2025 Business Advocacy
2025 POLICY AGENDA
The Springfield Chamber’s 2025 State Legislative Policy Agenda was developed to provide a structured framework for our advocacy efforts in the most recent legislative session. This agenda reflected our Chamber’s ongoing commitment to fostering a pro-business environment, supporting economic competitiveness, and engaging strategically on policy issues that impact our members.
POLICY ACTIVATION HIGHLIGHTS
Environmental Policies
Balanced, business-friendly: We advocate for environmental and energy policies that achieve sustainability goals while fostering economic growth. We support pragmatic regulations that consider industry realities, promote innovation, and provide flexibility for businesses transitioning to cleaner practices.
Infrastructure Investment
Economic growth, connectivity:We support strategic investments in transportation and infrastructure that foster economic vitality, ensure efficient movement of goods and people, and reduce barriers to business expansion.
Business Ecosystem
Thriving, resilient: We champion policies that strengthen Oregon’s business climate, support entrepreneurship, and attract private investment. We advocate for initiatives that enhance economic opportunities, promote innovation, and create jobs.
Tax Environment
Transparent, growth-oriented: We support tax policies that stimulate economic growth, ensure fairness across all business sectors, and maintain transparency. We advocate for reforms that reduce administrative burdens, promote fiscal responsibility, and minimize disproportionate impacts on businesses, especially small and emerging enterprises.
Regulatory Process
Efficient, transparent: We support regulatory reforms that enhance transparency, reduce bureaucratic delays, and eliminate duplicative processes that hinder business growth.
Workforce Environment
Competitive, flexible: We support labor policies that encourage workforce participation, maintain fair employer-employee relationships, and foster economic growth without creating unnecessary costs or administrative burdens on businesses.
LOCAL CAPITAL INVESTMENT AND PROJECT SUPPORT
While state-level legislative engagement focused on shaping business policy, the Chamber also played a hands-on role in advancing local capital investment and community development priorities. This included endorsing grant proposals, supporting major private-sector reinvestments, and participating in strategic advisory roles. Through letters of support and agency collaboration, the Chamber helped move projects forward in areas such as housing, workforce development, public safety, and infrastructure. Some of these efforts resulted in successful funding awards, others remain under consideration, and a few were not approved, but all reflect the Chamber’s commitment to shaping a resilient, opportunity-rich future for Springfield.
Workforce & Housing for Vulnerable Youth
Scorpion Creek Ranch (SCR): Supported state lottery funding for trauma-informed housing and workforce training for homeless youth.
Healthcare Workforce Development
Bushnell University Health Professions Expansion: Supported site acquisition to expand Springfield’s pipeline of behavioral and physical health professionals.
Public Safety and Community Trust
Springfield Police Department: Backed federal funding for upgraded camera systems to support transparency and downtown business confidence.
Historic Revitalization and Housing
Springfield High School Restoration: Supported grant-funded improvements to restore the historic facade and stimulate downtown revitalization.
Community Resiliency
Willamalane Park & Recreation District: Advocated for grants supporting emergency power systems and safety improvements to protect economic continuity.
Mobility & Connectivity
Eugene Airport: Endorsed funding to expand Concourse C and improve regional business access.
Lane Transit District: Supported transit grants for ADA upgrades and modernization of regional bike-share infrastructure.
Private Sector Capital Investment
Sierra Pacific Industries: Supported a $253M Strategic Investment Program agreement at the Eugene sawmill—one of Lane County’s largest-ever private investments.
ADVISORY ROLES AND COMMITTEE ENGAGEMENT
City of Springfield Fiscal Stability Task Force
Over a 9-week process, Vonnie Mikkelsen, the Chamber’s President & CEO, served on the City of Springfield’s Fiscal Stability Task Force to evaluate long-term municipal budget scenarios and revenue tools. This engagement reflects the Chamber’s commitment to responsible governance, sustainable funding models, and the fiscal health of the communities in which its members operate.
Statewide In-Home Care Workforce Campaign Advisory Committee
Paige Walters, the Chamber’s Director of Advocacy & Economic Development, was appointed to a statewide advisory board guiding the State of Oregon’s awareness campaign for in-home care professions. Convened by Metropolitan Group on behalf of the state, the advisory committee ensures campaign decisions are shaped by diverse perspectives in workforce development. The Chamber’s participation highlights the alignment between the campaign’s goals and the Chamber’s WorkReady initiative, bringing a regional business voice to Oregon’s broader care economy strategy.