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The Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce invites the community to attend our Primary Election Candidate Forum on Thursday, May 14th at Kaiser Permanente Arena. This free, public event is a valuable opportunity for business leaders, residents, and community members to hear directly from local candidates about the issues that matter most to our region’s economic vitality and quality of life. No registration is required - just show up and be part of the conversation! The forum will feature candidates for Santa Cruz Mayor, including Ryan Coonerty, Gillian Greensite, Chris Krohn, Ami Chen Mills, and a representative for Joy Schendledecker. Attendees will also hear from candidates for Santa Cruz City Council District 4, Scott Newsome and Hector Marin, as well as District 6 candidates Rene Golder and Gabriella Noack. In addition, 3rd District Supervisor Justin Cummings, who is running unopposed for his second term, will share his perspective. This forum will focus on the key issues shaping our local business climate and community future, including housing, transportation, permitting, development, and economic resilience. These topics are top of mind for employers, employees, and residents alike, and play a critical role in Santa Cruz’s ability to attract and retain a strong workforce, support small businesses, and plan for sustainable growth. Candidates will have the opportunity to share their priorities, discuss potential solutions, and respond to questions that reflect the real-world challenges facing our community. In addition to hearing candidate remarks, attendees will gain valuable insight into how local policy decisions directly impact day-to-day business operations and long-term economic health. From the availability of workforce housing to the efficiency of permitting processes, the decisions made by elected officials shape the environment in which businesses operate and grow. This forum is designed to elevate those connections and ensure that the voice of the business community is front and center in the conversation. The Chamber is committed to fostering informed civic engagement and providing a platform for constructive dialogue. We encourage attendees to come prepared to listen, learn, and engage thoughtfully with the issues and candidates. Whether you are a business owner, employee, or engaged resident, your participation helps strengthen our collective voice and supports a more informed electorate. Join us on May 14th for an evening of meaningful discussion and community connection. This is your opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to represent Santa Cruz and to better understand how their leadership could shape the future of our local economy and community. Learn more about this event on our website, here.
The Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce invites the community to attend our Primary Election Candidate Forum on Thursday, May 14th at Kaiser Permanente Arena. This free, public event is a valuable opportunity for business leaders, residents, and community members to hear directly from local candidates about the issues that matter most to our region’s economic vitality and quality of life. No registration is required - just show up and be part of the conversation!
The forum will feature candidates for Santa Cruz Mayor, including Ryan Coonerty, Gillian Greensite, Chris Krohn, Ami Chen Mills, and a representative for Joy Schendledecker. Attendees will also hear from candidates for Santa Cruz City Council District 4, Scott Newsome and Hector Marin, as well as District 6 candidates Rene Golder and Gabriella Noack. In addition, 3rd District Supervisor Justin Cummings, who is running unopposed for his second term, will share his perspective.
This forum will focus on the key issues shaping our local business climate and community future, including housing, transportation, permitting, development, and economic resilience. These topics are top of mind for employers, employees, and residents alike, and play a critical role in Santa Cruz’s ability to attract and retain a strong workforce, support small businesses, and plan for sustainable growth. Candidates will have the opportunity to share their priorities, discuss potential solutions, and respond to questions that reflect the real-world challenges facing our community.
In addition to hearing candidate remarks, attendees will gain valuable insight into how local policy decisions directly impact day-to-day business operations and long-term economic health. From the availability of workforce housing to the efficiency of permitting processes, the decisions made by elected officials shape the environment in which businesses operate and grow. This forum is designed to elevate those connections and ensure that the voice of the business community is front and center in the conversation.
The Chamber is committed to fostering informed civic engagement and providing a platform for constructive dialogue. We encourage attendees to come prepared to listen, learn, and engage thoughtfully with the issues and candidates. Whether you are a business owner, employee, or engaged resident, your participation helps strengthen our collective voice and supports a more informed electorate. Join us on May 14th for an evening of meaningful discussion and community connection. This is your opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to represent Santa Cruz and to better understand how their leadership could shape the future of our local economy and community.
Learn more about this event on our website, here.