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Policy Platform

The Chamber's policy platform is made up of four pillars (economic, community, workforce, and business development) and is grounded in our four values. This policy platform is thoughtfully designed to differentiate Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro from other regions and to increase our competitive advantage. The Chamber Government Affairs Committee uses this policy platform to guide its advocacy efforts and educate policy makers on matters that matter to the local business community.

I. Economic Development


Definition: Economic development is the growth of the commercial tax base with commercial development and job creation. Done well, economic development generates economic well-being and contributes to many community benefits.

We advocate for: 

  • Policies and projects that create local jobs and increase the formation, retention, and relocation of businesses in our community.
  • Policies that make it easier to build, renovate, and redevelop commercial property.
  • Policies that promote development density, streamline regulatory requirements, and reduce regulatory hurdles.
  • The development of additional commercial space, including retail, office, flex, warehouse, and manufacturing.
  • The implementation of successful tools like ‘form-based code’ that create clarity and certainty for all involved.
  • Proactive and cooperative recruitment of employers and industries.
  • Public investment of infrastructure, such as water, sewer, and parking in the economic development districts and zones.
  • Plentiful, accessible parking in the downtowns.
  • A fair tax and fee system that does not negatively target nor disadvantage specific sectors or industries.

II. Community Development


Definition: Community development is the improvement of public infrastructure, amenities, and institutions that make a community a desirable place to live, learn, and work. Done well, community development improves quality of life, attracts and retains talent and employers, and fosters a more connected and vibrant community.

We advocate for: 

  • Improved transit and transportation infrastructure to ease local and regional commuting and reduce congestion.
  • Accessible, reliable, resilient, and affordable utilities and services, including water, energy, high speed internet, and telecommunications infrastructure needed to support business continuity.
  • The construction of diverse housing that accommodates projected community growth rates and improves housing affordability.
  • Policies that address reductions in carbon emissions, modernize the energy grid, and keep energy prices as affordable as possible.
  • Policies that support job growth and investment in the renewables and clean energy sectors.
  • Creating and maintaining community amenities that foster a quality of life that attracts and retains talent and employers, including well-planned parks, sidewalks, and greenways.

III. Workforce Development


Definition: Workforce development prepares people for employment, helps workers advance in their careers, and ensures employers have the skilled workforce they need for their current and future needs. Done well, the talent pipeline is employer-led, thoughtfully managed, and increases community competitiveness.

We advocate for: 

  • Our public schools and an education system that prepares all our community’s children for a globally competitive world of work.
  • Our community colleges and universities to be well-funded, economically impactful institutions that are responsive to the needs of regional and state employers.
  • Increased access to early childhood education.
  • An immigration system that gives local employers reliable access to workers they need to thrive.
  • Strategic investments in, and management of, an employer-led talent pipeline that addresses local skills gaps to better meet the existing and projected workforce needs.

IV. Business Development


Definition: Business development is the establishment, expansion, and retention of revenue-generating enterprises. Done well, business development services and activities make up an innovative ecosystem that helps entrepreneurs and leaders of existing enterprises develop, grow, and sustain through all phases of their business lifecycle.

We advocate for: 

  • Policies, projects, and programs that make it easier to start, grow, and sustain a business in our community.
  • The development and maintenance of an ecosystem that supports entrepreneurs and startups in all phases of their business lifecycle.
  • Creation and expansion of municipal and county grant and loan funds.
  • The increased exportation of local products and services to global customers.

This Policy Platform was adopted by The Chamber Board of Directors in December 2022.