priorities

Raleigh Chamber Government Affairs Priorities to Foster Economic Prosperity

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND JOB CREATION

Preserve, expand and promote flexible, targeted incentive tools at the local, county and state level that support continued job growth and investment.
Increase inclusive prosperity through equitable economic development and economic mobility strategies and policies.
Expand site development readiness throughout Wake County and the region.
Support policies that expand international trade and investment opportunities.

EDUCATION AND TALENT SUPPLY

Increase access to Pre-K programs, targeting all eligible children in Wake County and support State Funding Model changes.
Focus on STEM careers and pathways that infuse real world technologies; as well as the recruitment and retention of teachers that are critical in helping students identify and pursue career pathways that include skilled trades and other opportunities outside of a traditional four-year degree, including work ready opportunities such as apprenticeships.
Equip middle and high school science and math teachers with the resources necessary to engage modern students.
Support strategies that align universities, community colleges and schools with existing/future industry needs, including innovation and entrepreneurship in the education sector.

INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Support policies that improve access to talent, capital and opportunities for early and growth stage companies.
Support policies to develop a robust and sustainable talent pipeline of highly trained individuals, with critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Support policies to ensure that North Carolina is a leader in targeted industry clusters, including Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Life Sciences, AgTech, CleanTech, EdTech, FinTech, BioTech and Advanced Manufacturing.
Support policies to develop ample and reliable capital sources for entrepreneurs to boost the number of new business start-ups and to fuel business growth in North Carolina.

QUALITY OF LIFE AND WORKPLACE

Strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.
Promote quality of life policies that address economic mobility include affordability, housing, sustainable communities, living wages, entertainment and open space that includes parks and greenways.
Invest in access and affordability of broadband technology, fiber and digital information.
Advance tax policies that promote competitiveness, equity, efficiency, simplicity and certainty.

TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Promote policies that invest in Smart City infrastructure and modernization.
Prioritize Regional Transportation Alliance (RTA) initiatives to identify sustainable funding for RDU Airport, modernize state highway funding, advance bus rapid transit and create a region-wide freeway and street-based transit (FAST) network, and promote strategic investments for congestion relief and mobility options.
Identify and address critical water & wastewater infrastructure needs.
Support policies that address reductions in carbon emissions, modernize the energy grid, and keep energy prices as affordable as possible.

WELLNESS AND HEALTHCARE

Support proven methods of coordinated and quality-driven whole person care that achieve efficiencies in the delivery of services across the care continuum.

Maintain the ability of healthcare providers to meet the healthcare needs of the community by managing the availability of services that prioritizes a robust telehealth network.

· Encourage public-private activation to achieve goals identified in local Community Health Needs Assessments/Live Well Wake initiative.
· Increase access to affordable health insurance options/Association Health Care Plans.