Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP)

🌍 This International Migrants Day, let's stand in solidarity🌍 Did you know? Over 281 million people worldwide are living outside their country of origin. Migrants are our neighbors, colleagues, and friends. Migration fuels economies and strengthens global connections. Let's celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and stories that migrants bring to our communities. To all the resilient souls journeying for a better future—your strength inspires us! ❤️ Take action: ✅ Support local immigrant organizations ✅ Advocate for fair and humane migration policies ✅ Celebrate the cultural richness that migration brings Together, we can create a world where everyone belongs. #InternationalMigrantsDay #HumanRights #DiversityStrengthensUs #MigrationMatters #GlobalCommunity

Major win for the Monterey Bay region! 🎉 Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) has officially secured the first Economic Development District (EDD) designation in California in over 15 years! This groundbreaking achievement positions the tri-county region of Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties for unparalleled growth, funding, and economic opportunity. Why This Matters: ✅ Streamlined Access to Federal Funding Unlocks EDA grants and loans for critical projects in broadband, housing, tourism, technology, and education. ✅ Regional Collaboration Amplifies cooperation among local cities, counties, and organizations for a stronger, united economic strategy. ✅ Economic Resilience Builds a sustainable and prosperous future, addressing regional needs with targeted support. What’s Next? With this designation, MBEP and the tri-county region join a national network of 400+ EDDs, opening doors to new opportunities for innovation, investment, and inclusive economic development. This is a historic win for our community, and we’re just getting started! ✨ Read the full press release at: https://www.mbep.biz/news #MBEP #EconomicDevelopment #CaliforniaEDD #TriCountyGrowth #EconomicResilience #RegionalGrowth Tahra Goraya Matt Huerta Alia Elyas Jahyzanna Wieder, PM Maure Gildea

Big News for Downtown Santa Cruz! A transformational project is on the way, bringing 124 units of 100% affordable housing, a modern 41,000 sq. ft. library, a childcare facility, commercial space, expanded parking, and even a new home for the Downtown Farmer’s Market! 🌱📚🏠 This $110M award fuels more than construction — it fuels hope, security, and opportunity for those impacted by the housing crisis. MBEP is proud to have played a key role joining with Housing Trust Silicon Valley as part of the Monterey Bay Housing Trust to provide predevelopment funding for this amazing development that meets so many critical needs including affordable housing. Phase 1 kicks off in June 2025 — and we can't wait to see it come to life! Learn more from KSBW Action News 8: https://lnkd.in/e22cV7rp #AffordableHousing #CommunityImpact #SantaCruz #MBEP #HousingForAll

🔬 #MBEPMember Hartnell College Presents: The 2025 STEM Talent Expo Is Coming Fast! 📅 Mark your calendars for Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 1:00 – 5:00 PM at the Hartnell College STEM Center Lobby — it’ll be here before you know it! This FREE event, organized by the Hartnell College Foundation President's STEM Task Force, will connect STEM industry leaders with students, alumni, and community members eager to explore exciting opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. 💡 Register now: mcstemtalentexpo.com Event Co-Chairs: Margaret D’Arrigo, Founder of Margaret Inc. Luis Alvarez, President & CEO, Alvarez Technology Group, Inc. 📸: Hartnell College Foundation

Congratulations to our 2024 MBEP Award Winners! 🏆 Alfred-Diaz Infante Community Impact Award Sister Rosa Dolores Rodriguez — Recognized for over 30 years of dedicated service to the Pajaro community as Executive Director of Casa de la Cultura. Her leadership during the Pajaro flood disaster was pivotal in uniting organizations, mobilizing resources, and advocating for vulnerable residents. Public/Private Partnership Awards Cruzio Internet — Honored for advancing digital equity through initiatives like Equal Access Summits to the Sea (EAS2C), bringing high-speed internet to underserved communities, including the San Jerardo housing cooperative. Comcast — Recognized for its Lift Zones initiative, which provides free WiFi access at community centers in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties, supporting education, workforce development, and digital skills training for local families and students. Thank you to these changemakers for their outstanding contributions to equity, connectivity, and community well-being.

🎉 We’ve got a full house for MBEP’s Annual Holiday Mixer! Thank you to everyone who is joining us for this lively celebration of community, connection, and impact. Today, we’re honoring standout leaders with the 2024 Alfred-Diaz Infante Community Impact Award and the Public/Private Partnership Awards, presented by MBEP Board Chair, Chancellor Cynthia Larive of UC Santa Cruz. 🎄 It’s a festive afternoon of networking, inspiration, and holiday cheer — a perfect way to close out the year together. Stay tuned for highlights from this special event!

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) co-convening the Monterey Bay Tech Hub Workforce Summit this morning. Packed house of cross sector partners in industry, education, local and State government, & community organizations committed to workforce of the future in drones, AgTech, advanced air mobility, precision manufacturing. Public private partnerships in the Monterey Bay of the Central Coast region coming together!

🏥 Big News from Our #MBEPMember, Kaiser Permanente! Kaiser Permanente is expanding healthcare access in our region with a new state-of-the-art Medical Office opening in Salinas next month! The facility will offer primary and specialty care, labs, pharmacy, radiology, and more to better serve the community. They recently celebrated this milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking an exciting step toward enhanced healthcare access in the area. Starting next month, Kaiser Permanente health plans will also be available through Covered California for Small Business (CCSB) in Monterey County, providing small businesses access to affordable, high-quality healthcare. We’re proud to highlight the incredible work being done by our #MBEPMember, Kaiser Permanente, as they bring essential health services closer to home for Monterey County residents. 📸: Kaiser Permanente via LinkedIn

📢 #MBEPMember Spotlight: CSUMB — Event Tomorrow! Don’t Miss This Special Event! Join Erin Gruwell, author and founder of the Freedom Writers Foundation, as she shares how writing can inspire and transform lives. 📅 When: Wed, Dec. 11 🕓 Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM 📍 Where: University Center, CSUMB 💥 FREE & open to the public! Erin Gruwell’s powerful journey inspired the film "Freedom Writers". She continues to empower students and educators worldwide through her foundation’s mission of empathy, equity, and inclusion. 👉 Be inspired! Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a global education leader. 📰 Learn more: https://ow.ly/9pfo50UoJh0 📸: Premiere Speakers Bureau

Last Chance! Get Your Tickets for the MBEP Holiday Mixer! 🎄 Ticket sales end soon — don’t miss this chance to celebrate community, connection, and impact! We’re proud to honor: 🏆 Alfred-Diaz Infante Community Impact Award Sister Rosa Dolores Rodriguez – For her tireless dedication to the Pajaro community and leadership in the Pajaro Disaster Long Term Recovery Alliance (PDLTRA). 🏆 Public/Private Partnership Award Cruzio Internet – For advancing digital equity through its Equal Access Summits to the Sea (EAS2C) initiative, connecting underserved communities to high-speed internet. 🏆 Public/Private Partnership Award Comcast – For its Lift Zones initiative, creating free Wi-Fi-connected spaces in community centers to support education and workforce development. 🗓️ When: Thursday, Dec 12 | 12:00 - 1:30pm 📍 Where: MBEP Headquarters, 3180 Imjin Rd, Marina, CA 🎟️ Cost: Free for MBEP Members | $39 for General Public ✨ Reserve your spot now: mbep.biz/events