On September 10, the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce joined Riverside County Third District Supervisor Chuck Washington for the 2026 State of the Third District at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa. With the theme “Growing Strong for Children and Families,” this year’s event offered a fresh approach to connecting the business community, residents, community organizations, and local leaders.

More than 350 people attended the evening, which was designed as a mixer-style experience rather than a traditional formal presentation. Guests had the opportunity to connect with one another while exploring community resource and information booths, enjoying hors d’oeuvres and local wine, meeting Supervisor Washington and his team, and watching inspiring performances by students from Oak Grove Center.

For the business community, however, the evening represented much more than an opportunity to network. It provided an important look at the resources, opportunities, and growth shaping Riverside County’s Third District.

A Dynamic Region for Business

Riverside County’s Third District is one of the county’s most dynamic and rapidly growing regions, with more than 500,000 residents. It includes four cities, 14 communities, three tribal nations, and a diverse mix of urban, rural, agricultural, recreational, and business environments.

For businesses in the Temecula Valley and throughout Southwest Riverside County, understanding the larger region matters. Economic growth, transportation, housing, workforce development, tourism, public safety, education, and quality of life are all interconnected, and decisions made at the county level directly influence the environment in which businesses operate and grow.

The Third District is also home to one of Southern California’s most recognized tourism destinations: Temecula Valley Wine Country, encompassing approximately 33,000 acres and more than 47 wineries. In addition to wine tourism, the region offers extensive opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, boating, fishing, horseback riding, bird watching, and more. These assets contribute to the quality of life that attracts residents, visitors, employees, and businesses to our region.

The district is also home to the county’s first aviation-themed discovery hangar, creating opportunities to cultivate curiosity, imagination, and interest in future careers among young residents. It is home to the largest population of veterans in Riverside County, another important part of the region’s workforce and community fabric.

Resources That Can Help Businesses

One of the most valuable aspects of the event was the opportunity to connect directly with organizations providing resources that can benefit local businesses, families, and the broader community.

Expo participants included the Riverside County Transportation and Land Management Agency, Riverside County Office of Economic Development, First 5 Riverside County, Housing & Workforce Solutions, Riverside County Workforce Development, Riverside County Veterans Services, Riverside County Office on Aging/Aging and Disability Resource Center, Riverside County Fire Department, CAL FIRE, and California State University San Marcos Temecula.

For business owners, these organizations can be valuable connections when navigating workforce needs, economic development opportunities, transportation and land-use issues, veterans' resources, education, and community services.

Did You Know?

• Grant opportunities are available for nonprofits. Third District organizations and community groups can explore opportunities to support local initiatives and programs through available grant resources.
• Small businesses may be eligible for wage reimbursement through on-the-job training programs. Riverside County Workforce Development offers programs that can help businesses offset training costs while bringing new employees into the workforce.
• Families can access free swim lessons for young children. Through First 5 Riverside County, children up to age five may have access to free swim lessons, helping families build important water safety skills.

These are just a few examples of the resources available within the Third District. Businesses are encouraged to learn more about the programs and services that may be available to support their employees, organizations, and communities.

A Community Where Businesses Can Grow

A strong business community depends on more than a healthy economy. It requires access to a qualified workforce, safe and thriving communities, quality education, transportation, housing, recreation, healthcare, and opportunities for people of all ages. That is why events such as the State of the Third District are important for our business community. They create a space for business leaders to better understand the region they serve, connect with public agencies and community organizations, learn about available resources, and build relationships with the people helping shape the future of Southwest Riverside County. The Third District also offers opportunities for residents and business leaders to become directly involved in their communities by serving on boards, committees, and commissions. Getting involved is one of the most meaningful ways to bring business perspective to important conversations and help shape the future of our region.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

The success of the 2026 State of the Third District would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors.

Title Sponsor:

• WRCOG/I-REN — Western Riverside Council of Governments & Inland Regional Energy Network

Premier Sponsors:

• Caisteal Builders Incorporated
• CR&R Environmental Services
• First 5 Riverside County
• Pechanga Resort Casino
• Rancho California Water District
• Riverside County Office of Economic Development
• Riverside University Health System Foundation
• Southern California Gas Company
• Southwest Healthcare Rancho Springs & Inland Valley Hospitals
• Southwest Healthcare Temecula Valley Hospital
• Temecula Valley Toyota and Temecula Valley Lexus
• Waste Management

Third District Supporters:

• American Medical Response
• California State University San Marcos, Temecula
• Eastern Municipal Water District
• Healthy Valley Foundation
• Law Offices of Rosenstein & Associates
• National University
• Roy Paulson of Paulson Manufacturing Corporation
• Southwest Riverside County Association of Realtors (SRCAR)
• Special Olympics Southern California

Facility Sponsor:

• South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

Growing Strong Together

The 2026 State of the Third District showcased what makes this region special: a growing economy, strong community organizations, diverse opportunities, and people who are invested in making Riverside County a great place to live, work, and raise a family. As the Temecula Valley and surrounding communities continue to grow, the business community has an important role to play in that future. Staying informed, building relationships, utilizing available resources, and participating in civic life all contribute to a stronger business environment and a stronger community.

The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to collaborate with Supervisor Chuck Washington and the Riverside County Third District on opportunities that bring businesses and community leaders together. We look forward to continuing the conversation and helping our members stay connected to the people, programs, and resources that support business growth throughout Southwest Riverside County.