Economic Development & Growth
The Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce continually works to improve the business climate and eliminate or minimize California regulations that have adverse economic impacts that decrease the competitiveness of local businesses.
The Chamber Advocates for:
• Regulations that promote the use of local labor and materials for public and private projects.
• Greater conformity and coordination of local government entities, (City, County Agencies and Districts).
• Participation in the City and County budget process as it pertains to development and growth.
• Participation in the general plan update issues.
• Implementation of development which benefits Kern County’s jobs and business strategy.
• Business attraction and retention.
• Requiring that In-Direct Source Rule fees and any other regulatory fees remain within the region or that replacement mitigation is done locally – money and new infrastructure stays within the region.
The Chamber Opposes:
• Attempts to usurp local authority regarding planning, zoning and land use issues.
• Costly mandates on business especially targeting one product type and use over another.
• Unreasonable and costly implementation of unattainable greenhouse gas emission goals.
• Increases in fines, penalties and fees for businesses and development.