Shaping Regional Issues
From transportation and emergency preparedness to education and health care, the Board of Trade makes an impact on a range of issues affecting the region. To learn about our current efforts, read our Regional Business Interests for an overview and our 2007 Priorities for a list of specific goals.
Our agenda is pro-business and bipartisan. Our positions on issues are developed with the basic premise that sound, reasonable policies will benefit the economy and the community in which we live, work and play.
For detailed information on specific issues, you can also search our advocacy archives for testimonies and letters to lawmakers or read about our various committees and task forces.
In addition to three public affairs groups ( DC , Maryland , Virginia ) that help define our legislative agenda, the Board of Trade also has four political action committees (PACs) that interview and endorse candidates for local, state, and national offices.
Advocating For Regional Business Interests - 2007
The Greater Washington Board of Trade has the responsibility for improving the business climate and quality of life for a region that is uniquely complex in both politics and geography. Our region straddles two states, includes the District of Columbia, 24 local jurisdictions, and the federal government and is enhanced yet divided by the Potomac River running through its center.
In 2007 the Board of Trade will advocate a pro-business, bi-partisan agenda on regional issues important to growing our members' businesses by focusing on improving regional mobility, providing for the needs of the regional economy, promoting effective government, and advocating for a high quality of life. The policy goals developed by our Public Affairs Groups and Transportation and Environment Committee will be advocated in the District of Columbia, Annapolis, Richmond and on Capitol Hill. Legislators' efforts toward helping the Board of Trade achieve its goals will be recognized through our District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and Federal PACs.
Regional Mobility. Businesses can not grow if employees are unable to commute a reasonable distance to work within a reasonable timeframe. Businesses can not grow if their services and goods are unable to be delivered in a cost effective and timely manner to area clients. Improving regional mobility by identifying and building business, community and political support and the attendant funding and project approvals required for a regional system of transit, roads and bridges is a fundamental focus of our advocacy program. The Board of Trade will also advocate for the more efficient and effective use of the infrastructure our region already has in place including region-wide coordination of information on roadway congestion.
Regional Economy. Fostering an expanding regional economy requires advocating for the supporting infrastructure and services that businesses need including workforce housing in close proximity to entry-level employment opportunities; a high quality educational system that provides solid skills for our future workforce; and for reasonable health care costs which allow our businesses to thrive while providing needed coverage for workers.
Effective Government. Maintenance of a business-friendly climate requires advocating for sound fiscal policies, reasonable taxes, efficient delivery of government services, minimization of state and local government regulations, and certainty in the government approval process.
Quality of Life. The environment and regional development patterns impact our quality of life and are important in the attraction of new businesses and the recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce. Advocacy for good air and water quality, open space and coordinated development will be pursued.
