Two years ago, the announcement that Diablo Canyon Power Plant would close added urgency to a growing awareness that the Central Coast faces grave economic challenges.

The Diablo closure will result in the loss of 1,500 head-of-household jobs on the Central Coast. Recognizing this painful truth along with the fact that our area is losing companies and opportunities for our middle class and families, the SLO Chamber created a position to generate economic initiatives and regional advocacy. The organization hired a seasoned hand, Melissa James, to lead the effort.

San Luis Obispo City Council listened to voices from the community in adopting its major goals and vision for the 2019-21 budget cycle.

The SLO City goals that were formally set on Feb. 5, in fact, echo key priorities outlined by the Chamber in its detailed letter of recommendations, and include housing, fiscal sustainability and responsibility, sustainable transportation, climate action, and Downtown vitality.

Imagine San Luis Obispo marks the sixth time in 30 years that the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce has shared its unique business perspective on the social, environmental and economic future of the community. This is the first web-based economic vision document produced by the Chamber.