In December and January, the Columbia Chamber of Commerce released its 2023 Local and Legislative Priorities for the coming year. Each of these documents is a collaborative effort between the Chamber’s Government Affairs committee, staff, and Board of Directors, and it sets the Chamber’s priorities for working with local elected officials to move our community forward in the coming year.

The 2023 Local Priority Card outlines the Chamber’s most important issues at the city/county level. This document was released at the December 20, 2022 Civic Appreciation Breakfast, which brings together elected officials and staff from the City of Columbia and Boone County along with a diverse group of representatives from the business community. This year’s local priorities include key issues including workforce development, housing affordability and transportation; equitable and transparent distribution of federal funds; investment in an attractive and welcoming entrance to the community at the I-70/63 interchange; and balancing the safety needs of businesses, workforce and consumers with sustainable solutions for the unsheltered. The Chamber will work diligently to advance these issues with city and county officials throughout the year and report back to its members as progress is made.

The 2023 Legislative Agenda lists the Chamber’s priority issues for the 2023 state legislative session. This document was released on January 5 at the Legislative Reception, which brings together representatives and senators from the mid-Missouri area with local business leaders. This year’s legislative priorities include increases in core funding for major educational institutions such as the University of Missouri and Moberly Area Community College; rebuilding of Interstate 70 and other funding for critical transportation infrastructure; greater support for workforce development programs and initiatives; and innovative solutions for Missouri’s widening broadband internet gap.

If you have questions or would like more information about getting involved in the Chamber’s government affairs initiatives, contact Vice President of External Affairs Lily White at [email protected] or 573-817-9112.