A report from Yale’s Budget Lab estimates that Trump-era tariffs and foreign retaliation could cost U.S. households up to $4,900, driven by a 3% increase in prices. The average effective tariff rate has reached 28%, the highest since 1901, even if consumers shift to domestic goods. Critics warn of rising inflation, despite claims that tariffs support U.S. manufacturing.
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Christopher Altman, who runs Trees Company in Oakland, typically enjoys steady business year-round thanks to California’s temperate climate. But starting in mid-March, demand for his tree trimming services collapsed — a downturn he attributes to growing economic uncertainty driven by the Trump administration’s escalating trade war. Altman, now relying on savings and credit to cover payroll, says he’s seen his once-regular flow of job requests shrink to just a couple per week.
His experience illustrates the ripple effects of the administration’s tariff strategy, which is straining both household and business spending. As companies grapple with higher costs from new import taxes and consumers grow cautious about the economic outlook, service-sector businesses like Altman’s are feeling the squeeze. Economists warn that the most severe trade penalties have yet to hit, as Trump’s administration holds off on implementing sweeping tariffs until at least July — pending negotiations with up to 90 countries. Without successful deals, the resulting broad tariffs could further raise supply chain costs and deepen the slowdown already starting to show on Main Street.
The City of Morgan Hill has launched a new partnership with the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center and the Morgan Hill Unified School District to provide tailored mentoring, workshops, and business training—available in both English and Spanish—for aspiring and current entrepreneurs. This initiative, part of the City’s ELEVATE Morgan Hill program, aims to promote economic opportunity and upward mobility, especially for the Spanish-speaking community.
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Despite national economic turmoil and a spike in market volatility, the Bay Area’s housing market remained strong in early 2025, driven by the AI boom. Homes sold quickly and above asking price, though most deals were finalized before recent economic instability took hold.
By April, listings rose unevenly across the region. San Francisco saw a modest 7% year-over-year increase, while the Inner East Bay saw listings surge 48% — the highest April level in four years.
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At a VTA board meeting on Thursday May 1st, confusion and disagreement stalled any decision on whether to support a regional or county-specific approach to a proposed transit tax under Senate Bill 63. The bill, introduced by state Senators Scott Wiener and Jesse Arreguin, would allow transit agencies or voters to propose a sales tax for the November 2026 ballot to fund Bay Area transit systems. While the bill currently lists four transit agencies as potential beneficiaries, VTA is not among them.
The board heard a presentation on the bill but was caught off guard when VTA management unexpectedly asked for a formal stance via letter to the bill’s authors during the meeting—despite the item being presented as informational only. San Jose Mayor and VTA Vice Chair Matt Mahan advised against rushing a decision, cautioning the board not to give up negotiating power too soon. Santa Clara County Supervisor Sylvia Arenas expressed concern over the lack of transparency and short notice.
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Caltrain’s new electric trains are bringing riders back, reversing the pandemic-era decline in commuters. UCSF researcher Ruchi Malik, who previously reduced her trips due to safety concerns and remote work, now rides more frequently, citing improved reliability and on-time performance. Since launching fully electric service between San Francisco and San Jose in September, Caltrain has seen a 41% increase in ridership compared to the same period in 2023—rising from 416,000 to 588,000 riders in the first three months. Executive Director Michelle Bouchard said the modern, efficient service is attracting those tired of highway gridlock and showcasing “the future of travel.”
Read more HERE!
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