GMCC Legislative Blueprint

A Path to Enlightened and Effective Public Policy

Just as an architect's blueprint guides the construction of a sound building, the GMCC Legislative Blueprint is a tool we've created to help shape the development of responsible, effective public policy. A tangible example of our commitment to collaborate with elected officials and regional stakeholders, the Legislative Blueprint outlines the diverse issues important to improve our business climate, create rewarding new jobs and foster an environment of opportunity for all.

We Support:

The mission of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is to support enlightened economic growth, positioning the Greater Madison area as a globally competitive place to live, work, play and do business. The GMCC, representing more than 1,800 members, believes the City of Madison and the entire Capital Region should encourage entrepreneurship and promote initiatives that attract and retain jobs to preserve and enhance the quality of life for all residents.

A strong economy comes with a healthy business climate, and to create this environment the City should work to promote sound public policy that strengthens businesses. The GMCC is involved in promoting policy issues that support job creation and impeding policies that stifle economic vitality.

It is our hope that the following guidelines will assist local officials when drafting policies to address relevant issues. The GMCC supports:

Strong Business Outreach

We, as a community, are most effective when all groups partner together to address city and regional issues. As such, elected officials are encouraged to consult with the business community prior to drafting legislation to ensure that new policies accomplish goals without negatively impacting jobs or the economic vitality of the Capital Region. Other steps to reach this goal include:

  • Stronger presence of business perspectives on City boards and commissions
  • Improved communication between City officials and area businesses

The GMCC offers a breakfast series, Eggs & Issues, that focuses on city and regional issues. Elected officials are encouraged to attend to meet with their constituents and share opinions on the featured topics.

Eliminating Unnecessary Regulation

Our goal as a city should be to make it as easy and accessible as possible to start a business in Madison. To stay competitive and create, grow and attract good paying jobs, it is critical that the City abandon regulations that are either overly burdensome compared to the expected benefits, better dealt with at other levels of government, or simply unnecessary. When crafting proposals, elected officials should:

  • Recognize that many social problems are most effectively addressed at the state or national level. Municipal level efforts to address broad social policies - while noble in their intent - put Madison businesses at an economic disadvantage with businesses in neighboring communities. The economy functions on a regional level and doesn´t respect community borders.
  • Use incentives to encourage businesses to help address societal solutions rather than using a “one size fits all” requirement.

Enlightened Economic Development

The City of Madison has partnered with the surrounding eight-county Capital Region to support the Regional Economic Development Entity (REDE). Recognizing that decisions made by Madison officials affect the entire region, the City should:

  • Consult with REDE on ways we can encourage regional economic development.
  • Build a collaborative environment by working closely with key business, government, education and non-profit leaders throughout the entire region.
  • Seek opportunities for alignment with REDE´s strategic direction.
  • Create, grow and retain businesses and jobs that preserve and enhance quality of life.

Quality Public Education

The success of our school system benefits the future for our children and regional economy. The GMCC recognizes that a solid education infrastructure is also a critical element to attracting and retaining workers. Local school districts in the Capital Region should continue to examine new ways to enhance the quality and effectiveness of our educational system, including:

  • Collaborate with active community and education organizations devoted to enhancing our schools.
  • Encourage innovative, creative and responsible fiscal practices and guidance.
  • Consult with the business community as an advisory role on budgetary, administrative leadership and other educational resource issues.
  • Develop opportunities for student internships to adequately prepare students for successful employment.

As a partner, the GMCC continues to support United Way Schools of Hope, a group committed to improving the educational success for all students in our schools.

Available and Affordable Workforce Housing

Affordable workforce housing is critical to not only attracting quality workers, but also retaining existing employees. The City should continue to examine new ways to enhance the accessibility of affordable workforce housing, including:

  • Work with employers, developers and housing experts to support an affordable workforce housing strategy in Madison.
  • Partner with businesses to identify the housing needs of their employees and develop strategies to address those needs.
  • Ensure that the regulatory requirements and process for the approval of new construction, renovation, and infill projects are no more complex or cumbersome than necessary for the protection of the public interest.

Reliable Energy Infrastructure

Reliable electricity is essential for continued economic growth in the Capital Region.

The City should support:

  • New high-voltage transmission projects
    • The GMCC is not recommending a specific route for the placement of new transmission lines as that decision should be made by the Public Service Commission, but it is critical to ensure that we have the reliable energy capacity levels needed to power high-tech businesses and future economic growth.
  • Renewable energy initiatives.
    • As a member of the Clean Air Coalition, the GMCC will continue to promote renewable alternatives and initiatives to our members that will decrease our energy output and, when possible, reduce the costs for commercial, industrial and residential energy.

Efficient and Accessible Public Transportation

Dane County is the fastest growing county in the state, and it is important to study and implement transportation options to adequately prepare for our future workforce needs.

When examining different transportation proposals, the City should choose a plan that:

  • Has a comprehensive regional approach that considers all modes and options.
  • Maximizes available federal dollars to limit the cost burden on local taxpayers.

Aside from these general examples, there are other quality of life issues that the GMCC hopes to collaborate with elected officials to improve, such as access to affordable child care services and improved water quality in our lakes and wells.

We should continue to build upon the relationship between elected officials and the business community. We all have a stake in the success of this City and the Capital Region and we must continue to improve our communication to accomplish these goals. Together, we can improve the economic vitality and quality of life for all residents.

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