On October 17th, SVLG brought together members and industry leaders for a virtual deep dive into California’s 2025 legislative session and what lies ahead in 2026. The conversation highlighted critical developments in AI, infrastructure, energy, and housing, while also showcasing SVLG’s advocacy efforts to keep California at the forefront of global innovation.
SVLG CEO Ahmad Thomas applauded the signing of a landmark housing bill, SB 79 (Wiener) into law. It represents a major step forward in addressing the housing crisis – ensuring more housing near transit, expanding multi-family housing options, and fostering vibrant, connected communities that make our state more affordable.
On behalf of Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG), I commend the Administration’s commitment to accelerating American AI innovation through critical investments in 21st-century infrastructure, streamlining data center permitting, and increasing federal support for workforce training and business competitiveness in technology hubs like Silicon Valley.
On Monday, SVLG gathered members from across California’s innovation ecosystem for a virtual conversation on the evolving landscape of AI policy across Washington, D.C. and Sacramento. The Capitol to Capitol Lunch Brief gathered tech leaders and policy experts to discuss the progress of AI legislation in both capitals and the path forward for California’s leadership on emerging technologies and regional competitiveness.
After thoughtful consideration, the Bay Area Council and the Silicon Valley Leadership Group have jointly decided to conclude formal discussions about creating a unified organization. While we will not move forward with a merger at this time, both organizations remain committed to collaboration and will continue to work to advance the priorities that matter most to our region’s future.
“Today, Governor Gavin Newsom put forth his May budget revision, which seeks to close a projected $12 billion deficit for the upcoming fiscal year amid strong economic headwinds driven by federal tariffs, recent natural disasters, and ongoing stock market volatility.
At SVLG, we are committed to continuing these critical discussions in partnership with the Institute for California AI Policy, bringing together business and government leaders to advance responsible AI solutions to ensure that California, and our nation, remain the global epicenter for AI-driven innovation.
This week, SVLG convened our annual Advocacy Day event in Sacramento. A major focus for our trip to Sacramento – organized in partnership with our Institute for California AI Policy (I-CAP) – was bolstering the competitiveness of the innovation ecosystem, which includes modernizing our innovation infrastructure to scale AI, ensuring a strong 21st century workforce, and promoting equitable economic growth.
“California’s role at the forefront of policy shaping the innovation economy has only intensified,” said SVLG CEO Ahmad Thomas, reflecting on the results of the 2024 Election.
The Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation (SVLGF) has announced a new initiative to develop an innovative AI and machine learning curriculum for community colleges in the greater Bay Area. SVLGF will hire two fellows to create the curriculum with support from the Deloitte Foundation. SVLGF will collaborate with the Foothill-DeAnza Community College District on its first-ever AI Fellowship Program, which aims to help prepare a diverse workforce for the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence that is expected to shape California’s innovation economy.
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