Advocacy Activities

Tigard Chamber takes an active advocacy role with government on behalf of our member businesses, focused on issues that impact/benefit business, and the economy of Tigard, Washington County and the State of Oregon.  Below is an outline of recent activities at the local, regional, state and federal level. The majority of these activities/outreach originate from our Gov’t Affairs & Public Policy Committee which meets monthly on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 1:30pm-2:30pm.  

Local

  • Letter of support for City of Tigard for Tigard Street Trail Grant Application seeking $1M in funding-Nov 2015
  • RegionalTigard City Council Candidate Forum – 4 candidate forum for 2 council seats, focused on business, economy, transportation – Oct 2014
  • Questionnaires for Tigard City Council Candidates – focused on business, economy, taxes, transportation and healthcare – Oct 2014
  • Suports a YES position on Measures 34-221 (Washington County Road Maintenance Fee) and 34-224 Tigard Tualatin School District Option Levy – Oct 2014
  • Measure 34-210 Research, Member Survey, Position Evaluation, Voter Pamphlet Statement urging keeping transportation options open for business in Tigard – Nov 2013 – March 2014
  • Letter of Support regarding COT Grant submission for Tigard Street Trail development- Pathway to Employment – Nov 2013
  • Meet Your City Council – SW Corridor Project Forum – Sep 2013
  • Questionnaires for Mayor and City Council Candidates – focused on business, economy, taxes, transportation and healthcare – Oct 2012
  • Tigard Mayoral Race Debate focus on business, economy and transportation– Cook vs Wilson – Oct 2012
  • Letters to Tigard City Council members urgingan election for Mayor seat vacated 2 years early by Mayor Craig Dirksen – April 2012
  • Meet Your City Council Forum focus on issues important to local business and residents – Apr 2011
  • Monthly Gov’t & Public Policy (GaPP) Committee Meetings – May 2010 – Present
  • Monthly Chamber Updates to Tigard City Council – Usually 2nd Tues evening of each month

Regional

  • Washington County Chambers of Commerce Annual Legislative Reception – Jan 2013, 2014 & 2015
  • Letter of Support to Metro in support of City of Tigard – Nature in Neighborhoods Capital Grant Program Application submission for Dirksen Nature Park improvements – Feb 2014
  • Letter of Support to Metro on COT Grant submission for Pre-Development Feasibility Assistance for Downtown Tigard redevelopment – April 2013

State

  • Joined Grow Oregon Now Coalition in support of a no position on IP28 Gross Receipts tax targeted for the Nov 2016 ballot – Dec 2015
  • Letters in opposition to Mandatory Sick Leave amended legislation to both house and senate – May 2015
  • Tigard Chamber Minimum Wage Increase Letter in Opposition beyond the standard CPI adjustment, sent to House and Senate Committee Chairs – Apr 2015
  • Tigard Chamber Mandatory Sick Leave Bill Opposition Letter HB 2005 / SB 454 due to impact to small business in particular in terms of cost, administrative overhead, and choice for employees/employers. – Feb 2015
  • Low Carbon Fuel SB 324 to House Committee due to impact in gas prices and impact to business – Jan 2015
  • Letter of Support to Rep Doherty and Sen Burdick urging passage of the Grand Bargain due to its overall benefit to business – Sep 2013
  • Letter of Support to House Committee on Business and Labor regarding HB 2923/SB 678 – Urging support of these bills correcting Workmens Compensation issues impacting business. – March 2013
  • Questionnaires for State Rep and Senate Candidates focused on business, economy, taxes, transportation and healthcare – Oct 2012
  • Meet Your State Legislative Report Out on legislation impacting business – Jul 2011
  • Meet Your State Legislative Reps Forum, focus on business issues– Feb 2011
  • GaPP Committee Members attend Chamber Day at State Capitol – Feb 2011 & 2013
  • Ongoing participation in Oregon State Chamber of Commerce weekly legislative calls or updates during each legislative session 2013-2015

Federal

  • Letter of support to EPA on COT application for EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Application, supports funding for cleanup – Dec 2015
  • Letter of Support to EPA on COT application for EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant for Downtown area, supports redevelopment– Jan 2014 – This resulted in a $400K award for the City of Tigard
  • Site for 1st Congressional District Debate coordinated by WCCCP, invite to Tigard Chamber members, business community & residents – Bonamici vs Cornilles – Jan 2012
  • Letter of Support To EPA supporting PGE Boardman Shutdown – July 2011
  • Letter of Support to US Congressional Delegation Supporting Funding Requests for Assessment of Barbur Blvd/99W transportation options – Feb 2010