Advocacy

The Chamber’s Board of Directors presents the following 2026 Legislative Agenda to inform our members about the issues the Chamber will be monitoring and advocating for 2026. 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. Support for a regional Metropolitan Planning Organization that presents a collaborative priority list of projects for federal and state dollars.
3. 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 Support

1. Support the study Incorporation of Wesley Chapel.
2. Maintain or increase hospital Medicaid inpatient and outpatient reimbursement rates.
3. Legislation that strengthens Florida’s local governments, economic development and tourism agencies.
4. Recognizing community quality of life as an economic development driver

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. Trade and apprenticeship programs and experiential training offerings with clear pathways for development and approval.
2. Policies and initiatives aimed at addressing the affordability of childcare.
3. Expanding the Work Opportunity Tax Credit to include military spouses as part of its benefited groups.
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. Regional workforce development initiatives that build diverse talent and is inclusive of groups of people.
7. Targeted plans that create a skilled pipeline of talent to support and sustain Tampa Bay’s ongoing economic development activities
8. Support the infrastructure necessary for healthcare facilities to recruit and retain nurses and allied health professionals.