Chamber Board Approves Legislative and Advocacy Priorities
Our Mission: We advocate, convene and engage to strengthen business in the greater Charlottesville region
Our Vision: A thriving economy
The Chamber believes in a thriving regional economy and a balanced approach to decision-making. The Board of Directors, under advisement from the Chamber’s Public Policy Committee, has endorsed the following five focus areas for our organization’s advocacy efforts.
These focus areas do not represent the entirety of the Chamber’s advocacy; they represent the areas where we believe our organization is well-positioned to make an impact. The Chamber will also support complementary efforts that may be led by others as recommended by the Public Policy Committee and the Chamber CEO.
Additionally, all of the Chamber’s legislative and advocacy efforts will be viewed through an equity lens as we strive to strengthen the business community as a whole.
The Board of Directors approved the following general Legislative/Advocacy Priorities on May 24, 2022.
Public Policy Focus Areas
1. Economic Vitality
We will advocate for expanding economic opportunities to improve the quality of life for current and future residents.
2. Education/Workforce training
We support efforts to attract, build and retain a well-educated, well-trained workforce to maximize the effectiveness of our business community and retain businesses.
3. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We support policies and programs that break down barriers to change, provide fair and equitable access to economic opportunities and resources, and encourage community collaboration and inclusiveness.
4. Infrastructure
We support consistent maintenance and ongoing improvements of critically needed infrastructure to enable businesses to succeed. We also welcome new and advanced infrastructure that supports the future growth of Charlottesville and Albemarle County.
5. Contemporaneous regional/statewide issues affecting Chamber members
We seek broad regional cooperation among Chambers and other business advocates to advocate collectively with a common voice, both for short-term issues and longer-term plans that fit within the Chamber’s mission.