Skip to content

Public Policy and Advocacy

Promoting and protecting business

A strong, business-friendly environment is essential for economic growth and prosperity.

The Chamber is the unified voice of our business community, advocating at the local, state, and federal levels. We challenge restrictive regulations, champion pro-business policies, and lead efforts that protect and strengthen our region’s economy and future. By convening public officials and business leaders and inspiring civic engagement, we ensure that the interests of our community are heard, understood, advanced and defended.

As one of the largest chambers of commerce in Minnesota and North Dakota, representing over 1,600 member businesses and more than 100,000 employees, we understand the power and importance of public policy and advocacy. With increased member engagement and investment, we continue to expand our influence on a local, state and federal level.

National Civics Bee

Powered by

Innovate 28
Upcoming Public Policy Events

Public Policy News

FARGODOME Fit-Up: How it Benefits Local Businesses and Economic Growth

October 29, 2024

Renovating the FARGODOME is more than just an investment in a building—it’s an investment in our local economy, businesses and future. To keep up with the demands of a growing community and continue attracting major events, the FARGODOME needs essential upgrades.

Read full story

A Comprehensive Guide to Key Local Measures: What’s at Stake for Fargo’s Future

October 29, 2024

There are three key measures on the ballot that have the potential to significantly impact the business environment across the region. As we approach the Nov. 5 Election, we understand the critical nature and civic responsibility each of us has to get out and vote.

Read full story
neighborhood

Understanding Measure 4: Why “Keep It Local” Matters for Our Community

October 24, 2024

This measure addresses property taxes and how funding for essential services is managed. The outcome will directly impact our ability to maintain control over local resources and invest in the services that help our community thrive.

Read full story
understand ballot

Are you up to date on The Pulse of the Election?

October 15, 2024

The Chamber’s Oct. 8 event, The Pulse of the Election, provided essential insights into these upcoming ballot measures, highlighting a range of issues with far-reaching implications.

The Pulse of the Election featured discussions on several key ballot measures, with speakers presenting arguments …

Read full story

Important resources

 

 

 

 

 

VoteFMWF is The Chamber's non-partisan website for residents and community members to learn about candidates, ballot measures, important events, voting information and more.

Minnesota Legislative Review

 

 

 

 

 

During the 2024 Minnesota Legislative Session, The Chamber actively opposed restrictive regulations and mandates, while championing policies that protect and strengthen our region. This review outlines the outcomes of The Chamber's top priorities, including the voting records of local legislators on these critical issues.

 

 

 

 

 

Explore the Public Policy Guide for an overview of Chamber policy stances and priorities, as well as key information regarding elected officials.

Public Policy Guide

Taking a stance

The process behind our policy stances and efforts

Public Policy Committee

The committee drafts stances and legislative priorities, acting on individual bills or policies as they become relevant. Recommendations that come out of this committee are submitted to the Board of Directors for consideration, where they then have the potential to become official Chamber stances.

The Public Policy Committee is the advocacy arm of The Chamber and is comprised of business and community leaders from across the region. This critical group is dedicated to advancing sound policies that foster a stable environment for businesses and the greater community to thrive.

Board of Directors

Upon the Public Policy Committee making a recommendation for a policy stance, the Board reviews and considers whether or not to adopt it as an official Chamber position. Given the fast-paced nature of public policy, the Board may directly address urgent issues on its own without a formal recommendation from the Public Policy Committee.

The Board of Directors is the official policy-making and governing body for The Chamber and is comprised of prominent and diverse leaders from the business community.

The Chamber's Official Stance

After the Board of Directors has voted on an official stance, The Chamber takes action and begins engaging with public officials to represent business interests, rais awareness and build impactful coalitions. The Chamber also empowers local businesses by providing essential resources such as policy briefs, discussion points, supporting materials, legislative contacts and timely bill updates.