Public Policy Committee
An important part of Chamber membership is awareness and advocacy on matters of public policy that directly impact Charlottesville and Albemarle County. The Chamber strives to raise key issues as an honest broker and constructively provide a crucial business perspective to many challenges and opportunities in our community.
The Public Policy Committee serves as a legislative and regulatory think tank for the Chamber Board of Directors and the many roundtables and councils of the Chamber, to help inform the organization’s advocacy efforts and initiatives. The committee also reviews legislative action and, when necessary, recommends action to the Chamber Board of Directors. Only the Board of Directors can decide whether the Chamber will take a formal position on issues of public policy. The Public Policy Committee and Chamber of Commerce DO NOT endorse candidates for office.
2025 Public Policy Focus Areas
The Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce 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. 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.
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.
1. Economic Vitality
We advocate for expanding business and economic opportunities to improve the quality of life for current and future residents.
2. Education and Workforce Training
We support attracting, building, and retaining a well-prepared workforce to maximize the effectiveness of our business community and retain businesses.
a. We support quality early childcare education initiatives to attract and retain a local workforce. Quality childcare enables parents to fully participate in the economy and fosters the development of future generations with the skills necessary to sustain a thriving workforce.
3. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We support policies and programs that break down barriers, 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 critical infrastructure to enable business success. We also welcome new and advanced infrastructure that supports regional growth.
5. Housing
We support improvements to both the supply and affordability of quality housing options across our region. We also support programs that increase equitable housing opportunities and encourage removing regulatory roadblocks to housing availability.
For legislative updates on bills in the Virginia General Assembly, we encourage you to follow the Virginia Chamber of Commerce "Bills We're Watching"
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Upcoming Events
Public Policy Committee Leadership
Chair: Dr. Mariane Asad Doyle, Center for Nonprofit Excellence
Executive Committee:
Courtney Cacatian, Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau
Chris Engel, City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development (Ex Officio)
Ned Gallaway, Albemarle County
Nicole Hawker, Heart and Soul Fitness
Rebecca Ivins, Hourigan
Emily Kilroy, Albemarle County Economic Development
Diantha McKeel, Albemarle County
Brian Pinkston, City of Charlottesville
Jennifer Siciliano, UVA Health
John Spilman, LUMOS
Juandiego Wade, City of Charlottesville
Neil Williamson, Free Enterprise Forum
With questions regarding this group, please contact Andrea Copeland, Chamber Interim President & CEO.
Chamber affinity groups are led by volunteer leadership committees. To serve in a leadership capacity, you must be a current Chamber member in good standing. Thank you!