Advocacy

The  Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) is the voice of business for Metro Maryland. MCCC advocates for our members by helping to shape policy, removing barriers, and creating and promoting economic opportunities so our members are able to compete in a globally and regionally competitive marketplace.
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In this, we ensure that we are proactive in meeting the needs of our members and serving as a resource to policymakers.​
To contribute to an environment that supports local businesses,
​our state and local advocacy focuses on three main areas:

Advocacy Priorities

​Business Climate

Issue: A lack of competitiveness if harming Metro Maryland's business climate and adversely impacting economic activity.

​MCCC Recommended Solutions:

Statewide Policy Priorities
  • Create a more competitive business tax environment
  • Expand effective economic development programs and incentives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Eliminate regulatory hurdles and improving customer-oriented approach for businesses
  • Incentivize growth and job creation for innovation-focused industry sectors
  • Reduce obstacles for small, disadvantaged, and veteran-owned businesses

Montgomery County Policy Priorities
  • Phase out County’s Fuel Energy Tax
  • Streamline land use, planning, and development process and policies
  • Create and fund inclusive economic development initiatives
  • Implement responsible environmental policies that consider impact on business climate
  • Build more missing middle housing and repeal rent control

Talent and Workforce

Issue: The most pressing challenge for employers is attracting, training, and retaining talent.

MCCC Recommended ​Solutions:

Statewide Policy Priorities
  • Provide adequate school funding to prepare students for the workforce
  • Increase opportunities for apprenticeships and career technical education
  • Provide high-quality and affordable early education and childcare
  • Fund community college Cade formula
  • Fund capital projects at Montgomery College and The Universities at Shady Grove
  • Create strategies to facilitate skill-based hiring
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Montgomery County Policy Priorities
  • Implement workforce and labor market attraction and retention initiatives
  • Provide high-quality childcare and early childhood education 
  • Invest in construction of school facilities and adequate school operating budgets
  • Increase housing supply for workforce

Transportation and Infrastructure

Issue: Commuting, movement of commerce, and quality of life are challenged by a limited or crumbling infrastructure.

MCCC Recommended Solutions:

Montgomery County Policy Priorities
  • Fund road and mass transit initiatives that reduce traffic congestion and move commerce more efficiently
  • Reduce barriers for implementation of 5G technologies
  • Invest in energy grid and clean energy solutions
  • Implement strategies to fast track more development

Statewide Policy Priorities​
  • Prioritize American Legion Bridge/I-495/ I-270 traffic relief efforts
  • Find permanent, long-term operating and capital funding solutions for Metrorail system, mass transit, and inclusive transit-oriented development
  • Identify sustainable funding sources for critical infrastructure investments
  • Complete Purple Line construction and assist impacted businesses
  • Close the digital divide through rollout of broadband and 5G technologies

Federal Policy Priorities

The MCCC GovConNet Council focuses on addressing challenges for small and midsize companies in the federal marketplace, as well as issues that impact the business community.
Create A More Favorable Environment for Small Business Federal Contractors 
  • Promote accountability, transparency, and best practices in subcontracting.
  • Raise sole source thresholds to $8 million generally and $10 million for manufacturing contracts and eliminate inclusion of option years, which would allow these amounts to be awarded each year.
  • Expand the Rule of 2 to include contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold. 
  • Increase utilization of small businesses to counteract the impact of category management. 

Advocacy Events

Throughout the year, MCCC creates opportunities for our members to engage with policymakers.

At our Annual Legislative Reception, business owners connect directly with their state, local, and federal elected officials. At this event, MCCC members and guests share with policymakers their experiences with doing business in Montgomery County, Metro Maryland, and beyond.

Get Involved with MCCC Advocacy Committees

MCCC has four members-only advocacy committees that connect business leaders with federal, state, and local policymakers:
​Your participation allows you to learn more about upcoming laws and regulations that may impact your business. Connect with business leaders and policy experts at an upcoming advocacy briefing.

Contact Brian Levine with questions about participating in an Advocacy Committee.
Economic Development
Scope: State and County economic development issues

Meets: Monthly, 1st Wednesday, 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Infrastructure & Land Use ​
Scope: State and County transportation projects, school overcrowding and construction, and land use planning/design

Meets: Monthly, 2nd Tuesday, 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Legislative Affairs
Scope: State and County business climate, including taxes, incentives, employment law, and workforce development

Meets: Monthly, 2nd Thursday, 8:30-10:00 a.m.
*Weekly on Thursdays during Maryland Legislative Session (January - April), 8:30- 9:15 a.m.

​Meet Our Advocacy Team

County
State ​Federal
  • ​Ann Sullivan, President and Founder, Madison Services Group, Inc.

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