FLOOD PROTECTION REMAINS THE NO. 1 PUBLIC POLICY PRIORITY for the Metro Chamber in 2007. For that reason, 2006 Metro Chamber Board Chair Frank Washington formed the Flood Protection Task Force, chaired by 1st vice chair John Lambeth in 2006 and now attorney Roy Brewer during 2007. 

Among the task force’s accomplishments:

• Raised the profile of flood protection as a top issue by integrating flood protection into Metro Chamber’s publications and public policy programs and events (Annual Dinner, State of the City, Cap-to-Cap, State of the Counties, Congressional Speaker Series)

• Provided key support to federal representatives in securing record levels of funding for regional flood protection improvements

• Provided key support to state representatives to lift flood protection as top priority, and ensure inclusion of flood protection within overall bond package

• Provide leadership on statewide campaign to support Prop 1E

• Positioned the Metro Chamber to consider and support expansion of local flood protection districts to enhance local revenues for levee improvements

• Positioned the Metro Chamber to participate in discussions of northern California’s long-term flood protection needs

Prospective Priorities for 2007

• Work with state representatives to direct Prop 1E bond funds to support regional priorities

• Work with federal representatives to support federal funding for regional flood protection priorities

• Work with regional representatives at SACOG re: land use in flood prone areas

• Work with SAFCA officials to consider and support expansion of local flood districts to augment local revenues for levee construction, repairs and improvements

• Develop and implement communications strategy re: disaster preparedness for business

Even prior to statehood in 1850, communities in the Sacramento region have struggled to hold back the ravages of floodwaters. Now, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, significant attention is being placed in Washington, at the state capitol and around the Sacramento region on the issue of flood protection.

Frank Washington, 2006 Metro Chamber board chair, has directed Metro Chamber staff and volunteer leadership to form a task force to investigate the various policy positions that will advance the region’s immediate and long-term flood protection needs. The Flood Protection Task Force will develop specific positions on federal, state and regional issues and advocate for them on the Cap-to-Cap Trip, the State Legislative Dinner and the State of the Counties Forum.

Metro Chamber’s #1 Priority : Flood protection for the ‘greater good’
*The following is an exert from Frank Washington’s comments at the February 27 Annual Dinner
As I step in to the position of board chair for the region’s largest and most influential advocate focused on regional economic prosperity on behalf of business, I am struck by the multiplicity of opportunities. For decades the Metro Chamber has championed important issues such as transportation, air quality, education, civic infrastructure and a wealth of economic development projects—with notable success. And in 2006, the chamber will continue to play an important role in many of these issues. Much of this chamber’s vision and aspirations will be focused on fostering an environment where there is job growth, an affordable and ample housing supply, adequate transportation infrastructure and a desirable education system.

However, I do not believe that we have anything to talk about, to work toward, or to champion, if we are under water. We must protect ourselves from disaster and we must start right away. Our region is classified as second in the nation at risk of a flood, right after New Orleans . And with those odds, there is simply no more important issue to contend with.

That is why the Metro Chamber has identified as its highest priority a matter that, while lacking in time certainty, poses the gravest threat of any faced. Knowing what we do today, it would be morally reprehensible not to act. We cannot let our greatest attention come only after a catastrophe. We must harness our resources, collaborate across political boundaries and unleash the systems to ensure the greatest flood protection politically and financially possible for the people of this region.

It will be the Metro Chamber’s No. 1 priority.