Advocacy Task Force

To serve as the voice of the business community in matters of public policy

Guiding Principals

• We support investments in a strong and reliable infrastructure network, including transportation, water and wastewater, energy reliability, and broadband, to ensure that businesses can operate efficiently, reduce vulnerability to natural disasters, and enable responsible growth across the High Country.
• We support policies that expand and strengthen the local workforce by ensuring access to attainable housing, affordable child care, and high-quality education and training pathways that allow workers to live, learn, and build careers in the community.
• We support a fair, predictable tax and regulatory environment that encourages business investment, reduces unnecessary burdens on employers, and promotes economic diversity. Clear rules and reasonable fees help local businesses grow while ensuring essential services, such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education, are sustainably supported.
• We support policies that expand access to affordable healthcare and maintain robust public health capacity to promote a healthy, reliable workforce. Addressing high insurance costs and provider access challenges helps reduce preventable absences, improve productivity, and support overall community well-being.
• We support policies that protect and enhance the region’s quality of life, including outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, and community amenities because these assets strengthen our workforce, attract investment, and define what makes the High Country an exceptional place to live and work.

2026 Legislative Agenda

In support of the above guiding principles, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce advocates for the following legislative initiatives and priorities:

• Continued Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, including investments in critical infrastructure and economic recovery.
• Funding for efforts related to childhood development, including a statewide floor for early childcare subsidies, increased public school teacher pay and investment, and enhanced opportunities for after school care. 
• Policies that expand access to attainable, workforce-appropriate housing, including effective state and federal financing tools, efficient regulatory processes, and public-private collaboration, while maintaining local flexibility.
• Additional revenue for road construction to address the declining motor fuel tax in order to fulfill the delivery of STIP projects.
• A community college system focused on providing instruction in high-demand fields by beginning implementation of Propel NC.
• Environmental resiliency, including investments in streambank restoration.
• Continued restoration and long-term investment in the Blue Ridge Parkway, including coordinated support for flood recovery efforts and ongoing Great American Outdoors Act repairs.

Programs and Engagement

• Organize “Meet the Candidates” forums for local, State, and Federal candidates as appropriate.
• Monitor proposed legislation which may impact the local business community and recommend policy positions to the Chamber Board of Directors.
• Support the planning and execution of the Advocacy Agenda launch event.
• Assist with the annual Legislative Luncheon, including a dedicated meet-and-greet networking opportunity with legislators and staff.
• Support annual and bi-annual legislative advocacy trips to Raleigh, NC, and Washington, DC.

Lumin Strategies Partnership

The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Advocacy Task Force is currently partnering with Lumin Strategies, a chamber advocacy and public policy consulting group based in Concord, NC. Lumin Strategies has worked with chambers across North Carolina and their team has helped establish timelines, action items, and a legislative agenda focused on helping the entire business community in the High Country.