Advocacy
The North Tampa Bay Chamber represents the interests of our Member businesses and advocates on their behalf. Here are our 2023 Priorities:
The 2023 Legislative Agenda informs our members about the issues the Chamber will be monitoring and advocating for in 2023. It should be noted that this list is not all-inclusive and may be modified during the year.
Transportation
Transportation is a core service of a government that is critical for economic development and facilitating the efficient delivery of goods and services. Having sufficient transportation funding is needed to implement a robust and connected transportation network in Tampa Bay.
The Chamber Supports
1) Advocating for transit projects as a region.
2) Efforts to continue to grow and enhance Tampa International Airport and Port Tampa Bay.
3) State funding for transit.
4) The ability of local jurisdictions to secure funding via referenda to provide adequate transit options for its citizens.
5) New and innovative transportation and mobility options.
Economic & Business Development
Economic development and business thrive where regional collaboration is strong, regulatory and tax burdens are minimal, right-to-work laws that protect our citizens remain in place, and where wages are comparatively based. Businesses locate and expand in areas where these factors exist:
The Chamber Supports
1) The ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment to the United States Constitution.
2) Ensuring local permitting is timely and effective.
3) Legislation that strengthens Florida’s local governments, economic development, and tourism agencies.
4) State Funding for Advent Health and Baycare Hospital Systems.
5) Preserve hospital Medicaid reimbursement rates.
6) Clarity in the land use code to encourage transit-oriented development.
7) Phased initiatives to reduce the tax burden on commercial real estate leases.
8) Policies that support keeping the Tampa Bay Rays in Tampa Bay Region.
9) Recognizing community quality of life as an economic development driver.
10) Revenue generation opportunities to offset tax losses due to COVID-19 growth and development.
11) Additional state and federal funds to assist in efforts to combat COVID-19, including adequate flexibilities to enable efficient use by states, localities, and partner organizations.
Education& Workforce Development
The business community must partner with stakeholders and policymakers to advocate for adequate resources to help recruit, develop, and retain talent in Tampa Bay. Plans must be in place today to market and train the workforce of tomorrow.
The Chamber Supports
1) Including industry certification and skills training in school and district grade calculations as an additional student success measure.
2) Ensuring equal opportunity to career paths that lead to jobs, and workforce initiatives that create a more equitable talent marketplace and strengthen the American Economy.
3) Support innovation, legislation, and funding to provide affordable housing opportunities.
4) Attainable housing that improves workforce satisfaction, and quality of life, and ensures a vibrant, thriving community.
5) Policies and budget prioritization that facilitate the development of, and access to, workforce housing.
6) Creating pathways for non-violent ex-offenders to reenter the workforce and become productive, self-sufficient citizens.
7) Increased K-12 funding of schools.
8) Regional workforce development initiatives that build diverse talent and are inclusive of groups of people that have been traditionally disenfranchised such as minorities and the LGBT+ population.
9) Bridging the digital divide.
10) Targeted plans that create a skilled pipeline of talent to support and sustain the entire Tampa Bay Region’s ongoing economic development activities.
11) Support the infrastructure necessary for healthcare facilities to recruit and retain nurses and allied health professionals.
12) Support legislation to fund and incentivize education, facilities, clinical sites, and faculty to create a pipeline of new healthcare professionals.
Overall, the North Tampa Bay Chamber advocates for the interests of local businesses and work to create a supportive environment that encourages economic growth and prosperity.
