Local business leaders recognize the need to work together, according to Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce CEO Kristen Miller. It has created the nonprofit Santa Barbara Economic Development Foundation that will help the organization “work more powerfully” with local governments and help more businesses, not just members, according to Miller. A strategic plan has been a goal since the chamber was formed six years ago, through a merger of three local chamber organizations, she said. Gootman, who also shared insights at the REACH Summit last year, said the Santa Barbara County economy doesn’t offer enough opportunities for everyone who lives in the county. Santa Barbara County is the hardest county in which to do development work, and it needs permit reform, Steinfeld said.