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.
Join us from 9:00 - 10:30 AM at the Wilson Middle School Multipurpose Room on the following dates:
Series Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Updates
April 6, 2026 Legislative Update
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…
Read MoreMarch 30, 2026 Legislative Update
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…
Read MoreMarch 23, 2026 Legislative Update
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…
Read MoreMarch 16, 2026 Legislative Update
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…
Read MoreMarch 9, 2026 Legislative Update
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,…
Read MoreMarch 2, 2026 Legislative Update
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…
Read MoreFebruary 23, 2026 Legislative Update
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.…
Read MoreFebruary 16, 2026 Legislative Update
February 16, 2026 Legislative Update Members, Last Week The legislature held more than 200 subcommittee meetings last week, and nearly every committee in both chambers met at least once as lawmakers worked to advance legislation before the first funnel deadline on February 20th. Any bills that do not pass out of a policy committee in…
Read MoreFebruary 9, 2026 Legislative Update
February 9, 2026 Legislative Update Members, Last Week The legislature did not convene on Monday because most elected officials were back in their districts attending the caucuses. Although it was a short week at the Capitol, both the House and Senate held numerous committee and subcommittee meetings ahead of the first funnel deadline on…
Read MoreFebruary 2, 2026 Legislative Update
February 2, 2026 Legislative Update Members, Last Week President Trump visited Iowa on Tuesday and delivered a speech. Many afternoon subcommittee and committee meetings were rescheduled to accommodate legislators attending the speech. On Thursday afternoon, the House held back-to-back subcommittee meetings on the House and Governor’s property tax bills. Both bills advanced out of…
Read MoreFind Your Legislator
Tips for Interacting with Your Local RepresentativesÂ
Be Prepared
- Know the key issues your group wants to discuss and have a few talking points ready.Â
- Research the legislators attending - know their districts, committees, and past positions on issues relevant to your group.Â
 Make a Strong First Impression
- Introduce yourself with your name, where you're from, and your organization’s role in the community.Â
- Be concise and to the point - lawmakers meet many people at these events, so make your conversation memorable.Â
 Keep It Local and Personal
- Share how specific policies or legislation impact your business, organization, or community.Â
- Personal stories and real-world examples are more effective than broad statistics.Â
Be Respectful and Engaging
- Even if you disagree with a legislator’s position, remain professional and respectful.Â
- 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.Â
- If applicable, offer to be a resource for more information.Â
Follow Up
- Collect business cards or contact information when possible.Â
- Send a thank-you email after the event, reinforcing your key points and offering to stay in touch.Â
General IcebreakersÂ
- What are some of the biggest issues you’re hearing about from your constituents this year?Â
- What committees are keeping you the busiest this session?Â
- What do you see as the biggest opportunities for growth in our district?Â
- Are there any initiatives or policies that could benefit our local businesses and workforce?Â
- What can we do as community members to better support economic development in our area?Â
- What are some key bills you’re working on this session?Â
- What do you think will be the biggest challenge in passing legislation this year?Â
- What inspired you to get into public service?Â
- What’s something about being a legislator that most people don’t realize?Â
Â