The Salt Lake Chamber’s 2024 federal priorities
In today’s fast-changing economic landscape, ensuring Utah remains a leader in business growth and innovation is no easy feat. The Salt Lake Chamber, as the voice of Utah’s business community, takes this responsibility seriously and strategically. As part of this stewardship, the Chamber annually establishes federal priorities to address the most pressing issues impacting businesses and communities statewide. These priorities guide the Chamber’s advocacy efforts, ensuring that Utah’s voice is heard locally and nationally and that smart policies are enacted to support continued growth and prosperity for all Utahns.
The Chamber determines its federal priorities by collaborating with its diverse membership, analyzing the key challenges and opportunities facing Utah’s business community to identify the policies that will make the most significant difference for our businesses and for all Utahns. In short, Utah’s business community is leading efforts to influence smart and thoughtful policy.
This week, the Salt Lake Chamber is in Washington, D.C., with a group of Utah’s business leaders to meet with the state’s congressional delegation. The businesses and community leaders who joined us represent industries and organizations across Utah that are committed to ensuring our state continues to prosper. By meeting face-to-face with national leaders and engaging in critical policy discussions, we are making sure Utah’s voice is heard at the highest levels. This isn’t just a trip for business leaders — it’s an effort to benefit all Utahns.
The Chamber’s top three federal priorities for this year are housing affordability, regulatory overreach and trade policies. These priorities aren’t just buzzwords; they’re real concerns that affect Utah’s ability to remain competitive, grow our economy and maintain our quality of life.
- Housing Affordability
With housing prices skyrocketing, Utah families are finding it increasingly difficult to afford homes. This not only affects residents but also hampers our ability to attract talent. The Chamber is urging Congress to expand affordable housing credits and modernize mortgage programs, making homeownership more attainable for first-time buyers and supporting economic stability. - Regulatory Overreach
Excessive and burdensome federal regulations stifle innovation, increase business costs and delay economic progress. The Chamber is advocating for regulatory reforms that balance oversight with business needs, streamlining processes to help Utah companies thrive without unnecessary government barriers. - Trade Policies
Utah businesses are feeling the pressure of supply chain disruptions and outdated trade regulations. We’re pushing for updates to protect local industries and ensure Utah businesses can continue to compete on the global stage. Trade is crucial for Utah’s economy and smart policies will keep our operations running smoothly and costs manageable.
Along with these top federal priorities, the Chamber also prioritized improving access to capital for small businesses, strengthening education and workforce development initiatives, and ensuring stable and predictable tax policies.
While our trip to Washington focuses on these federal priorities, the Chamber’s work continues beyond the national level. Every day, the Chamber advocates on behalf of businesses across Utah, whether it’s helping shape local policies, supporting workforce development or fostering innovation through initiatives like Utah’s regulatory sandbox. Our Chamber’s commitment to both local and national advocacy ensures that we are always pushing for policies that benefit every Utahn.
Our work extends beyond Utah’s borders because we understand that the decisions made in Washington have a profound impact on our state’s future. Whether advocating for better access to capital for small businesses, pushing for water rights in the Colorado River Compact or calling for more workforce training, the Chamber’s advocacy efforts are wide-ranging and essential to Utah’s long-term success.
As the largest business association in the state, the Salt Lake Chamber is proud to lead the charge on the issues that matter most to Utah’s economy. Our advocacy efforts, both locally and nationally, are driving real change that ensures a bright future for our businesses, our communities and our families.
Derek Miller is the president & CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber
