Enterprise Zones Need Your Help

The Governor has issued his May Budget Revise which no longer includes eliminating the Enterprise Zone Program. However, the Governor’s reform position effectively eliminates the most successful parts of the program. Assembly Member Luis Alejo has introduced a compromise bill (AB 231) which preserves the most effective parts of the program.

Watsonville’s Enterprise Zone is an important tool in attracting and retaining businesses, and many Watsonville companies benefit from this program. Given that for the past two years Watsonville’s official unemployment rate has exceeded 28 percent, this program is a vital part of our economic development tool chest.

We urge you to support the Enterprise Zone program that has been so useful to our city over the past 14 years. The links below can help you learn more about the Governor’s proposal, the EZ Program and what you can do to support the City of Watsonville’s efforts to preserve our Enterprise Zone. Please read on:

• The proposals included in the Governor’s May Revise can be found HERE.
• The California Association of Enterprise Zones has released talking points that can help you talk to your elected representatives about the EZ Program. They can be accessed HERE.
• The California Association of Enterprise Zones has developed a webpage that makes it easy for you to contact your elected officials, including Governor Brown, regarding your support for the California Enterprise Zone Program. You can visit that site and contact your representatives HERE.

You can learn more about Watsonville's Economic Development efforts and find resources for businesses by visiting www.GrowInWatsonville.com.