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Santa Maria Valley Chamber previews tourism growth, workforce programs and housing pipeline

Santa Maria City Council · November 19, 2025

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Summary

The Chamber reported growth in membership and workforce programs, a strong pipeline of housing projects, tourism marketing results and near‑term hotel renovations that reduced available rooms; chamber leaders asked council to support promotion of local flight service and workforce initiatives.

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce presented a six‑month update to the City Council on Nov. 18, outlining membership growth, workforce programs and tourism efforts intended to spur local economic activity.

Chamber presenters reported a membership base of about 849 businesses with a 90% retention rate, expanded Hispanic Business Alliance membership and active workforce programs including the Next Gen CEO program (which has involved over 200 students historically and recent cohorts that launched businesses). The chamber said its economic development team provided direct assistance to more than 80 potential new and existing businesses in the last six months and cited a housing pipeline of nearly 6,000 homes in various stages.

On tourism, the chamber reported mixed short‑term indicators: a recent month showed roughly $351,000 in transient occupancy tax (TOT) compared with $363,000 the prior year and an 8.5% year‑to‑date decline in TOT overall; the chamber attributed some TOT weakness to a ~14% reduction in available hotel rooms while several properties undergo renovation, and noted an airport hotel (Marriott/Delta) expected to open next spring. Chamber leaders said marketing and trade‑show outreach generated site referrals and that FAM tours and influencer visits remain important promotional tools.

The chamber asked the council to support local flight service and to patronize SMX as the community works to sustain air service. Presenters emphasized collaboration with the workforce development board on industry tours, teacher tours, and leadership programs that connect students and residents with local career pathways.