcome and a reminder of the creativity that defines our region. We also extend our sincere appreciation to Andrew O’Keefe and Paloma Bobadilla of AMotion Video for their exceptional video production and storytelling, helping preserve the energy and significance of the morning.
At the event, Mayor Fred Keeley delivered his final State of the City address, offering a thoughtful and forward looking perspective on Santa Cruz’s progress and future. Housing remained a central focus, with Keeley highlighting the city’s shift toward more proactive and solutions oriented development. He spoke to major housing projects underway and the importance of the Workforce Housing Affordability Act of 2025, which established dedicated funding to support affordable housing and long term stability for the community.
Keeley also shared encouraging progress in addressing homelessness, noting that Santa Cruz has seen a nearly 50 percent reduction in unsheltered homelessness over the past four years. While acknowledging the work that remains, he emphasized that sustained collaboration and investment are making meaningful progress.
Downtown Santa Cruz continues to evolve, with new housing, infrastructure improvements, and revitalization efforts shaping a more vibrant and resilient city center. Keeley’s remarks reflected a shared vision for Santa Cruz’s future, one rooted in thoughtful growth, economic vitality, and community connection.
The State of the City Breakfast served as a powerful reminder of the strength and engagement of Santa Cruz’s business and civic community. The Chamber remains proud to convene these important conversations and to support the partnerships that continue to move our city forward.