Important opportunities that set the future direction of our community take place virtually every day at some level of local or state government. If you believe, as we do, that a healthy business environment is an essential component of livability, then a constructive business voice contributing to those discussions is imperative.
It’s the reason the Eugene Chamber takes very seriously its role of advocate on behalf of the business community with state and local government entities — to ensure an environment where businesses can thrive. The Chamber is the only broad-based business organization that aspires to represent business interests no matter your size, industry or location. If you're doing business in the Eugene area — even if your company is located outside the area — we are working on your behalf.
The influential 25 members of the Chamber’s Local Government Affairs Council (LGAC) meet on a weekly basis to review and take action on public policy issues that impact business and the local economy. From local land use issues to regulations, LGAC is protecting and promoting the interests of business. The Chamber, through LGAC, determines these interests and works to advance those positions. It is LGAC’s job to be non-partisan, pro-business and pro-community.
The goals are to:
- Represent the interests of business
- Explore and pursue community collaborations focused on positive, high-impact community development projects
- Champion investments in infrastructure important to continued economic prosperity throughout the region
- Serve as a leader in supporting and advancing innovative approaches to the challenges faced by local government
- Develop, encourage and support effective leaders who aspire to local elected office
Building a great community with a vibrant economy requires an active voice for the business community. In Eugene, that responsible voice of business is the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce.
Here are some of the issues LGAC will be taking up in the latter part of 2012:
- Working to identify sources of public safety funding in Lane County: LGAC recognizes the connection between public safety and economic growth and livability. That’s why the Chamber has advocated for a number of issues that support public safety. And it’s why LGAC is working closely with local leaders to identify a solution to address Lane County’s public safety challenges.
- Simplifying development codes: Successfully implementing Envision Eugene will require extensive revisions to the City’s development code. A small group of LGAC members are participating in that process, seeking opportunities to streamline the development.
- Advocating for additional transportation capacity: At the Chamber we know that transportation has a huge impact on business and the economy. As the City of Eugene moves forward with a20-year Transportation System Plan or TSP, LGAC will advocate for the transportation capacity needed to move freight, help employees get to work and avail employers the ability to expand. The Chamber supports a mix of added capacity through new projects, upgrades to our current system, and complement transit including bike and pedestrian transportation.