The Greater Chamber of Commerce unveiled its 2026 legislative priorities—Transportation, Childcare, Workforce, Property Tax Reform and Affordable Housing—at its annual Legislative Luncheon.
Chamber Board Member Ruthie Noel emceed the event and unveiled the Greater Pensacola Chamber’s legislative priorities for the upcoming session. “This year’s legislative priorities reflect the issues our business community tells us matter most: Workforce development, childcare access, affordable housing, transportation, and a fair tax structure,” said Noel. “As the leading voice for business in Pensacola, the Chamber is committed to advocating for policies that strengthen our regional economy and support the long-term success of employers and families alike.”
Key Chamber Issues
1. Support for Regional Transportation Projects
The Greater Pensacola Chamber supports local transportation projects that will improve mobility for our citizens, increase commerce for our businesses, and enhance blighted areas. Key projects include the Pensacola International Airport, Port of Pensacola, and South Navy Boulevard Improvements.
2. Initiatives to Improve Childcare Access and Affordability
Accessible and affordable childcare is a crisis for working families in our region. More needs to be done to address this problem that negatively impacts our local businesses through employee absenteeism and turnover.
- The Chamber supports legislation that will increase the workforce needed for childcare providers, incentivizing businesses to support their employees through targeted tax credits and increasing reimbursement rates for families needing childcare assistance.
3. Support Workforce Development Initiatives
Workforce Development is one of the greatest challenges facing our business community. The Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce supports programs that will create:
- Rapid Workforce Development: Supports the quick training of new employees, helping businesses scale efficiently.
- Customized Training Solutions: Tailored to meet the specific needs of new and expanding businesses. Empowering Business. Strengthening Community. Advancing our Region.
- Alignment with Workforce Needs: Ensure training funds are directed towards credentials that meet the critical workforce demands.
- Economic Growth: Contributes to Florida’s economic development by ensuring a skilled and adaptable workforce.
4. Ensure Property Tax Reform Does Not Lead to an Increase in Business Taxes
The Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce will be monitoring the legislative proposals being considered for the reduction or potential elimination of property taxes in Florida.
- While the Florida Legislature considers property tax reform, the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce advocates that any change to the property tax structure in Florida does not result in any additional tax burden being placed on the business community.
5. Support Affordable Housing Initiatives, Permitting, and Insurance Reforms
Access to affordable housing is an obstacle many of our citizens face. The Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce supports continued funding of state affordable housing subsidies including the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP), Community Contribution Tax Credit Program (CCTCP), Homeownership Pool Program (HOP), and any other state programs that support affordable housing.
- The Chamber also supports Permitting and Homeowners Insurance reforms that will bring down the cost of construction and home ownership.