Local Business Issues

The Greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce prides itself on having a proactive government affairs program. A portion of the annual dues goes to the retaining of a public affairs consultant, Ron Resh, who promotes the Chamberís positions and keeps abreast of important issues as they arise on the state level in Annapolis and on the local level in Rockville, the county seat. Through the efforts of Ron Resh and the Chamberís active volunteers, the concerns of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase business community are heard and have impacted legislation on both local and the state levels.

To learn more information about the Chamber's Political Action Committee, please click here.

2006-2007 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

Based on the major issues of importance to the members of The Greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce, the following is the 2006-2007 Legislative Agenda of the Chamber, approved by the Board of Directors on August 1, 2006. For more information about these agenda items contact Ron Resh, the Chamberís Public Affairs Consultant at 301-649-2169.  To get involved in Economic Development Committee, Parking and Transportation Committee, or the Real Estate Commtitee, please contact Ginanne Italiano at 301-652-4900 x203.

The following are the primary legislative agenda issues of The Greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce.

1. TRANSPORTATION
   • Support key transportation and transit projects, such as the Bi-County Transitway (Purple Line), particularly the Bethesda-Silver Spring portion along the Georgetown Branch alignment; the Montrose Parkway and the InterCounty Connector.
   • Support alternative modes of transportation, such as transit ridership incentives, expansion of the Bethesda 8 shuttle service, bikeways, and pedestrian paths, and enhancements to Rock Spring/Grosvenor and Twinbrook shuttles in North Bethesda.
   
   
2. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
   • Support and promote programs to highlight and attract business, consumers, residents and investment in the Greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase Region. The Chamber supports the creation and/or expansion of urban district services in Friendship Heights and the Rock Spring Park and White Flint regions of North Bethesda.
   • Continue to support economic and housing potential and advancement in transit areas.
   • Improve communication and coordination with the County Department of Economic Development regarding issues pertaining to the attraction and retention of businesses in the Greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase area.
   
   
3. QUALITY OF LIFE
   
   • Secure appropriate funding for quality public safety, health and wellness, educational and recreational programs and facilities, parking facilities, and arts and humanities programs.
   
   
4. SPECIFIC ISSUES FOR 2006-2007
   
   • Continue support of the Bi-County Transitway (Purple Line), particularly the Bethesda-Silver Spring portion along the Georgetown Branch alignment.
   • Continue support of accelerated construction for the State portion of the Montrose Parkway to coordinate with County construction and full completion in 2008.
   • Support construction of south entrance to Bethesda Metro Station by Spring 2008.
   • Monitor and participate as appropriate in regional discussions on long range funding for WMATA.
   • Assist with promotion of the initiatives of the Transportation Management Districts in the Greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase Area.
   • Continue support of efforts and programs of the Bethesda Urban Partnership, including improvement of downtown street lighting, equitable distribution of transfers from the Countyís General Fund to Urban Districts for baseline services reimbursement, and management and expansion of the Bethesda 8 trolleys, and enhancements to the RSP/Grosvenor and Twinbrook shuttles in North Bethesda including operating these as free shuttles.
   • Monitor and participate as necessary in existing and proposed County programs that assist or impact businesses and economic development, including small business reserves for procurement, redevelopment impact fund, recycling initiatives, vendor regulations, panhandling and quality of life legislation.
   • Support Suburban Hospitalís campus enhancement project to ensure the BCC community continues to have access to excellent healthcare.
   • Support creation of Parking Lot and business improvement districts for White Flint.
   • Monitor and oppose legislation that negatively affects businesses in the Greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase community.
   • Monitor and advocate for a smooth transition of personnel from Walter Reed to Bethesda, as part of the BRAC program.
   • Promote Montgomery County as the exclusive arbiter of regional land use and zoning matters.

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