Advocacy

The  Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) advocates for our members to compete in a globally and regionally competitive marketplace by promoting opportunities and removing barriers.
​
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 advocacy focuses on three main areas:

Advocacy Priorities

​Business Climate

Issue: The barriers of entry are too high, and businesses must be given more opportunities to drive change.

​MCCC Recommended Solutions:

Statewide Policy Priorities
  • A more competitive business tax environment
  • Economic development policies that promote equity, diversity, and inclusion
  • Reduction of regulatory hurdles and improved customer-oriented approach
  • Strategic pandemic recovery investments
  • Expansion of effective economic development programs and incentives
  • Growth of innovation-focused industry sectors
  • Reduction of obstacles for small, disadvantaged, and veteran-owned businesses
  • Environmentally sustainable business practices

Montgomery County Policy Priorities
  • Elimination of County’s Fuel Energy Tax
  • Passage of Thrive Montgomery 2050
  • Lower impact fees
  • Responsible planning and development policies
  • Funding for economic development initiatives
  • Responsible environmental and energy policies

Talent and Workforce

Issue: Employers are struggling to attract, train, and retain top talent.

MCCC Recommended ​Solutions:

Statewide Policy Priorities
  • Adequate school funding
  • Apprenticeship and career technical education
  • Availability of high-quality and affordable early education and childcare
  • Fully funding community college Cade formula
  • Montgomery College funding for library renovations and Leggett Building

Montgomery County Policy Priorities
  • Workforce and labor market attraction and retention initiatives
  • Affordable, quality childcare and early childhood education options
  • Investments in construction of school facilities and increased operating budgets
  • Strategies for middle-income housing and affordability

Infrastructure

Issue: Employees are struggling to get to work because of a congested and limited transportation network and strategies.

MCCC Recommended Solutions:

Statewide Policy Priorities​
  • American Legion Bridge I-270 Traffic Relief Plan
  • Completion of the Purple Line construction and assisting impacted businesses
  • Closing the digital divide through rollout of broadband and 5G technologies
  • Funding for WMATA, mass transit, and inclusive transit-oriented development

Montgomery County Policy Priorities
  • Road and mass transit initiatives that reduce traffic congestion and move commerce more efficiently.
  • Closing the digital divide by reducing regulatory hurdles to the installing 5G technologies.​

Federal Policy Priorities
Federal government contracting is an economic imperative in Montgomery County.
What Should You Talk with your Congressional Representatives About?
​MCCC has been active on Capitol Hill, advocating for a pathway to growth for small businesses, the work doesn’t stop there – this is a great opportunity for you to reinforce MCCC’s message.
 
As business owners, you are affected by government policy every day – from accessing capital to entering the federal market or simply paying your taxes. MCCC aggregates those concerns and issues to drive our policy priorities. While the Chamber’s government relations team will continue to advocate for the business owners across the county, state, and region, your engagement with lawmakers in your home districts and states can make all the difference.
 
Supporting Maryland’s businesses requires support from Republicans and Democrats alike. When you meet with your Senators and Representatives, please use this guide for your meetings with your legislators, and tips on how to make your meeting count!

Chamber Chat

This lunchtime webinar series features a variety of topics on local, state, and federal issues.

Tune in via phone or computer to hear from the MCCC Advocacy Team and other area experts. 
Watch Past Chamber Chats

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.

​MetroNow Coalition

MCCC joined numerous organizations from around the region to advocate for dedicated funding for the Metro system.  Together, we successfully accomplished this challenging goal.

​MCCC "I Am an Employer" Campaign

"You can't be for jobs and against employers." - Norm Augustine
Business is a catalyst for positive change. As job creators and opportunity providers, employers are critical to the ongoing success of all our residents. Employers attract talent to the area, contribute to economic activity and tax revenue, and shape the marketplace. Employers are vital to sustain progress in our community.

Get Involved with MCCC Advocacy Committees

MCCC has four members-only advocacy committees that connect business leaders with federal, state, and local policymakers:
  • Economic Development
  • Infrastructure & Land Use
  • Legislative Affairs
  • GovConNet Council (by invitation only)

​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: Quarterly, as needed

​Meet Our Advocacy Team

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

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