Public Policy Agenda
The Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce serves the City of Lynn, MA and towns of Lynnfield, MA, Swampscott, MA and Nahant, MA. The Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce represents over 100 different professions on Boston’s north shore.
Members of the Government Affairs Committee meet once a month to discuss current issues impacting our business community.
The following is the approved Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Agenda:
Government Affairs
Public Policy Agenda
The Government Affairs Committee oversees the public affairs events and public policy positions and initiatives and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors. As issues relate to Chamber members and Lynn area’s economy and our quality of life, the Committee tracks the:
1) Legislative activity of the executive boards of the respective communities and their respective committees
2) Regulatory activity of numerous city and town boards and commissions
3) Administrative and enforcement activity of various city and town departments and agencies
4) State legislative initiatives.
The Committee is responsible for maintaining a positive and productive relationship with: city and town governments the business/employer/developer community and the communities at large. The 2010 Government Affairs Committee members shall be appointed by the Chairman of the Board.
Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce 2010 Public Policy Agenda
The Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce has crafted the following 2010 Public Policy Agenda. The Chamber’s Board of Directors has endorsed these goals, which grow out of the Chamber’s mission- The Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to developing and fostering a dynamic business environment by serving, protecting and promoting its members through valuable resources, government representation, marketing and networking opportunities.
Lynn Area Chamber Members in the business community are a key factor in achieving solutions as part of the areas success in the future. With that in mind, the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee has crafted the following 2010 Public Policy Agenda.
Government
1. Foster Good Government
The pursuit of strong municipal management is never ending. Good government is well organized and prudent. It allows businesses & citizens to understand how laws and regulations are made and gives them the opportunity to participate in the process.
In 2010, the Chamber will:
Seek to be fully engaged in the municipal and Town initiatives in the Mayor’s, City Council’s and Selectmen proposals by providing professional expertise from the membership and best practices in other communities; opinions and knowledge where appropriate regarding business related issues
Encourage using leading edge technology to make municipal services more accessible – including legislative tracking, notification system, agendas and minutes available on-line, and monitoring of results.
2. Encourage Smart Growth / Waterfront Development / Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
Today’s environmental and energy consciousness, economic and housing imperatives, and new urban tastes make it imperative for businesses to be involved.
In 2010, the Chamber will:
Continue to be in the vanguard of local advocates for the Blue Line, Smart Growth, Waterfront Development & TOD. The Chamber’s goal is to help the area realize the potential of transit oriented development both as an engine for bringing more commercial enterprise to the area, and more workers into the area on a daily basis, thus supporting other existing businesses and complementing residents.
3. Advance the Lynn Area’s Gateway Economy
The Lynn Area is ideally positioned for today’s digitally-based, knowledge industries and workers.
In 2010, the Chamber will
Work with the Mayor and the city’s & towns economic development staff in marketing the city to high tech, bio-tech and r & d enterprises;
find ways to highlight the areas unique highway and waterfront position with ferry as a robust hub and support the Waterfront Master Plan.
4. Develop LACC Area Tourism Economy
Tourism is the third largest industry in the state. The area has been untapped in this arena. Promotion of
art and cultural attractions; dining and nightlife; accommodations; ground transportation; and retail – is a vital part of the local economy. The area offers travelers affordable day trips with an eclectic combination of recreation, historic sites and dining options.
To help sustain and develop this sector in 2010, the Chamber will:
Collaborate with the City, towns and organizations that would benefit from tourism.
Promote a positive image of the area.
Assist the area wherever possible in the development of a hotel project.
Work with the local communities toward development of ordinances permitting sidewalk cafes and full service special events.
5. Promote By-Right Zoning and Streamlined Business Permitting
In 2010, the Chamber will:
· Work with the area governments towards the development and adoption of ordinances that encourage by-right zoning in business districts and streamline business permitting and development.
· The Chamber helps guarantee a positive local economic climate.
· Engage in the discussion, and advocate for, expedited permitting for new business development.
6. Support Regulations, Rules and Ordinances that Seek to Encourage the Adoption of:
· Work with the city and towns on regulations that reward environmentally effective investments, minimize burden, and generate cost effective benefits.
· Develop programs involving public/private collaboration to further educate employers about clean air, energy conservation, renewable energy; climate, and Brownfields.
· Continue in this role by advocating for the adoption of a rule-making standard that says those businesses located in appropriate zoning districts need no special permit to operate their businesses.
7. Stimulate Workforce Development by Strengthening School/Business Partnerships.
The Chamber is a full partner with our public schools. For example, careers days, shadow days, internships, mentoring and entrepreneurial programs.
8. Control Costs of Doing Business
In the global marketplace, New England is notoriously high in energy, health, and labor costs. These fundamentals require extraordinary discipline for the region to maintain a competitive edge. At the local level this means fighting any unnecessary, unfair or extraordinary escalation in the costs of doing business in the Lynn area including: municipal taxes, fines, regulations and fees.
9. Maintain Fair and Equitable Regulatory Adoption and Enforcement (ISD, FD, PD)
The Lynn Area Chamber helps guarantee a positive local economic climate by working with businesses, employers, city and town rule making authorities and regulators. The Lynn Area Chamber will continue in this role by advocating for a rule-making standard that says those who are making the rules shall include those being ruled including a fair notice provision. The Lynn Area Chamber will continue to meet with various departments, monitor developments and progress and report to members to include but not limited to:
Tax Title Properties, Neglected Properties, Tax Rates
Traffic and Signage and Parking, Graffiti, Public Safety, Cable TV, Site Plan Review, Overall Cleanliness.
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Respectfully, Government Affairs Committee –
Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce
100 Oxford St.
Lynn MA 01902
781-592-2900