"What does Advocacy Look Like to You?"

Shortly after joining the Chamber last July, I had the opportunity to connect with Chamber leadership and members involved in our public policy efforts. This was a question I often received as we all got to know each other.

From day one, I’ve believed there are two answers to this question – the What, and the How, of advocacy.

The "what" is straightforward. Chamber staff has always had its pulse on the big issues facing our members and have been rapidly responsive to engage with our elected leaders and their staff to try and reduce as many barriers as possible to doing good business well in Tucson. The official 2024 Public Policy Guide is hot off the presses and just unveiled! Click here to see the list of "what" we advocate for in the region.

But there’s also the "how." This piece focuses on how we stay informed, connected, and co-advocate together on the issues facing our community. Our Business Advocacy team has been hard at work building a few important pieces of that. Here’s a glimpse of what’s cooking!

Our 2024 Public Policy Guide was built from one of the most extensive "listening tours" of our members we’ve ever done, including Chamber committees, coalitions, subject matter experts, and member businesses and industries throughout Pima County, and affirmed by the highest levels of Chamber board leadership. "How" we created this guide allows us to boldly represent the diverse business interests in our Chamber membership with clarity and confidence.

With this Guide in hand, we’ve begun setting up conversations with our elected leaders and policymakers in Pima County to update them on what our members have told us are their needs, goals, and desires for the region and for their businesses this year.

As we take this guide and advocate on individual issues in the Tucson Metro region, we’re also committing to producing quarterly "scorecards" going forward, a visual update of how local policymakers are voting and making decisions, and how often that aligns with our members’ priorities.

We are also convening our Candidate Evaluation Committee in June to begin interviews with the candidates running for the major Pima County offices; our policy committees will be forming a questionnaire for candidates to answer, and will interview each one individually. At the end of it all, we will “score” each candidate on a rubric of business priorities; a package of video interviews and the candidates’ written answers will be provided to our members so they can make voting decisions in the July 30 primaries that align with their business interests and values.

These pieces together create more opportunities for healthy conversation and accountability together as we seek to move the region forward.

Finally, look forward soon to the first round of "Chamber Advocates", a quick training we’re developing that will be provided for our members who want to engage with us more regularly in advocating for issues. When local leaders and policymakers hear directly from member businesses, it helps make real the impact of action taken on a variety of issues in our community. We aim to make it straightforward and easy for busy business owners and entrepreneurs to do that!

Issue Updates

Here are some key updates on a couple issues we’ve shared a lot about with you lately:

Fare Free Transit | We thank all our members who took time to communicate with the Tucson City Council their input on the Fare Free Transit policy and its impacts on service, financial sustainability, and safety. Even in the face of major budget shortfalls coming up the next two+ budget cycles, the Council delayed making hard choices until later this Fall and will continue to subsidize all transit at a potential $15 million impact to the General Fund.

Outdoor Lighting Code | Another thanks to our many members and partner organizations who conveyed feedback and concerns to the joint City of Tucson / Pima County Outdoor Lighting Code Committee updating the outdoor lighting code. The Committee heard loud and clear the need to go back to the latest draft and better balance our dark sky needs with public safety and business concerns as well.

Plan Tucson | Our Business Advocacy team has remained actively involved in numerous key working groups of Plan Tucson, the City of Tucson’s 20-year plan that will be voted on in November 2025. There are two upcoming opportunities to participate and provide your input on the Plan. Learn more and sign-up here.

Stay tuned for our next Advocate for some big updates!

Engaging on All Levels

The Chamber actively participates in shaping policy agendas at the local, state, and federal levels. We connect businesses with decisionmakers and advocate for policies that support a thriving Tucson economy.

Stay Connected!

Visit our website for more details on the issues mentioned above, upcoming events, and membership opportunities.

Together, we can build a stronger Tucson economy!