Local

At the heart of what matters

The Chamber seeks out and actively supports initiatives aimed at promoting a healthy business climate, the growth of our members and their employees, and a stronger, more diverse and more equitable regional economy. When deciding where to focus, our process is simple. First we listen — to our members, to our community, to our neighbors. Then we talk – to experts, to civic leaders — and build coalitions around a path forward. And then we act. Tirelessly.

News & Perspectives

Testimony: The Chamber opposes bills 190315 and 190316

May 6th, 2019|0 Comments

The Chamber’s mission is to attract, retain, and grow jobs for the city and region. We follow principles of economic competitiveness to guide our public policy.

Fostering inclusive growth for Philadelphia

May 3rd, 2019|0 Comments

Over the past six years, the Chamber’s Roadmap for Growth initiative has been engaging and uniting Chamber members with a broad swath of civic and neighborhood organizations to lift and improve Philadelphia’s economic and civic life. Building on this work, the Chamber has launched the new

Member Perspective: Melonease Shaw

April 16th, 2019|1 Comment

Melonease Shaw, President and CEO, Maven, Inc., discusses the importance of inclusive growth in Philadelphia's neighborhoods.

Services

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Our long-standing and productive relationships with the Mayor’s Office and Philadelphia’s City Council allow us to voice the perspective and needs of our members and the city’s business community while working to prevent unintended consequences to onerous legislation. The Chamber also hosts annual events such as the Mayoral Luncheon and receptions with City Council and the Mayor’s Cabinet that provide Chamber members with access to City officials.

LOCAL LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

Members monitor and evaluate proposed legislation in Philadelphia City Council and develop the business community’s position on initiatives that affect the private sector, such as taxes and business costs.

POLICY PAPERS, RESEARCH AND TESTIMONY

We advocate on a range of issues that enhance our city’s business climate and provide decision-making and policy-shaping information through careful and thoughtful research. The Civic Affairs Team makes itself and our members available to give testimony during legislative hearings as the voice of the business community on issues pertinent to member companies and the city’s future.

Roadmap for Growth Action Team

The Roadmap for Growth Action Team (Roadmap) is a group of 180+ Chamber members and partners united to engage with a broad range of civic and neighborhood organizations in the development and execution of policies and initiatives that enhance the economy, encourage civic engagement and support an efficient and impactful government in order to lift and improve Philadelphia’s economic and civic life.

Learn More About Roadmap

PHL Neighborhood Growth Project

The Chamber’s PHL Neighborhood Growth Project is an integrated, comprehensive approach to advance a smart collection of pro-growth policies designed to grow jobs across Philadelphia, block by block. The four pillars of the Project’s Inclusive Growth Agenda are:

Inclusive Growth and Good Jobs
Education and Workforce Modernization
Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods
Putting People First at City Hall

You can help build support for our inclusive, pro-growth agenda in City Hall:

Join our coalition – Join the growing coalition of organizations and businesses in support of NGP
Stay informed – Sign up for email alerts and follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Show and share your support – Declare “I Support Neighborhood Jobs” on social media
Tell your clients and team – Include information about our pro-growth agenda in your company-wide updates
Contact your Council member – Tell your Council member you support PHL Neighborhood Growth Project’s efforts
Write a letter to editor – Submit a letter of support to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Philadelphia Tribune, and the Philadelphia Daily News

There are many other ways to get in involved in our city’s future through our new PHL Neighborhood Growth Project. Contact us at info@phillyneighborhoodgrowth.com to ask how you can make a difference.

STAND WITH OUR INCLUSIVE GROWTH AGENDA

Local Advocacy Policy Initiatives

The Chamber supports public policy that encourages the growth and prosperity of the City of Philadelphia and our region. Our Civic Affairs Team is actively working to lead and generate support for the following initiatives:

Work with the Kenney Administration, City Council, and members of the business community on the Special Commission for Regulatory Reform and Review. This commission was formed to repeal burdensome regulations impacting businesses from the Philadelphia Code.
Engage the business community and civic partners in the Roadmap for Growth Action Team to support actions around neighborhood economic growth, education and vulnerable populations in the city of Philadelphia.
Advocate for the continued reduction to City wage and business taxes to create a more competitive environment for retaining and attracting businesses.

Thursdays at City Hall

Every Thursday, when City Council is in session, the Chamber convenes representatives from our member companies for a weekly gathering at City Hall. Members join the Chamber’s Civic Affairs team to be introduced to City Council representatives, see a City Council Session in progress, and represent the business community in conversations that promote job creation and economic growth. This is an effort by the Chamber to acclimate members to Council proceedings and monitor legislation relevant to the business community. All Chamber members are welcome to attend, please contact Darrell Davis for additional information: ddavis@chamberphl.com or 215-790-3776.