Business Roundtable: Addressing Homelessness in San Diego County

The North San Diego Business Chamber is hosting a roundtable discussion for business leaders and owners, focusing on the critical issue of homelessness and its impact on the local business community. This roundtable will focus on the idea that homelessness is not a singular government or civic issue, rather a business issue.  It will aim to explore how homelessness affects businesses in the region, the challenges it presents, and the potential solutions that business leaders believe could help address and resolve this pressing issue.

Agenda
1. Welcome and Introduction (10 minutes)

• Opening remarks by Chris Thorne, CEO, North San Diego Business Chamber.
• Overview of the purpose and goals of the roundtable.

2. Photo Montage and Business Impact Testimonies (30 minutes)

• A photo montage showcasing businesses in the North San Diego area affected by homelessness encampments.
• Following the montage, business owners and leaders featured in the photos will briefly (2 minutes each) share their experiences, including the impacts on their businesses, efforts made to resolve issues, and any roadblocks encountered.

4. Panel Discussion: Business-Led Solutions (45 minutes)

• A panel of 4-5 regional business leaders with specific, focused recommendations for addressing homelessness from a business perspective.
• Topics will include:
  • Collaborative efforts between businesses and local government.
  • Innovative approaches to providing shelter and support services.
  • Economic development initiatives that can help prevent and alleviate homelessness.
  • Business community contributions to a sustainable, long-term solution.
• Panelists will discuss potential strategies and answer questions from attendees.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Impact on Businesses:
   • How homelessness affects customer traffic, employee safety, and overall business operations.
   • The financial implications for businesses, including potential losses in revenue and increased costs for security and cleanup.
   • The broader impact on the community’s perception of the business environment in North San Diego.
2. Current State of Homelessness:
   • According to the 2024 San Diego Continuum of Care Point-in-Time Count, the San Diego region recorded 10,605 homeless individuals, with 6,110 being unsheltered. The homeless population has increased by 3% from the previous year, with unsheltered homelessness rising by 18%.
   • Chronic homelessness remains a significant challenge, with 44% of unsheltered individuals being chronically homeless.
   • The North County Inland and Coastal areas alone account for nearly 17% of the region’s homeless population.
3. Business Leaders' Perspectives:
   • A forum for business owners to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas for mitigating the impact of homelessness on their operations.
   • Exploration of the most effective strategies for addressing homelessness, including increased shelter capacity, enhanced mental health services, and targeted economic development efforts.
4. Path Forward:
   • Identifying actionable steps that the business community can take to contribute to solving homelessness in North San Diego.
   • Establishing a unified voice and collaborative efforts to influence policy and advocate for sustainable, long-term solutions.

Outcome:
The roundtable will aim to develop a "platform" of solid recommendations from the business community, backed by data and information on the impact of homelessness on businesses. The roundtable aims to conclude with the development of 4-5 specific proposals or initiatives, backed by the business community, that address homelessness in the region.
Next Steps:
Following the roundtable, a comprehensive report will be compiled, summarizing the key discussions, data insights, and proposed solutions.
This collaborative effort seeks to empower the business community to take an active role in addressing homelessness, ultimately contributing to a thriving regional economy and improved quality of life for all San Diegans.