Advocacy - Atascadero Chamber of Commerce | Empowering OUR Business Community

Advocating for Atascadero

The strength of the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce’s advocacy efforts begins with our members.

Whether serving in one of our policy committees, volunteering or testifying before government agencies – our advocacy efforts are rooted in building Atascadero as northern San Luis Obispo County’s premier place to live, work, tour, visit and recreate.

The Chamber is present in council chambers’, focus groups, public hearings as a voice for business in Atascadero. This wonderful city is unique, and that makes us a special Chamber. We serve our business members by keeping our fingers on the pulse of politics: local, regional, state, federal. The Chamber lobbies on your behalf for a vibrant and prosperous Atascadero.

Contact josh@atascaderochamber.org or feel free to give us a call, 805.466.2044.

Our Volunteers

Chamber members are welcome to join the variety of committees and councils. These advisory bodies aid in the chamber’s decision-making process and promote involvement at many levels:

– Ambassadors Council

– Board of Directors

– BID Committee

– Diversity Council

– Economic Prosperity Council

– Wine Festival Committee

As Atascadero continues to grow, these committees will provide a vital source of legislative input to the CEO. Learn more.

Legislative Advocacy

Protecting the interests of chamber members by tracking legislative and policy issues

Social Advocacy

Working alongside Chamber partners and our Diversity Council to improve the overall health of our communities at-large.

Business Advocacy

Seeking growth, development & funding opportunities through creative partnerships and strategic planning

Recent Chamber Advocacy in Action:

• Implementation of a Chamber Diversity Council as well as a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Handbook

• Support of Central Coast Community Energy fighting for an ordinance and resolution to support Central Coast Community Energy

• Plan formulation for a dig once strategy for Broadband

• Participation in in Move our Community Forward 2022 focusing on regional growth issues

• Weighing in on a new redistricting map before the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors

• Forwarding options for regional businesses to “take the pledge” showcasing commitment to diversity, equity & inclusion

• Position statements on a variety of projects

District 2 Candidates Forum legislative advocacy Atascadero

More Information

Join Us at District 2 Candidates Forum – April 28

Join the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce for a candidates forum for District 2 County Supervisor. The event will be held in-person for the four candidates: Bruce Gibson, Bruce Jones, Geoff Auslen, John Whitworth.

It will be held Thursday, April 28 at the Atascadero High School gym. This event is free and open to the public. Event moderated by Solterra Strategies Founder and Chief Strategist Stacie Jacob.

Your Atascadero Today

The future of Atascadero is happening now.

Economic growth and prosperity should be a beacon of strong business in the coming years. As a leading voice for commerce in north San Luis Obispo County, Atascadero Chamber is committed to ensuring we’re business-friendly, protecting your interests every step of the way.

We are lucky that in Atascadero our elected officials, government staff, private/public leaders are also our neighbors and community members. That thriving spirit is part of what makes Atascadero an ideal place to do business. We’re always keeping the Chamber proactively engaged – working in collaboration with our Board of Directors.

We focus on legislation so you can spend more time growing your business. The Chamber advocates for business through you: engaging members to learn, participate and lobby on behalf of issues affecting them in northern SLO.

We are thankful of our many active and vocal members, who work tirelessly on behalf of the Atascadero Chamber, helping propel Atascadero into the future.

The Chamber looks forward to working with you in the future on legislative projects and building a prosperous Atascadero together.

Get Involved

Chamber Action

Atascadero city officials have adopted the 2021-23 Action Plan for the City of Atascadero.

Here are the 4 priorities:

• Economic & Community Vibrancy

• Fiscal Infrastructure Efficiency & Sustainability

• Ensuring Public Safety and Providing Exceptional City Services

• Quality of Life

The Chamber continues to work alongside city officials in strengthening our city and ensuring that these 4 priorities are interwoven into our efforts to be a catalyst, convener and champion for Atascadero.

Legislative Resources

Here are some resources that may be of assistance for you as an Atascadero business owner:

Local

• Atascadero City Council – municipal issues

• Atascadero Planning Commission – city planning

• Cal Poly Green Campus Program – students promoting environmental stewardship at Cal Poly

• Career Connections at Cuesta College – heart for aligning students and employers with quality employment services

• Economic Vitality Corporation – economic development services, business resources

• Housing Authority of San Luis Obispo County – regional housing issues, affordable housing, planning

• Institute for Professional Development at Cuesta College – customized training for businesses and organizations

• San Luis Obispo Clean Energy – economic security & energy resilience

• San Luis Obispo County Council of Governments (SLOCOG) – effective transportation systems, enhanced quality of life in San Luis Obispo County, collaborative inter-governmental relationships

• San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors – county growth & development, water resources, public safety, general policy, planning, public utilities, etc.

• SLO County Air Pollution Control District – air pollution, preserving good air quality

• SLO County Builders Exchange – nonprofit contractors association

• SLO Partners – regional consortium of business, industry, education, community leaders focused on workforce/economic development aligning education systems and employment programs