The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides $8 billion for states to enhance and create intercity high-speed passenger rail service.  The State of Wisconsin is in prime position to receive these funds as all preliminary engineering and environmental impact assessments have been completed between Madison and Milwaukee. 

A comprehensive, regional, multi-modal transportation system is essential to remain competitive in a global economy.  While the final decision to establish new passenger rail service will ultimately come down to the state's long-term financial commitment, the state should aggresively pursue the unprecedented amount of federal stimulus dollars currently available. 

Click here to view the GMCC's letter of support for the state's application.   

The GMCC commends the County's efforts to protect Dane County waters as part of the Waterbody Classification Project, but have several concerns with the potential economic impact to property owners and property values. 

In 2008, the GMCC requested an economic analysis on the proposed recommendations to ensure the plan would not produce a negative impact on shoreland properties.  The County has indicated that such a study would be too costly and unnecessary. 

While the project goals are laudable, the potential economic harm and unintended consequences are too great to pursue implementation of these recommendations at this time. 

The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce adheres to its mission statement to support enlightened economic growth by endorsing the concept of the redevelopment of the Edgewater Hotel because it will significantly enhance economic development in the greater Madison area by growing the tax base, promoting area revitalization, supporting the University and providing greater public access to Lake Mendota. 

To read more about this position, click here. 

The GMCC opposes SB 1, which would remove the current municipal preemption banning municipalities from enacting local minimum wage ordinances and permanently indexes the minimum wage to inflation.  This position is consistent with a 2004 GMCC position in support of a municipal preemption on minimum wage ordinances. 

The GMCC reaffirms its position that only the state should have the authority to establish wage and benefits standards in order to maintain a level economic playing field for all businesses. 

Click here for more information on this issue. 

The GMCC supports a comprehensive statewide smoke-free law to create consistent requirements for businesses across the state and ensure the health and well-being of the general public. 

Click here for more information on this issue and GMCC action.

The GMCC supports inclusion of language in the 2010-2011 state budget which enables creation of a Dane County Regional Transit Authority. 

The enabling language approved by the Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) will allow communities in Dane County to better plan and coordinate regional transportation initiatives.  To ensure success, an RTA must have support from local elected officials and residents.  The GMCC supports the requirement to provide direct public input via a referendum and supports the JFC modification to expand the make-up of the governance authority as it improves the diverse municipal perspectives across the defined jurisdiction.

Passage of this language will improve transportation options for workers, thus increasing our economic competitiveness. The GMCC urges legislators to support Dane County Regional Transit Authority enabling language, as part of the state’s budget bill.      

3-5 Year City of Madison Strategic Economic Development Implementation Plan
Motion: The GMCC Board of Directors supports the City of Madison 3-5 year Strategic Economic Development Implementation Plan and encourages the Mayor, city alders and Madison Economic Development Commissioners to aggressively pursue implementation of the recommendations outlined in the plan.

CARPC Drafted Goals & Objectives
Motion: The GMCC Board of Directors opposes the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission’s (CARPC) Amendment to the 1997 Dane County Land Use and Transportation Plan because a balanced, regional approach to growth must include flexibility when determining urban service areas.

In an effort to foster trust, CARPC should engage in collaborative discussions with local units of government, the development community, environmental groups and other interested parties to adopt governing policies and procedures which maintain flexibility while preserving Dane County’s excellent quality of life and strengthening its future economic opportunities. The final plan must include details regarding the process and criterion which CARPC will use to determine the outcome of requests to extend urban service areas.