With input from members and community stakeholders, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce released its annual Public Policy Agenda. Justin Groenert, Vice President, Public Policy, Chattanooga Chamber, explains our legislative priorities for 2023:
This year marks new beginnings for Chattanooga and Hamilton County. Last September, we welcomed a new county mayor and county commission. The 113th Tennessee General Assembly convened in January, the same month Governor Bill Lee was inducted into his second term.
Last August, the Chattanooga Chamber engaged members through our public policy survey and asked your opinion on the legislative issues that matter most.
Now, we seek to forge a more collaborative policy agenda that positions our Chamber as a proactive advocate on behalf of businesses and regional growth.
With input from our members, public policy committee and our board of directors, this year’s public policy agenda sets our advocacy efforts in motion. These are our top legislative priorities for the year:
- Our survey results indicate that a highly motivated, well-trained workforce is critical to continuing economic growth, prosperity and enhancing quality of life.
- Strategic economic development efforts are the backbone of our regional prosperity. We remain active in pursuing policies that encourage growth for Hamilton County businesses while attracting new businesses to our region.
- We recognize that a strong, cradle-to-career education system is the foundation for addressing workforce and economic development gaps. We will collaborate with local and state elected officials to implement policies that support students from early childhood to career, equipping them with the necessary skills for success.
- A robust, well-funded and long-term infrastructure network is vital for economic growth. Governor Lee has prioritized improving interstate congestion across the state. We’re ready to work with the legislature to reach our Velocity 2040 mobility goals and ensure that traveling to and through Chattanooga remains simple.
- Diversity and economic inclusion efforts are key for 2023. Promoting economic inclusion is essential for increasing prosperity and mobility across Chattanooga and Hamilton County. We’ll work to expand economic participation of historically marginalized entities to advance talent, grow markets and increase revenue sources.
These five areas of focus have been determined by you, our members and community stakeholders. As the Chattanooga Chamber, we are dedicated to maintaining Chattanooga, Hamilton County and Tennessee as the best place for starting and growing a business.
Read the entire legislative agenda, here.
