business advocacy - bill tracking - position papers - useful links

Welcome to the Business Advocacy & Government Relations.
The mission of the Business Advocacy & Government Relations Division is to ensure proactive representation and participation by the business community in identifying and addressing policy issues at the local, state and federal government levels in order to improve the climate for entrepreneurial innovation as well as economic and business development while also striving to maintain and enhance the region's quality of life.

GOVERNMENT:

Provide Leadership and Advocacy on Business Issues to Local Government Entities

• Maintain a leadership role on local and regional issues that impact the business community as well as the quality of life in the Greater Albuquerque area.

• Ensure pro-active business participation in the local and regional government decision-making process.

• Track and work with local regional elected/appointed government officials on issues relevant to the business community that come before local and regional government entities.

• Monitor and develop positions on local government fiscal matters such as budgets, operations and general obligation bonds.

Be Proactive in Influencing State Legislative Outcomes

• Through the Chamber's Workforce Development, Regionalism and Business Advocacy Planning Councils, as well as public policy focused task forces, develop policy positions in areas such as healthcare, workforce development, education, public safety, transportation and water that affect business.

• Develop, distribute and lobby on behalf of a comprehensive legislative package that articulated the Chamber's stance on issues important to the business community.

• Identify legislative solutions to targeted and specific concerns of the business community; where no appropriate legislation has been introduced develop, draft and seek out legislative sponsors for legislation that addresses these concerns.

• Strive to ensure that legislation that is bad for business is not enacted into law.

• Represent business in the interim legislative process to ensure consideration and advancement of pro-business legislation.

• Identify opportunities to build relationships with both local legislators and those throughout the state in order to increase understanding and dialogue that moves forward the business agenda and improves our quality of life.

Actively Monitor and Advocate on Federal Issues That  Impact the State's Business Environment

• Closely monitor federal issues that impact the business community and communicate regularly with the state's congressional delegation.

Encourage Participation by the Business Community in the Legislative Processes

• Work with other business organizations to monitor local and state legislative activity.

• Continue to host the Legislative Awards Banquet to recognize and honor those legislators who demonstrate support of the business community's agenda.

• On behalf of our membership, provide direction and support for Business Day in Santa Fe.

• Be pro-active in working with the Governor and his Cabinet officials in order to position the Chamber a the table when public policy decisions are being made.

Advocate for Solutions to Healthcare Issues in New Mexico

• Continue to work closely with the business community, healthcare providers and other stakeholders to seek innovative solutions to high number of uninsured in the state.

• Support legislation that allows for the development and availability of innovative health insurance plans that will help lower the number of uninsured in the state.

• Oppose additional mandates on healthcare insurance coverage; oppose efforts to institute singe payer coverage.

• Provide opportunities for our members and other stakeholders to learn about nationwide "outside of the box" ideas and solutions to reform healthcare.

Identify and Advocate on Behalf of Issues Related to Public Safety

• Work with the business community to identify the public safety issues that negatively impact existing business and potential new business development.

• Coordinate with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to develop and spearhead efforts to reduce the incidence of DWI in New Mexico.

• Work with the Governor's Office representatives on such public safety issues as domestic violence, DWI, methamphetamine production and use of gang activity, to mitigate the impact of these issues on businesses and the community at large.

• Identify legislative solutions to these public safety issues with have a negative impact on our economy and our quality of life.

The Chamber takes positions on critical issues pertaining to economic and business development.  To view the positions of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce on such issues, please click on the link to our position papers.

The Chamber lobbies on behalf of business every year at the state legislature in Santa Fe.  We have information about our current year Legislative Package, as well as a bill tracker, available on this site.

The Business Advocacy & Government Relations Division hosts a number of events, as well as training seminars. 

Need to find the state, county, city or other government web sites?  We have a growing list of useful links.

Send us a message!