Philadelphia residents will decide the city’s economic future in the upcoming November 2023 General Election for Mayor and City Council. Leading up to the November deadline, the Primary Election on May 16, 2023, is a critical milestone impacting future outcomes for area businesses and residents.
The Chamber is leading an issues-based campaign ahead of Election Day to showcase how inclusive growth policies can create jobs and improve the quality of life for residents, business owners, workers, and visitors in Philadelphia.
Our message: by focusing on safer streets and communities, a tax structure that encourages investment and job creation, and less complicated city government processes – our city can continue to grow and thrive.
These priorities are aligned with the Chamber’s Recharge & Recover PHL initiative, which has prioritized regional health and safety, created opportunities for displaced workers, and supported diverse, local, and Black- and brown-owned businesses in a shared effort to stabilize, energize, and prepare Greater Philadelphia for equitable and inclusive economic growth.
This month, to bolster our local advocacy efforts and promote our pro-growth agenda, we will provide an update on some of the tools available to help you engage in our mission.
Budget Hearing Testimony on April 18
The FY24 City Council Budget Hearings are quickly approaching, and we are asking members of the Chamber community to step forward and provide public testimony. Our collective advocacy is crucial to fostering a pro-business environment in City Hall and can only be achieved with your involvement!
Last year, through our efforts, in partnership with the valued members of the Inclusive Growth Coalition (IGC), business tax reductions were ultimately included and passed in the FY23 Budget. If we are to see further reductions this year and in future budgets, we must unite to ensure that our voices are heard.
Public testimony on Tax Bills, including Wage and BIRT taxes (Bills 230149 and 230147), will be held virtually on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. If you are interested in testifying, whether during the hearing or written, please sign up here.
The Chamber will provide assistance to anyone willing to offer testimony and ensure you are signed up to testify.
Newly Launched Inclusive Growth Coalition (IGC) Website
We want to direct our readers to the newly rebranded and launched IGC website. The IGC, led by the city’s diverse Chambers in partnership with the Chamber, continues to advocate for citywide job and business growth. The new site includes, among other resources, a Testimony Guide for the city’s upcoming budget hearings. It is also home to a Testimony Sign-Up Page.
We urge you to learn more about, actively engage in, and build awareness of the important work being done by the IGC to provide an improved quality of life for all Philadelphians.
2023 Election Hub: Your Guide to the Candidates
Central to our Election efforts, we are excited to share the Chamber’s inaugural Election Hub, a voter resource created exclusively for you at electionhub.chamberphl.com. The 2023 Election Hub is a comprehensive tool with dedicated profiles, relevant legislative history, notable press mentions, a Candidate Engagement Guide, and other valuable resources related to the City of Philadelphia’s Mayoral and City Council candidates.
The Election Hub is continually updated, and we encourage you to check back for timely updates as they become available.
Opportunities to Learn More
A recent editorial in the Philadelphia Inquirer highlights the issues the Chamber’s local advocacy efforts seek to address. Please share with your networks so we may educate others on the challenges of doing business in our city and how we can work together to strengthen our business community.
The Chamber will continue to stress the importance of getting and staying involved in this year’s Election cycle. We recently hosted two virtual Mayoral Forums and will host a televised Mayoral Debate in the coming weeks (details to follow).
Looking Ahead
The Chamber knows that inclusive growth is both a process and an outcome: we can only achieve broad, shared prosperity when all Philadelphians are provided access to opportunities. As such, we have engaged with diverse and committed partners throughout the city who will continue to work together to raise the standard of living for all Philadelphians.
If you’re interested in joining us in this work, please contact William Carter, Vice President, Local Government Advocacy & Engagement, the Chamber, at wcarter@chamberphl.com.
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Interested in promoting your business at an upcoming Chamber event? Sponsorship opportunities are available to fit a variety of goals and budgets. Contact sponsor@chamberphl.com for more information.
