MBEP

MBEP’s Maure Gildea joined regional leaders at the Central Coast Catalyst Convening hosted by California’s Office of Land Use & Climate Innovation and the Strategic Growth Council. Stakeholders discussed regional climate priorities and policy actions to inform statewide planning.

Farmworkers and skilled workers often have decades of expertise—but no credential recognizing it. A powerful piece from Karen Aceves highlights how competency-based education can unlock opportunity by valuing real-world knowledge. Read the article: ow.ly/eHE150Yv0Uy

New Mexico’s free childcare lifted 120,000 people above the poverty line while enabling parents to work and pursue education. Early learning is a strategic priority for MBEP - strong families power a strong economy. ow.ly/kPS850YuWRI Photograph: Isabel Miranda/@theguardian

Monterey County has secured $2.8M in state funding to support programs preventing and ending homelessness. The funding will help sustain navigation centers, housing support services, and long-term stability programs. Learn more: ow.ly/15S550YrxCm

The Watsonville Film Festival kicks off today! 🎬 For 13+ years, the festival has uplifted Latine filmmakers, empowered youth storytellers, and strengthened the creative economy of the Monterey Bay region. Tix & Schedule: 2026wff.eventive.org/welcome More: watsonvillefilmfest.org

Farmworker families are the backbone of our rural economies & national food security. Yesterday, MBEP’s Matt Huerta joined housing leaders at the CA Assembly Housing & Community Development Committee hearing on AB 457 to advocate for stronger policies to expand farmworker housing

Congratulations to MBEP co-founder Bud Colligan, recipient of the 2025 UC Santa Cruz Chancellor’s Innovation Impact Award – Community Changemaker. His leadership has helped strengthen the Monterey Bay region’s innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem. ow.ly/ufKM50Yrxq5

@santacruzoworks CEO Works Luncheon | A One Hour Tech Startup Bootcamp March 25, 2026 11:30am-1:00pm Register: ow.ly/5WHF50Yj0Xk

🔨 #MBEPMember Santa Cruz County is hosting a Skilled Trades Job Fair! 📅 March 18, 2026 📍 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Register: ow.ly/RMNH50Yj3Ou Questions or exhibitor info: 831-420-5371 | wateradmin@santacruzca.gov

MBEP’s David Witkowski joined The Divide podcast to discuss broadband policy, fixed wireless access, AI, and the future of the digital divide. Listen to the conversation: ow.ly/OHUN50YrxlQ

MBEP secured $463K from the CPUC to expand digital literacy & broadband access across Monterey, San Benito & Santa Cruz counties. Connected Community Hubs will provide free Wi-Fi, computers & digital support in trusted community spaces. ow.ly/b05T50YrwAc

Happy International Women’s Day! Today we celebrate the women of MBEP’s board and staff — and the many leaders, innovators, and changemakers across Monterey, San Benito & Santa Cruz counties who are helping build a stronger, more inclusive region. #InternationalWomensDay

Our latest Regional Report is out — highlighting the people, projects, & progress shaping our region: • $463K secured for regional digital inclusion • Broadband, AI & the future of connectivity • Offshore drilling & the coastal economy • And more… ow.ly/z3rb50YqrLe

Free Digital Literacy Classes Start MONDAY! Build confidence using technology in everyday life: > Digital Navigation Skills > Digital Marketing To Register: ow.ly/eVoa50YbZau OR call 559-202-3215 #DigitalLiteracy #FreeClasses #DigitalInclusion #MBEP

📣 We’re Hiring at Monterey Bay Economic Partnership! 🏠 Director, Housing Policy and Advocacy ow.ly/Ssfp50YpqF8 💻 Project Manager, Technology and Digital Access ow.ly/MMjC50YpqF6 📚 Digital Literacy Instructor ow.ly/xUt850YpqF7

Free Digital Literacy Classes Start NEXT WEEK! Build confidence using technology in everyday life: > Digital Navigation Skills > Digital Marketing To Register: ow.ly/eVoa50YbZau OR call 559-202-3215 #DigitalLiteracy #FreeClasses #DigitalInclusion #MBEP

March is Women’s History Month. In a recent op-ed, MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya highlighted how women are shaping and strengthening our regional economy. We celebrate the women leading across our region — today and every day. ow.ly/4Key50Yohkp

In honor of #BlackHistoryMonth, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership is celebrating Black leaders uplifting Monterey, San Benito & Santa Cruz counties. Read more about these inspiring changemakers and their impact: ow.ly/3svm50Yni8y

Long-time partner Housing Trust Silicon Valley joins leaders nationwide for Aligned Action for Housing Solutions on March 5. Hosted by Terner Labs + National League of Cities. 📅 Date: March 5, 2026 ⏰ Time: 9am - 12pm PST 🔗 Learn more and register: lnkd.in/guvkap5G

Sentient: A Live Conversation on AI's Next Leap March 6 @ 12:30PM #MBEPMember Santa Cruz Works is hosting a free webinar that explores the question: what happens to humanity when AI stops being “a tool” and starts behaving like something else? Register: ow.ly/fw8T50Yj0LV