About the California Business Roundtable
For nearly half a century, the California Business Roundtable (CBRT) has been a leading voice in the state’s business community, championing policies that foster economic growth, innovation, and job creation. Established in 1976, CBRT has consistently brought together top executives from California’s largest companies, providing a platform for collaboration and strategic advocacy on issues critical to the state’s economic health.
Under the leadership of our current board and executive team, CBRT continues to influence policy decisions and legislative actions that impact California’s business climate. Our members, who represent the diverse business community in California, bring a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to driving sustainable economic development. Their collective expertise ensures that CBRT remains at the forefront of discussions shaping the future of California’s economy.
Integral to our efforts is the integration of data and analysis from the Center for Jobs and the Economy. This partnership allows CBRT to base its advocacy on rigorous, up-to-date economic research. The Center provides comprehensive insights into job trends, economic indicators, and policy impacts, equipping our members with the information needed to make informed decisions and craft effective strategies.
The California Business Roundtable is dedicated to promoting a business environment where companies can thrive, create jobs, and contribute to the overall prosperity of the state. As we approach our 50th anniversary, we remain steadfast in our mission to support policies that enhance California’s competitiveness and ensure a vibrant economic future for all.
Mike Vomund
Chair
Robert C. Lapsley
President
Brooke A. Armour
Executive Vice President
Mike Kahoe
Senior Policy Advisor
MB Public Affairs
Rosa Pamintuan
Operations Manager
Ron Cohen
General Counsel
Center for Jobs and the Economy
One of our proudest achievements is the creation of the Center for Jobs and the Economy. This initiative allows CBRT to integrate rigorous, up-to-date economic research into our advocacy efforts. The Center provides comprehensive insights into job trends, economic indicators, and policy impacts, equipping our members with the information needed to make informed decisions and craft effective strategies.
Recent Ballot Measures
CBRT has also been actively involved in several key ballot measures that have had a significant impact on California’s business environment:
-
Proposition 15 (2020): CBRT played a crucial role in opposing Proposition 15, which sought to increase property taxes on commercial and industrial properties. The CBRT’s advocacy helped to inform voters about the potential negative impacts on businesses and the broader economy, contributing to the measure’s defeat. READ MORE.
-
Proposition 10 (2018): CBRT was instrumental in the successful opposition to Proposition 10, which would have repealed the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act and allowed for expanded rent control. By highlighting the adverse effects that expanded rent control could have on housing supply and affordability, the CBRT helped to ensure that Proposition 10 was rejected by voters. READ MORE.
Legislative Wins
- Workers’ Compensation Reform: CBRT played a key role in advocating for comprehensive workers’ compensation reform, resulting in significant cost savings for businesses while ensuring fair benefits for injured workers.
- Housing Reform: CBRT continues to champion policies that make it easier to build housing of all kinds. We were champions of AB 1482 (Chiu, 2019), which created the first statewide rent control policy that balanced the needs of renters while still ensuring investments in new affordable and market-rate housing.
- Energy and the Environment: Through its sister organization, Californians for Affordable and Reliable Energy (CARE), CBRT supported critically cap-and-trade and other market-based mechanisms to help California achieve its climate change goals.
- Regulatory Reform: Successfully pushed for regulatory reforms that reduce the burden on businesses, streamline compliance processes, and promote a more business-friendly environment.
- Tax Policy: Advocated for tax policies that support economic growth and competitiveness, including opposing measures that would have increased the tax burden on businesses.
- Infrastructure Investment: Supported legislation that promotes investment in critical infrastructure projects, enhancing California’s transportation, water, and energy systems to support economic growth.
- Environmental Regulations: Worked towards balanced environmental regulations that protect the environment while allowing businesses to operate efficiently and sustainably.