06 Jan 2025 Legislative Agenda
Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce Legislative Agenda 2025-2026
This 2025 Legislative agenda aligns with the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s mission to champion inclusive economic growth, support LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, and create a thriving, equitable business environment in Texas.
Economic Development and Business Growth
- Pro-Business Tax Policies: Advocate for policies that promote a competitive tax structure, ensuring Texas remains attractive for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and businesses.
- Access to Capital: Push for state-backed funding opportunities, microloans, and venture capital access for LGBTQ+ businesses, prioritizing those that face systemic barriers.
- Support for Infrastructure Investments: Encourage investments in modern infrastructure projects that stimulate economic growth, benefiting local businesses and communities.
Workforce and Talent Development
- Diverse Talent Pipelines: Work with state agencies and educational institutions to develop training programs that prepare LGBTQ+ Texans for high-demand sectors like tech, healthcare, and renewable energy.
- Affordable Childcare Solutions: Advocate for legislation that supports working families, including LGBTQ+ parents, by increasing childcare options and funding programs to reduce costs.
- Education Partnerships: Partner with schools and community colleges to promote diversity in education and ensure LGBTQ+ youth receive equal opportunities in STEM, arts, and vocational training.
Affordability and Housing
- Support Affordable Housing Development: Advocate for policies that incentivize the development of affordable housing units, particularly in high-growth urban areas, to support a diverse workforce.
- Preserve Existing Affordable Housing: Support initiatives that protect tenants from displacement and ensure affordable housing stock remains accessible to low-income and marginalized communities.
- Increased Housing Assistance: Work to secure funding for programs that assist LGBTQ+ youth and seniors facing housing insecurity.
Quality of Life and Community Investment
- Housing Affordability: Support policies that expand affordable housing options, particularly for marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ residents.
- Transit Improvements: Advocate for statewide investment in public transportation infrastructure, with a focus on accessibility for underserved areas.
- Public Transportation Expansion: Advocate for increased funding to expand public transportation options, ensuring affordable and accessible transit for underserved and low-income communities.
- Affordable Transit Passes: Support legislation and programs that provide discounted transit passes for workers, students, and marginalized populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Sustainable Mobility Solutions: Promote investment in bike lanes, pedestrian-friendly urban planning, and electric vehicle infrastructure to improve mobility and sustainability.
Advocacy for Pro-LGBTQ+ Legislation
- Non-Discrimination Measures: Continue advocating for comprehensive anti-discrimination protections covering employment, housing, and public accommodations for LGBTQ+ Texans.
- Inclusive Healthcare Access: Fight for policies that expand healthcare options, including protections for gender-affirming care and mental health resources.
Tourism and Creative Economy Support
- Event and Tourism Incentives: Collaborate with state and local governments to attract and retain high-impact events, such as LGBTQ+ conferences and pride festivals, leveraging Texas as a premier destination for inclusive gatherings.
- Creative Sector Investments: Advocate for increased funding for arts and culture programs that reflect Texas’s diverse communities and include LGBTQ+ contributions.
Regional and Statewide Collaboration
- Partnerships with Other Chambers: Strengthen collaboration with Texas chambers to advocate for shared goals, leveraging collective influence to achieve legislative victories.
- Coordination with State Leadership: Work closely with legislators and policymakers to ensure the unique needs of LGBTQ+ businesses and communities are addressed in broader economic policies.
Public Policy and Civic Engagement
- Voter Participation Initiatives: Promote civic engagement by encouraging voter registration and participation in legislative advocacy.
- Policy Education: Support education standards to allow for a robust and skilled workforce of tomorrow.
Learn more about the Austin LGBT Chamber Advocacy Committee and get involved today!