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Governmental Affairs

2024 Legislative Session Report Now Available

The 2024 Legislative Report is now available. This is a recap of legislation that was identified as top issues and priorities for OSCC and local business communities across Oregon during the 32-day legislative session. To learn more download the PDF below!

Championing Pro-Business Public Policy

A pro-business climate is critical to the superior quality of life we enjoy in the Albany area. It allows us to attract new businesses to our community and expand the ones currently hiring, serving and producing. It allows us to grow.

The Albany Area Chamber’s Governmental Affairs team is on the political and legislative “front lines,” protecting, supporting, and improving the state and local business environment through:

  • Development of pro-business public policy and strategy
  • Pursuit of legislation, incentives and regulations that enhance economic growth
  • Recruitment and support of pro-business candidates
  • Dialogue with local, state and federal officials and business leaders about issues affecting members

Action Alerts and other legislative information is available on the Chamber’s website and is sent to members via e-mail throughout the year.

Governmental Affairs Committee

Each January your Chamber offers members the opportunity to apply for the Governmental Affairs Committee. All members interested in serving on the committee need to apply annually and agree to the following provisions.

  • All committee members agree to attend a minimum of 75% of all regular committee meetings. (held as needed on Thursdays @ 7:00 a.m., Chamber office)
  • Committee members who meet the attendance requirement will retain voting privileges.

The Governmental Affairs Committee is guided by the following objectives:

  • Preserving the competitive enterprise system of business by creating a better understanding and appreciation of the importance of the business community and a concern for its problems; creating a more intelligent business and public opinion regarding city, county, state, and national legislative and political affairs; preventing controversies which are detrimental to business and the community; and creating a greater appreciation of the value of competitive business.
  • Promoting business and community growth and development by: promoting economic programs designed to strengthen and expand the income potential of all classifications of business within the trade area; and discovering and correcting abuse which prevents the promotion of business expansion and community growth.

Other guidelines include:

  • The use of taxes should be fair and equitable in providing services and programs that benefit the economic growth and the health and welfare of citizens.
  • Reasonable regulations are necessary for a growing economy.
  • Governmental policy needs to promote economic opportunity.
  • Government expenditures should not grow at rates greater than populations and inflation.
  • The government must look for more efficient ways to provide services to maintain quality government within cost restraints.