GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Mission:

• Provides a forum for Chamber members to identify and promote discussion of local and
• regional issues.
• Coordinates discussions with elected officials
• Hosts an annual candidate forum and participates in Chamber Day in Olympia
• Engages in political advocacy on behalf of members and the business community.

1. Recruit new business to Issaquah by supporting marketing efforts that will stimulate a new reputation for Issaquah.  One that is business friendly, safe, etc.
2. Support efforts that will assist existing businesses in their recovery.
3. Work with commercial building owners to look for new and innovative ways to fill vacancies, even if they are temporary.
4. Be flexible with zoning and permits to allow short term recovery efforts in all sectors.
5. Be nimble by being bold. Look to the Chamber for our ability to take on and implement projects with less red tape. Utilize our natural volunteer base for their knowledge and expertise.
6. Amend existing statutes to be flexible enough to allow commercial building to be filled (if even if temporarily) as opposed to remain vacant.

1. We ask that Council formally reviews the CIP dashboard bi-annually, that it requests feedback from Development Services and Economic Development on the type of projects in the pipeline as well as from its developer/broker forums.
2. If findings are such that nothing or very little is happening, we strongly encourage short-term and times “incentives” be implemented to help facilitate and demonstrate to others the type of re-development Issaquah envisions on its valley floor central core for commerce jobs.

1. Support regional opportunities and solutions and coming from surrounding communities that will be of benefit to Issaquah and the Eastside.
2. Oppose changes to the Urban Growth Boundary as it will create additional potential tension for our community and its economic vitality.
3. Ensure the Urban Growth Boundary remains in its current location and provide support to King County’s 4/1 program. This is important to its economic vitality for Issaquah and its tax base, business and in ensuring its regional center vision is successful for the future.
4. Ensure transparency to help the public to understand the pressures/constraints/opportunities the City faces (See Bellevue Utilities “Capitol investment prioritization of projects and the basis for its decisions. Provide information to residents and business owners regarding what changes are happening, when and why.
5. Ensure we have reliable utilities/update outdated systems, and maintenance of the aging infrastructure. Business and residents alike need to understand well in advance what road construction and utility impacts are forthcoming.
6. Ensure fiscal responsibility of our infinite financial resources and seek grant funding/leveraging of dollars through public/ private partnerships when the opportunities present themselves.
7. Support better power through Puget Sound Energy’s Energize Eastside. Issaquah needs a power grid that supports the needs of high tech, web-based economy and as expected by our citizens.
8. Support preserving Issaquah’s aquifer as its main water source. Reduce our dependency on Cascade Water Alliance and cost associated with purchasing water.
9. Support better fiber access for Issaquah. Issaquah needs fiber connectivity/accessibility if it is to recruit and retain business, particularly large corporate headquarters that provide technology-centric and knowledge wage jobs. 
10. Follow 5G phone service and look for best practices for its integration into Issaquah.

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1. Support removing the requirement to include affordable housing in every multi-family residential development thought inclusionary zoning or mandated units without incentives, as it drives up costs to the consumer and therefore, higher rents are extended to users.
2. Support additional opportunities such as the ToD project and other ways to partner and /or incentivize the type and variety of development needed to accommodate housing needs. 
3. Ensure that as the Council receives reports regarding the CIP that it also studies inclusionary zoning without the MFTE. Should housing not follow suit as hoped, we request Council to consider extending the MFTE to all multi-family housing projects in its urban core area.
4. Support alternative styles of accessory dwellings that create affordable housing options fostering support for extended families and allow family members (Primarily older adults) to live independently at a reduced cost.

1. Support the implementation and success of the City’s Strategic plan and related efforts.
2. Support state and city tourism programs that drives events/ activities/information to a multitude of visitors from individual tourists to conferences and athletic competitions.
3. Support Visit Issaquah’s efforts and create a supportive review process that will ensure they remain on track and well-funded to strength the untapped opportunities of becoming a year- round destination.

1. Support business growth and development of both new and existing businesses that lead to new living wage jobs.