Issues

With an eye on continued efforts to recover, rebuild and grow the 10-county regional economy post-pandemic, as well as ensuring we are creating an economy for all, the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, an affiliate of the Allegheny Conference, will focus public policy efforts on maximizing political and investment opportunities to propel recovery, enhance regional competitiveness and grow our economy.

2023 Public Policy Agenda

Federal Funding Opportunities (FEDERAL)

We pursue and support grants, appropriations, and other strategic funding opportunities included in the CHIPS and Science Act, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and other relevant legislation. This includes but is not limited to the designation of and funding for a regional hydrogen hub, funding for carbon capture and storage projects and designation of and funding for a regional technology hub.

Permitting (LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL)

We support policies that create efficient, reliable and responsible permitting processes, consistent compliance policies and updated regulatory frameworks across state agencies and departments to stimulate growth and investment, reduce key permitting timelines, enhance the business certification and licensing systems and reduce licensing turnaround times, especially for in-demand occupations and services in high-growth sectors.

 Infrastructure (STATE and FEDERAL)

We support increased regional infrastructure investment in physical and digital connectivity, demonstrating progress in securing funding for regional priority projects by supporting appropriations and other requests for funding.

Inclusive Growth (LOCAL and FEDERAL)

We support policies to encourage place-based immigration reform to support population growth, strengthening and expanding programs like the H-1B visa program. We support policies and incentive programs that leverage existing social and built infrastructure and encourage inclusive growth and catalytic investments in real estate and people throughout the 10-county region’s communities. This includes legislation and strategic investments to address blight, support housing development and community revitalization and development.

Workforce/Talent (STATE and FEDERAL)

We support policies that enhance workforce development, creating a strong and aligned workforce system that connects to business investment and economic development opportunities.

Corporate Net Income (CNI) Tax (STATE)

We support the reduction of Pennsylvania’s CNI tax and acknowledge the potential opportunity to accelerate the currently scheduled phase-down approach. We want to send a strong message to employers that Pennsylvania is open for business investment, particularly from the high-growth, innovation-driven industries where the Pittsburgh region has a competitive advantage.

Net Operating Loss (STATE)

We encourage an increase or elimination of the cap on net operating loss carryforwards to bring Pennsylvania’s limit in line with the limitations of the federal governor and peer states.

Pennsylvania’s Energy Future (STATE)

The Chamber encourages the development of a statewide, “all-of-the-above” energy strategy and will support policies that reduce the regulatory burden on the production and generation of all energy sources. With unprecedented decarbonization opportunities available, we support policies that prepare and secure Pennsylvania as a leader in the hydrogen economy, ultimately setting the Pittsburgh region as an energy model for the nation. The region’s abundant natural resources provide a prime opportunity to pair hydrogen with carbon capture and sequestration and seize forthcoming opportunities for the energy future. We support legislation that clarifies the guidelines and procedures necessary for innovative projects such as these to proceed.

Economic Development Opportunities (STATE)

We support the establishment of new and innovative state programs and policies to attract, retain and meet the demand of today’s industrial and manufacturing businesses. This includes setting up a sizeable and flexible development fund to address Pennsylvania’s deficit of shovel-ready, large-scale sites, also known as megasites, and updating the state’s business growth strategy for fast and flexible funding streams that attract and close on business investment projects and create jobs.

Zoning (LOCAL)

We support smart growth and innovative zoning and planning tools within local governments to steward the advancement of high-growth sectors throughout the 10-county region.

Downtown Pittsburgh (LOCAL)

We have been and will continue to collaborate actively with stakeholders to enhance and support policies and programs to maximize the economic prosperity of our region’s urban core, Downtown Pittsburgh. The Chamber supports innovative land-use regulations, planning tools and financial incentives and tax-abatement programs to facilitate the reuse and residential conversion of existing commercial buildings

Regionalism (LOCAL)

We support policies at all levels of government that encourage regionalism and ensure local government efficiency, collaboration and solvency.   

2023 Local Policy Priorities
2023 State Policy Priorities
2023 Federal Policy Priorities