Local

At the heart of what matters

The Chamber actively supports initiatives that promote a healthy business climate, inclusive growth, and a stronger regional economy. We engage our members, the greater business community, elected and appointed officials, and civic leaders in advocating for policies that will grow businesses and increase good-paying jobs, citywide and regionally.

Local Advocacy Policy Initiatives

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

Support inclusive growth, pro-business regulatory reform, and policy change to increase economic prosperity and reduce poverty in the City of Philadelphia.
Be a principal partner in the Inclusive Growth Coalition and advocate for citywide business growth and a more competitive environment for retaining and attracting businesses.
Enhance partnerships with regional infrastructure assets such as SEPTA, DRPA & PATCO, PhilaPort, Philadelphia International Airport, Amtrak, and others.
Improve the ease of doing business through regulatory reform and policy change, like championing reforms for permitting, licensing, and regulatory requirements to provide a more efficient permitting process.
Increase startup capital funding opportunities and improve opportunities for local businesses and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises to grow in and contract with the city.
Lower the cost of doing business and continue to advocate for meaningful wage and business tax reductions to grow and attract local businesses and good-paying jobs. Our goal is to eliminate the net income portion of BIRT in the next five years and reduce Wage Tax to 2.99%.
Develop strategic partnerships and supporting efforts around public safety, build a cleaner and greener city, and increase the quality and quantity of local workforce development programs.

News & Perspectives

Legislative Updates: A Roundup of State and Federal Actions – June 26

June 26th, 2026|Comments Off on Legislative Updates: A Roundup of State and Federal Actions – June 26

Your Chamber advocacy team is working to share legislative updates and continue to advocate for your business in Washington, D.C., Harrisburg, and Philadelphia. We’ve created a round-up of recent activity, including Key Takeaways for Your Business and a Detailed Legislative Update. This represents our best knowledge of the situation as of 9:00 a.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026.

Legislative Updates: A Roundup of State and Local Actions – May 15

May 15th, 2026|Comments Off on Legislative Updates: A Roundup of State and Local Actions – May 15

Legislative Updates: A Roundup of State and Local Actions – April 10

April 10th, 2026|Comments Off on Legislative Updates: A Roundup of State and Local Actions – April 10

Services

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Our relationships within the public sector, including the Mayor’s Office, City Administration, City Council, and the District Attorney’s Office, allow us to effectively voice our member’s perspectives and champion their issues and concerns. The Chamber also produces major annual events such as our Mayoral Luncheon and City Council Reception, as well as regular programming, including our City Hall Connectors series and Civic Issues Forums that provide members entre to influential decision-makers.

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 Local Government Advocacy & Engagement 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.