Policy & Advocacy

Strengthening Business. Supporting Community.

A strong business environment strengthens Council Bluffs’ quality of life. It creates opportunities for businesses to grow, supports workforce development, and helps our community thrive.

The Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce works year-round to advocate for policies that support economic vitality. Through relationship-building, education, and strategic engagement with local and state leaders, we advance priorities that benefit businesses, residents, and the long-term success of our region.

Events

Legislative Coffees

Join us for informal morning conversations with local elected officials at our Legislative Coffees. These events provide an opportunity to connect directly with representatives in a relaxed setting over coffee.

Attendees are encouraged to ask questions, share perspectives, and learn more about current legislative topics impacting our community. Whether you have specific issues you’d like to discuss or simply want to listen and stay informed, this is a great way to engage and be part of the conversation.

Our Legislative Coffees have concluded for the current season. We’re grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to meaningful, productive conversations. Please check back for future dates as we continue to provide opportunities to connect, stay informed, and be part of the dialogue.

Series Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Advance Southwest Iowa Corporation | Chamber Event Sponsor

Updates

April 27, 2026 Legislative Update

April 27, 2026

April 27, 2026 Legislative Update The Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce continues to monitor legislative activity at the Iowa State Capitol to keep Southwest Iowa businesses informed on policy decisions that may impact economic growth, workforce development, and regional competitiveness. Members, Last Week The Senate voted on more of the Governor’s appointees to Iowa’s…

April 20, 2026 Legislative Update

April 20, 2026

April 20, 2026 Legislative Update The Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce continues to monitor legislative activity at the Iowa State Capitol to keep Southwest Iowa businesses informed on policy decisions that may impact economic growth, workforce development, and regional competitiveness. Members, Last Week Both chambers held floor debate on mostly non-controversial policy bills last…

April 13, 2026 Legislative Update

April 13, 2026

April 13, 2026 Legislative Update The Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce continues to monitor legislative activity at the Iowa State Capitol to keep Southwest Iowa businesses informed on policy decisions that may impact economic growth, workforce development, and regional competitiveness. Members, Last Week The Senate moved several budget bills out of the Appropriations Committee…

April 6, 2026 Legislative Update

April 3, 2026

April 6, 2026 Legislative Update The Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce continues to monitor legislative activity at the Iowa State Capitol to keep Southwest Iowa businesses informed on policy decisions that may impact economic growth, workforce development, and regional competitiveness. Members, Last Week Both the House and Senate held floor debates last week, along…

March 30, 2026 Legislative Update

March 30, 2026

March 30, 2026 Legislative Update The Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce continues to monitor legislative activity at the Iowa State Capitol to keep Southwest Iowa businesses informed on policy decisions that may impact economic growth, workforce development, and regional competitiveness. Members, Last Week Both the House and Senate held floor debates on Monday and…

March 23, 2026 Legislative Update

March 23, 2026

March 23, 2026 Legislative Update The Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce continues to monitor legislative activity at the Iowa State Capitol to keep Southwest Iowa businesses informed on policy decisions that may impact economic growth, workforce development, and regional competitiveness. Members, Last Week The legislature did not hold floor debates or many subcommittee meetings…

March 16, 2026 Legislative Update

March 16, 2026

March 16, 2026 Legislative Update The Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce continues to monitor legislative activity at the Iowa State Capitol to keep Southwest Iowa businesses informed on policy decisions that may impact economic growth, workforce development, and regional competitiveness. Members, Last Week Both the House and the Senate held more subcommittee and committee…

March 9, 2026 Legislative Update

March 9, 2026

March 9, 2026 Legislative Update The Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce continues to monitor legislative activity at the Iowa State Capitol to keep Southwest Iowa businesses informed on policy decisions that may impact economic growth, workforce development, and regional competitiveness. Members, Both the House and the Senate held floor debate every day last week,…

March 2, 2026 Legislative Update

March 2, 2026

March 2, 2026 Legislative Update The Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce continues to monitor legislative activity at the Iowa State Capitol to keep Southwest Iowa businesses informed on policy decisions that may impact economic growth, workforce development, and regional competitiveness. Members, Last Week Both the House and Senate held floor debate every day…

February 23, 2026 Legislative Update

February 23, 2026

February 23, 2026 Legislative Update Members, Last Week The first funnel deadline was February 20th; bills that did not pass out of a policy committee in the chamber where the bill was originally introduced are no longer eligible for consideration. Bills in either the Ways and Means or Appropriations Committees are exempt from this deadline.…

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Tips for Interacting with Your Local Representatives

Be Prepared

Know the key issues your group wants to discuss and have a few talking points ready.

Research the legislators attending - know their districts, committees, and past positions on issues relevant to your group.

Make a Strong First Impression

Introduce yourself with your name, where you're from, and your organization’s role in the community.

Be concise and to the point - lawmakers meet many people at these events, so make your conversation memorable.

Keep It Local and Personal

Share how specific policies or legislation impact your business, organization, or community.

Personal stories and real-world examples are more effective than broad statistics.

Be Respectful and Engaging

Even if you disagree with a legislator’s position, remain professional and respectful.

Listen actively, and if they have questions or counterpoints, acknowledge them before responding.

Ask for Action

Be clear about what you want them to do - support a bill, oppose a regulation, or investigate a specific issue.

If applicable, offer to be a resource for more information.

Follow Up

Collect business cards or contact information when possible.

Send a thank-you email after the event, reinforcing your key points and offering to stay in touch.

General Icebreakers

What are some of the biggest issues you’re hearing about from your constituents this year?

What committees are keeping you the busiest this session?

What do you see as the biggest opportunities for growth in our district?

Are there any initiatives or policies that could benefit our local businesses and workforce?

What can we do as community members to better support economic development in our area?

What are some key bills you’re working on this session?

What do you think will be the biggest challenge in passing legislation this year?

What inspired you to get into public service?

What’s something about being a legislator that most people don’t realize?