Chamber Board Sets 2007 Local Public Policy Priorities

Developing priorities for local public policy issues was part of the 2007 planning process for the Chamber.

The highest priority issue for 2007 is the resolution of the plans for higher education services in the region. The recommendations of a recent study lacks the vision the board anticipated.

A Task Force has been formed cooperatively by the city and the Chamber, and includes many community leaders and experts in the higher education history in the area and future workforce needs. This group will have considerable work in the weeks and months ahead and will need the support of the broader community as the issue advances through the political process.

The Chamber places a high priority on the infrastructure improvements along I-35 including improved interchanges, additional access, improved lighting and the state participation in the funding of the Highway 60 improvements.

The renaissance of the downtown area continues to be a top priority for the Chamber. Working with the Mayor's Downtown Improvement Taskforce, 2007 is expected to be a high impact year for the downtown. The Chamber is extremely supportive of the enhancement of sports and recreation opportunities in Faribault and especially encourages swift progress on the soccer complex.