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:
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Updates
February 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 MoreJanuary 26, 2026 Legislative Update
January 26, 2026 Legislative Update Members, Last Week The Legislature convened at 10:00am on Tuesday after observing Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The House and Senate held 136 subcommittee meetings combined between Tuesday and Thursday. Property Tax On Wednesday, House Study Bill 596 was introduced by the House Ways and Means Chair, Representative Nordman. HSB 596…
Read MoreJanuary 20, 2026 Legislative Update
January 20, 2026 Legislative Update Members, The first day of the second session of the 91st General Assembly convened at 10:00am on January 12th and featured opening speeches from leadership in both parties, highlighting their goals and priorities for the upcoming session. Senate President Amy Sinclair welcomed the body back to the Senate for the…
Read MoreMay 19, 2025 Legislative Update
May 19, 2025 Legislative Update Members, The Iowa Legislature adjourned sine die last week, concluding the 2025 session of the 91st General Assembly. The session began January 13 and resulted in the passage of 176 bills, 76 of which have been signed into law by Governor Reynolds as of this writing. The Governor has 30…
Read MoreApril 21, 2025 Legislative Update
April 21, 2025 Legislative Update The Senate held floor debate every day last week, passing primarily non-controversial bills. The House debated on Tuesday and Thursday, and held meetings for both the Ways and Means and Appropriations Committees on Wednesday. On Tuesday, Governor Reynolds announced she directed the Department of Health and Human Services to submit…
Read MoreApril 14, 2025 Legislative Update
April 14, 2025 Legislative Update Last Week: Governor Reynolds announced a special election to fill House District 78 would be held on April 29th following the resignation of Representative Sami Scheetz on April 1st. Scheetz resigned from the Iowa House of Representatives after being appointed to fill a vacancy on the Linn County Board of…
Read MoreApril 7, 2025 Legislative Update
April 7, 2025 Legislative Update Neither the House nor the Senate held floor debate last week. Policy committees met and advanced legislation from the opposite chamber prior to the second funnel deadline. Legislation that failed to advance out of a policy committee in the opposite chamber from which it originated is no longer eligible for…
Read MoreApril 1, 2025 Legislative Update
April 1, 2025 Legislative Update Both the House and Senate held floor debate last week passing policy legislation to the opposite chamber before the upcoming second funnel deadline. Both the House and Senate held subcommittee meetings on Wednesday to discuss the property tax reform legislation introduced earlier this month. The companion bills, Senate Study Bill…
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
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