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Policy Agenda

Sharing Our Stance on The Asheville Region

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce serves as the leading voice for business and a balanced economy in our region, advocating for policies at the local, state, and federal levels that reflect the needs of the region’s economy. The Policy Agenda is developed in coordination with the Chamber’s Advocacy and Policy Committee and guides the Chamber’s advocacy work.

View our 2024 Policy Agenda here.

Learn more about each of our agenda items in the tabs below.

Quick Links

Housing

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce supports policies that incentivize our community to develop and maintain a diverse mix of housing types to fill the housing needs of residents across age, race, and socio-economic status.

City & County

*Remove barriers within the zoning and approval process to increasing housing stock while incentivizing increased density along transportation corridors.
- Learn more.

State

Increase funding for NC Housing Finance Agency, the NC Housing Trust Fund, and the NC Workforce Housing Loan Program.
- Learn more.

* Priority item

Opportunity & Prosperity

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce supports policies that increase opportunity and economic mobility for our community members, through encouragement of a balanced and sustainable economy and the reduction of barriers to fulfilling employment.

County

*Hold a Mixed Beverage Election in order to increase opportunities for businesses.
- Learn more.

State

Reduce barriers to affordable health insurance and increase access to healthcare for NC’s workforce through the expansion of Medicaid.
- Learn more.
*Fund site development programs that encourage communities to attract relocation and expansion projects from employers in high demand industries to our region.
- Learn more.
Expand affordable access to quality childcare and pre-k education. Continue investment in education to support the current and future workforce of our region.
- Learn more.

Local, State, & Federal

Alleviate workforce shortages through policies that remove barriers to hiring, including for those individuals who have been justice-involved and community members who have been disconnected from rewarding opportunities.
- Learn more.

* Priority item

Public Safety & Cleanliness

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce supports policies that foster a community that is welcoming, clean, and safe.

City

*Study the feasibility of Business Improvement Districts in Downtown, the River Arts District, and West Asheville.
- Learn more.

* Priority item

Infrastructure

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce supports policies that increase our region’s competitiveness and quality of life through the modernization and maintenance of infrastructure including transportation, water and sewer systems, the energy grid, and broadband.

State

Implement Carbon Plan mandated by House Bill 951 “Energy Solutions for North Carolina” to ensure reliability and affordability of energy while meeting the stated carbon reduction goals.
- Learn more.

State & Federal

Support appropriations for infrastructure projects in Western North Carolina.
- Learn more.

* Priority item

Rankings

Best States for Government, North Carolina

2017 U.S. News & World Report

Best Business Climate, North Carolina

2016 Site Selection

#12

Best Places for Business & Careers, Asheville

2015 Forbes

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Policy Agenda

Sharing Our Stance on The Asheville Region

Quick Links

Housing

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce supports policies that incentivize our community to develop and maintain a diverse mix of housing types to fill the housing needs of residents across age, race, and socio-economic status.

Opportunity & Prosperity

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce supports policies that increase opportunity and economic mobility for our community members, through encouragement of a balanced and sustainable economy and the reduction of barriers to fulfilling employment.

Public Safety & Cleanliness

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce supports policies that foster a community that is welcoming, clean, and safe.

Infrastructure

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce supports policies that increase our region’s competitiveness and quality of life through the modernization and maintenance of infrastructure including transportation, water and sewer systems, the energy grid, and broadband.

Rankings

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