Public Policy Meeting

The Wilmington Chamber's Public Policy Committee monitors and advises the Chamber on legislative and regulatory issues at the local, state, and federal levels and promotes the interests of our membership. 

The next Public Policy Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 26, from 8:00 – 10:15 am at the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce office. We plan to host two

presentations for our members this month. 

In our first presentation, we will have an opportunity to learn more about the possible Quarter-Cent Transportation Sales Tax Referendum that may appear on the November 7 ballot. According to New Hanover County leadership, the sales tax may generate more than $144 million in funding over ten years, which would be committed to improving public transportation options in our community. Our presenters include the following individuals representing organizations that would benefit from the new revenue source:

·     Marie Parker, Executive Director of Wave Transit

·     Tara Duckworth, Director of Parks & Gardens for New Hanover County

·     Aubrey Parsley, Director of Economic Development for the City of Wilmington

·     Mike Kozlosky, Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization 

Before the decision is finalized to add the referendum to the ballot, Commissioners will seek input from the community during a public hearing which has been discussed in previous meetings. Staff has been directed to add the hearing to the calendar for May 2.

We will hear from Anna Beavon Gravely, Executive Director of the North Carolina FreeEnterprise Foundation, in our second presentation. This non-partisan research organization works to understand trends and inform decision-making. NCFREE is a leader in connecting the dots for North Carolina's political landscape and business growth. Anna will be providing an update on the election outlook for 2022.

The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce office is located at 1 Estell Lee Place, Wilmington, NC 28401. Our guests are welcome to park in our parking lot or at the Wilmington Convention Center parking deck. Our main entrance faces the Cape Fear River and is accessed by passing through the gate to our building's left.

All Chamber members are welcome to attend these meetings. There is no cost to attend.