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.
In this, we ensure that we are proactive in meeting the needs of our members and serving as a resource to policymakers.
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:
our 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
Montgomery County Policy Priorities
Statewide Policy Priorities
- A more competitive business tax environment
- Economic development policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Eliminating regulatory hurdles and improving customer-oriented approach
- Strategic pandemic recovery investments
- Expansion of effective economic development programs and incentives
- Growth of innovation-focused industry sectors
- Reducing obstacles for small, disadvantaged, and veteran-owned businesses
- Environmentally sustainable business practices
Montgomery County Policy Priorities
- Elimination of County’s Fuel Energy Tax
- Streamlined land use, planning, and development process and policies
- Appropriate funding for inclusive economic development initiatives
- Responsible environmental policies
- Building more housing instead of implementing rent stabilization
Talent and Workforce
Issue: The most pressing challenge for employers is attracting, training, and retaining talent.
MCCC Recommended Solutions:
Statewide Policy Priorities
Montgomery County Policy Priorities
Statewide Policy Priorities
- Adequate school funding
- Apprenticeship and career technical education
- High-quality and affordable early education and childcare
- Fully funding community college Cade formula
- Funding for capital projects at Montgomery College and The Universities at Shady Grove
- Creating strategies to facilitate skill-based hiring
Montgomery County Policy Priorities
- Workforce and labor market attraction and retention initiatives
- High-quality childcare and early childhood education
- Initiatives that encourage childcare/early care workforce
- Investments in construction of school facilities and increased operating budgets
- Strategies for middle-income housing and affordability
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
Statewide Policy Priorities
Montgomery County Policy Priorities
- Road and mass transit initiatives that reduce traffic congestion and move commerce more efficiently.
- Reduced barriers for implementation of 5G technologies
- Investments in energy grid and clean energy solutions
Statewide Policy Priorities
- Moving forward with American Legion Bridge I-270 Traffic Relief Plan
- Funding WMATA, mass transit, and inclusive transit-oriented development
- Completing Purple Line construction and assisting impacted businesses
- Closing 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
Fill the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) Administrator Vacancy
- 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.
Fill the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) Administrator Vacancy
- Vacant position at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) creates ongoing challenges for the federal procurement system, including delayed implementation of the Administration’s December 2021 category management reforms.
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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! |
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.
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
- 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.
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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
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County
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