MBEP

🏡 Thinking about buying a home? Our partners at Bay Federal and United Way Monterey County are hosting a FREE homebuying workshop! 📅 Nov. 5 | 5:30–7 PM 📍 232 Monterey St., Salinas No RSVP required! Submit questions in advance: ow.ly/3Xhi5102iT1

Creative housing solutions are taking shape in Salinas! Compass Church's $2.7M project will add four below-market-rate homes for ministry staff, offering a model for how community institutions can help address workforce housing challenges. #WorkforceHousing

MBEP has named Kate Roberts interim CEO. Roberts, who previously led MBEP from 2015–2021, succeeds Tahra Goraya. We are grateful to Tahra for her leadership and remain committed to advancing our region’s economic priorities. Read more: ow.ly/K2JL5102iOL

The future of flight is taking off on the Central Coast! In her latest Economy Matters column in the Monterey Herald, MBEP CEO Tahra Goraya explores how advanced aviation is creating opportunities for innovation, investment & workforce growth. 🔗 ow.ly/aB1w50ZXSQU

What will the election mean for housing in 2027? Join MBEP’s State of the Region on Nov. 6 for a post-election panel featuring Alexa Johnson, Elaine Johnson, Dr. Shawn Tennenbaum & Matt Huerta. ⏳ Early bird rates end Oct. 23! 🎟️ ow.ly/KxIC50ZXRh7

MBEP recently met with Rep. Jimmy Panetta to discuss regional priorities, including AI policy, advanced aviation investment, affordable housing, and digital connectivity. We appreciate his continued partnership in advancing a stronger Monterey Bay region!

Today, on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, MBEP honors the rich histories, cultures, resilience, and contributions of Indigenous peoples, including the Native communities of our region. We celebrate their heritage and the importance of uplifting Indigenous voices. #IndigenousPeoplesDay

AI is already transforming agriculture in the Salinas Valley. Is our workforce ready? In her latest op-ed, MBEP CEO Tahra Goraya explores why workforce training, broadband & innovation must go hand in hand. Read more: ow.ly/OXBe50ZWvG0

The Central Coast is built to prove what’s next! A new Uplift Central Coast prospectus highlights our region’s strengths in autonomous systems & advanced air mobility, including MBEP’s CAAMCI initiative. Explore: ow.ly/c6ta50ZWvwL

Keynote announced! Dr. Somjita Mitra, Chief Economist for the California Department of Finance, joins MBEP’s State of the Region on Nov. 6! Explore economic trends, post-election insights & what’s ahead for our region. Register: mbep.biz/events

We’re hiring! MBEP is seeking two bilingual (English/Spanish) Digital Navigators to help residents build digital skills and access online services. 📍 Monterey County + Santa Cruz County 💻 Part-time, flexible 💵 $50/hour Learn more & apply: ow.ly/XTh950ZVEpJ

Homeownership shouldn’t be out of reach because of the down payment. MBEP supports YES on #Prop37, helping eligible middle-income Californians overcome this barrier. Learn more: ow.ly/YCwb50ZU4eI Join our briefing Oct. 7th @ 10am: ow.ly/uA5e50ZU4aF #HousingForAll

#MBEPMember Ventures is hosting the 3rd Annual Co-Op Day in Salinas! Join regional leaders Oct. 9, 2026 to explore how cooperative business models can strengthen our economy and expand opportunity. 📅 9 AM–2 PM 🔗 ow.ly/ywBz50ZPgH9

MBEP’s Matt Huerta & Alexa Johnson were glad to join our longtime partners at Housing Trust Silicon Valley and U.S. Bank for “On the House”—bringing housing leaders together around a shared commitment to turning good policy into homes for our communities. #HousingForAll

The Central Coast is built to prove what’s next. Join Uplift Central Coast Oct. 7, 1–2 p.m. for an industry update + prospectus launch exploring the region’s momentum in autonomous systems & advanced air mobility. Register: ow.ly/UNjs50ZTn7A

128 new affordable homes in Santa Cruz! MBEP’s Matt Huerta & Alexa Johnson were thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of Pacific Station North. Every new affordable home brings us closer to a region where more people can afford to stay and thrive. ow.ly/ol7n50ZTn1b

What does it take to build a thriving creative economy in our region? At MBEP’s Creative Economy Summit, we’ll move from understanding the big picture to exploring practical ways to strengthen our region’s creative economy. October 22 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m. ow.ly/70Wc50ZSTJZ

State Sen. John Laird has announced funding through the 2026–27 state budget for our tri-county region. Monterey - sd17.senate.ca.gov/news/lair… San Benito - sd17.senate.ca.gov/news/sena… Santa Cruz - sd17.senate.ca.gov/news/sena… #MontereyBay #RegionalInvestment #CommunityDevelopment #MBEP

MBEP’s 2026 Housing Initiative Brief highlights four statewide propositions with implications for housing in the Monterey Bay region. Prop. 1, the Veterans & Affordable Housing Bond Act. ow.ly/uMz050ZRFmE Join us for a webinar: October 7 | 10–11 AM ow.ly/VFBz50ZRFmB

🎨 Creativity is more than a cultural asset—it’s an economic one. In her latest #EconomyMatters column, MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya explores how the creative economy drives jobs, business and opportunity across the Central Coast. ow.ly/P2Iy50ZQQob