The Columbus Chamber is proud to serve as a pro-business advocate for its partners. Activities at the local, state, and federal government affect your business. Our team works on your behalf regarding issues such as economic development, tourism, and infrastructure as well as workforce, energy and natural resources, health and wellness, and issues related to Fort Benning.

The Chamber advocacy efforts extend beyond the Georgia legislative session. Throughout the year, the Chamber hosts various events, trips, and leads efforts regarding important local government topics and economic development assets.

POLICY PRINCIPLE

The Columbus Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee advocates for policies at a local, state, and federal level that protect business interests, boost regional economic growth, and support investment and job creation.

2026 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

Economic Development, Tourism, & Infrastructure

  • Position and leverage the Columbus region for the allocation of state funding
  • Encourage regional collaboration to improve economic opportunities and enhance quality of life
  • Support and preserve existing tax incentives that create jobs, foster economic investment in our community and promote innovation
  • Support investments in infrastructure (broadband, 5G, freight, transportation, TSPLOST, I-14, I-185, and multi-modal logistics) that are integral to the region that align with long-term needs, competitiveness and economic diversity
  • Promote policies that enhance local business climate, and advocate for economic and community growth initiatives
  • Support policies that reduce lawsuit costs and increase predictability, therefore improving stability and reducing costs for businesses across the state
  • Engage state resources to strengthen entrepreneurial development

 Talent & Workforce

  • Support an education and talent ecosystem focused on developing, retaining, and attracting a more competitive workforce by favorably positioning the local K-12 school system, Columbus State University, Columbus Technical College, Mercer Medical School, and Morehouse School of Medicine
  • Preserve Georgia’s employment-at-will doctrine and the state’s right-to-work status
  • Support an employer’s ability to maintain a safe business environment for employees
  • Support initiatives that strengthen childhood literacy and address chronic absenteeism, ensuring students are prepared to succeed in future workforce opportunities
  • Strengthen and expand career planning resources – both programs and personnel – for K-12 and post-secondary students.
  • Oppose discriminatory policies or practices

 Energy and Natural Resources

  • Ensure legislation that protects access to sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy supplies
  • Enhance access to high-quality, affordable water supplies and collaborate with the Army Corps of Engineers regarding minimum flow control

 Fiscal Policies

  • Support a stable fiscal climate which allows for capital investment and job creation
  • Promote strategic tax policies that target high-demand sectors which thrive in regional hub economies
  • Support tax policies that make Georgia attractive for statewide economic growth while avoiding undue shifts in local tax burden.

 Health and Wellness

  • Support a state-led approach to ensure the viability of our healthcare system by improving access and affordability

 Military

  • Favorably position Fort Benning regarding expansion, readiness and base realignment by coordinating efforts with the Georgia Joint Defense Commission and our local Commission representatives