POLICY PRIORITIES |
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Our advocacy goals and initiatives are developed in conjunction with the Chamber's Board of Directors annually. The following are strategic initiatives we've worked on and will continue working on as they are vital to our businesses and our overall economic well-being.
Public Safety |
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Advocate for and help implement local and state-level police policies and practices that will result in a safer community for all our citizens. Since 2014, calls for police service in the City of Eugene have increased by 21%, while staffing remained stagnant. The data shows high crime impedes economic growth, raises business costs and impacts hiring, expansion, and relocation decisions. Therefore, in 2019, the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce supported a payroll tax to fund public safety and justice systems services at a higher level.
Homelessness |
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The homeless population in the City of Eugene has reached crisis levels due to the lack of affordable housing options in our community. Recently, this crisis has been exasperated by the Covid-19 global pandemic. The Chamber is committed to working with local and state partners to create safe shelter areas with managed services to ensure the health and safety of the homeless population. Further, the Chamber is committed to working with partners to create affordable housing options for our homeless community.
Housing |
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The City of Eugene is facing a severe shortage of affordable housing units. In the last 20 years, the cost to purchase a house in Eugene has risen by 73% and the average rent is up nearly 50%. Our community’s housing shortage is multifaceted and has been exasperated by the number of people moving to Oregon, higher construction costs, and state and local regulations restricting the creation of affordable units. The Chamber is committed to working with the City of Eugene and community partners to create missing middle and affordable housing in our community.
Covid-19 business recovery |
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Our members continue to face uncertainty and challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic. To serve our members the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce is mobilizing its resources to support local businesses and the community. Over the coming months and years, the Chamber will continue to prioritize policies and responses to the pandemic that seek to assist local businesses in overcoming the economic disruptions caused by Covid-19.
Transportation |
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The Chamber supports investment in an efficient, sustainable, and well-maintained transportation system, which is vital to the health of our region’s economy and environment. We will monitor and advocate for transportation services that enhance community livability and support regional economic development, including regional air service, efficient public transit, and responsible transportation system planning.
Workforce Development |
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One of the biggest challenges facing local businesses as we emerge from the pandemic is workforce development and securing a pipeline for the next generation of employees. Many of our traded sector industries are faced with an aging workforce, limited access to students entering the workforce, and a reduction of opportunities for the future workforce to become aware of the opportunities in our community. The Eugene Chamber has recognized the immediate and future workforce needs that impact our local businesses and we are working with partners to create solutions.
Government Regulation & Taxation
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The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce supports a fair and equitable tax system that stimulates growth, innovation and job creation while minimizing compliance costs and administrative burdens. Businesses recovering from the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic should not be burdened with additional taxes and regulations during the recovery period.