For years, Alexandria's Chamber of Commerce has focused on legislative advocacy to help local businesses and the region's economy thrive. The upcoming year's legislative agenda will focus on economic sustainability, livability and supporting businesses.
"From economic development to transportation infrastructure to streamlining business regulations for small business, we have sought to inform policies that make Alexandria an extraordinary and welcoming city for all," the legislative agenda document explains.
Economic Sustainability
"Our current tax base comes from an unsustainable reliance on residential property tax, we have a school system with significant resource constraints, and we are a City where housing is largely unaffordable to many," Chamber officials wrote. With that in mind, the legislative agenda will focus on urging the timely completion of major development projects, "supporting approval of the already established blueprints for Business Improvement Service Districts" and starting work on an Economic Sustainability Summit for Alexandria.
Comprehensive Support for Businesses
Covering a wide range of activities, The Chamber ALX is committing to supporting policies that will welcome businesses of all sizes, supporting creative solutions to help fill or convert underused office buildings, and support workforce development. This includes asking the Virginia state legislature to continue funding for the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the G3 community college grant program and other programs. The Chamber ALX is also seeking to help make doing business in Alexandria easier, reduce crime and help support the growing need for childcare by working parents.
Livability
The Chamber ALX also recognizes that housing in Alexandria is in high demand, particularly affordable housing. As such chamber officials will be working with city officials on increasing affordable housing by reducing regulatory barriers.
The Chamber ALX will also support multi-modal transportation solutions to relieve congestion in Alexandria, however chamber officials believe that the effects on businesses should be considered. "Whether or not a project supports commercial activity should be a metric in the evaluation of a project. We encourage specific attention be paid to businesses located along Pickett Street, Holland Lane and Duke Street," according to the chamber.
The Chamber ALX will also focus on supporting Alexandria City Public Schools in ensuring the school system is well-funded and has opportunities for all children. A good public school system attracts residents and businesses alike and chamber officials will be asking Virginia's legislature to prioritize funding for public schools.
The full legislative agenda, including a checklist of focus areas and to-do items, is available here.
