The Hampton Roads Chamber works as an impactful advocate, inspiring ignitor, powerful economic partner and regional collaborator. Our members’ business needs are our primary focus, and we will strive to meet those needs through our advocacy efforts.

During the 2021 legislative session, the Hampton Roads Chamber’s efforts at the state level will reflect the following core values: recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthening and diversifying our regional economy; enhancing our state’s “business-friendly” climate; reducing over-regulation and taxation of business; re-shaping education & workforce development; improving healthcare access and managing healthcare costs; investing in transportation infrastructure, energy and technology; and supporting initiatives that protect and grow Virginia-based military and federal assets.
The Hampton Roads Chamber’s legislative agenda is produced by members of the Legislative Affairs Committee and business stakeholders, and is approved by the Chamber’s Board of Directors. This document outlines our positions on critical issues affecting the business community.

We recognize the importance of providing a positive business climate and how it affects our future. With a flourishing, business-friendly environment, more jobs will be created, putting more Virginians to work, improving our communities, and finally making Virginia a premier destination to do business. Strengthening the state’s ability to create, attract, retain, and grow jobs for decades to come, is the Chamber’s highest priority!
We look forward to working with our stakeholders, the General Assembly, and the Northam Administration to help bring prosperity to the region and the Commonwealth.

Sincerely,

Bryan K. Stephens
President & CEO

2021 High-Priority Issue Areas

The Chamber’s 2021 State Legislative Priorities target seven high-priority issue areas:

I. Business Climate

Objective 1: Promote Policies That Improve Virginia's Business Climate and Economic Competitiveness

Position: Support legislation that strengthens Virginia's competitive standing in the national and global economy.

II. Economic Development

Objective 2: Support regional economic development initiatives that enhance and diversify the economy in Hampton Roads and across Virginia.

Position: Continue investment in GO Virginia to promote regional and public-private collaboration to support economic development goals.

III. Education & Workforce Development

Objective 3: Promote Improvements to Virginia's Public Education System to Ensure a Capable, Productive and Sustainable Workforce

Position: Support the Commonwealth's Pre K-12 public education and higher education systems to develop college-ready and career-ready citizens that strengthen Virginia's workforce. High performing Pre K-12 public education systems drive economic development by growing existing businesses, attracting new employers and ensuring the workforce to support them.

IV. Health Care 

Objective 4: Encourage Policies That Help Control Health Care Costs, Positively Impact the Health Care Delivery System, Expand Access and Improve Quality Care

Position: Support reasonable market-based efforts to make health care more affordable and manageable for Virginia's business community that provides health insurance for employees.

V. Technology Innovation

Objective 5: Shape Policies That Foster the Creation of High Technology Related Jobs and a High Technology Economy

Position: Enhance policies that support innovation and job creation in the technology sector.

VI. Transportation & Infrastructure 

Objective 6: Champion Transportation and Transit Improvements to Maximize Job Creation and Investment

Position: Support a balanced investment in the Commonwealth's transportation system that ensures the efficient and effective development of all modes of transportation infrastructure, reduces congestion and enhances the mobility of goods.

VII. Military & Veterans Affairs  

Objective 7: Encourage Strategic Initiatives that Preserve and Grow Military and Federal Assets

Position: Support efforts to protect and maintain area bases by mitigating the effects of potential Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) and/or federal legislative actions anticipated in the future.

We drive action on these priorities all year long as we seek to set the conditions for business success, job creation, and economic growth. We encourage you to stay up-to date on the latest legislative developments through our Legislative Reviews.

Hampton Roads Chamber: 2019 Session ROI

This report quantifies the likely economic consequences for Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach associated with key legislation included in the Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s "bills we are following" list from the 2019 General Assembly session. In the pages that follow, this legislation is organized by primary subject area.

  Download 2019 Session ROI

Chamber's Public Policy Advisors

To get involved or join the Chamber's Public Policy Advisors contact a member of our Municipal Affairs / Public Policy team: