Metro Chamber Announces Support for Proposition 36
And Continues to Convene Series of Retail Crime Roundtable Discussions to Find Solutions for Alarming Theft Rates in Region
In response to alarming – and increasingly bold -- retail thefts throughout the region, the Sacramento Metro Chamber is officially announcing support for Proposition 36. The important bipartisan public safety initiative will restore consequences for repeat thieves while protecting victims, supporting law enforcement, and providing treatment to repeat drug offenders. Sacramento currently ranks 7th in the nation in a National Retail Security Survey report issued last fall by the National Retail Federation, and has been among the top 10 nationwide since 2018.
“Our hardworking business owners are bearing the brunt of rampant retail crime, a serious problem that cannot be considered as a cost to doing business in our city,” said Robert W. Heidt, Jr., President & CEO of the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce. “As the voice for business in our region, we are advocating for reform and accountability for laws that will support the ability to run a business successfully while enhancing quality of life. To that end, the Metro Chamber strongly supports Proposition 36 and encourages our motivated business community to do the same.”
“The crisis of homelessness, drug addiction, and crime are hallowing out communities across California,” said Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho. “Proposition 36 balances the highest aspirations of Proposition 47 by providing judges the tools of accountability and required treatment. This is a common sense approach to public safety.”
First launched in December 2023, the Metro Chamber also continues to convene a series of Retail Crime Roundtable discussions with key regional leaders to address the critical issue affecting businesses large and small. Chaired by Heidt, the latest Retail Crime Roundtable discussion took place on September 6, 2024, hosted at the Raley’s Headquarters in West Sacramento and was attended by approximately 40 motivated leaders, including Congressman Ami Bera, Congressman Kevin Kiley, District Attorney Thien Ho, Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen along with additional elected officials, U.S. trade association executives, various Property Business Improvement District (PBID) representatives, regional chambers, and engaged local business owners.
For resources and best practices for reporting retail crime, please visit this link. For more information about the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.metrochamber.org.