California boasts the biggest state economy in the nation and the 4th largest economy in the world. And the Bay Area with our innovation economy rooted in Silicon Valley contributes a lion’s share of economic productivity and prosperity. But California also doesn’t make it easy to do business here. High taxes, mind-numbing regulations, red tape and bureaucracy, high housing and energy costs, and often outright hostility towards the very businesses and investors that are creating jobs and opportunity all contribute to a business climate that frequently ranks worst in the country.
That’s why the Bay Area Council is committed to ensuring our region remains a competitive and attractive place to start, grow, and retain businesses. Through research, advocacy, and coalition-building, we’re working to modernize the state’s tax and regulatory environment to foster innovation, investment, and job creation. We engage directly with policymakers to promote balanced fiscal policies, streamline regulatory processes, and reduce the cumulative burden of compliance.
Our goal is to shape a vibrant and healthy business climate that supports long-term economic growth, fiscal sustainability, and widespread opportunity.
Key Priorities
- Reduce, reform and remove onerous and excessive regulations that discourage investment, slow down economic growth, and undermine our competitiveness in critical emerging industries like AI and data centers.
- Streamline permitting for new housing and a wide range of critical transportation, energy, and other infrastructure.
- Advocate for sensible tax policy that encourages investment and the creation of jobs.
- Support investment in cutting-edge science and innovation.
- Regional agency reform. Our regional agencies have a great deal of power over critical parts of our economy and the business community needs a louder voice in these rooms. We will be evaluating the structure and agenda of our regional agencies and work to ensure that they are aligned with the region’s economic priorities.
- Municipal budget cliffs. Responding to the financial challenges faced by local governments, including impending budget shortfalls, to ensure that higher fees and taxes are not the default “solution” and that structural inefficiencies are addressed.
