Members of the San Francisco business community are meeting this week with some heavy hitters in national politics.
About 15 people affiliated with the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce are traveling to Washington, D.C., to meet today and Friday with state representatives and members of the Obama administration, Chamber spokeswoman Gwen Oldham said.
Several labor leaders and city employees are also attending the program, dubbed “CityTrip Washington, D.C.,” she said.
The San Franciscans will discuss trade, economic development, transportation and other issues with figures such as the secretary of commerce, secretary of labor, and president of Service Employees International Union, Oldham said.
They will also meet with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Rep. Jackie Speier.
The delegates made their own travel arrangements, Oldham said, but the Chamber of Commerce has organized their meals and meetings.
“High speed rail is something the Chamber has been really vocal about, so that will be one of the key topics,” she said.
The group will also attend a White House policy briefing on Friday to discuss the Better Buildings Initiative, a national program aimed at reducing greenhouse gases emitted by commercial buildings.
President Obama announced the program last month and said his goal is to reduce emissions by 20 percent over the next decade by giving the private sector incentives to make their facilities more efficient.
Janna Brancolini, Bay City News
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