Recent Advocacy


The mission of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce is to strengthen businesses and the economic environment for all those who work, live, and do business in Arlington. A key part of accomplishing this mission is by advocating on behalf of the business community, which we approach in a decided, intentional, and strategic manner. 

For more information contact Government Affairs Director, Scott Pedowitz, at (703) 525-2400 or advocacy@arlingtonchamber.org.

Examples of the Chamber's recent advocacy efforts may be found below:​​​​The Chamber encouraged Arlington County to establish a new direct financial grant program for local businesses with its coronavirus response funding. Such a program would build on the successful GRANT program last year. Businesses continue to cite access to capital for pandemic-response activities as their greatest need. Capital grants allow businesses to invest in what they individually need to retain or restore jobs, and maintain their businesses as Arlington works through the economic recovery from the pandemic.
The Chamber requested that the Arlington County Board restore a Principal Planner position in the Arlington County government due to be frozen in Fiscal Year 2022. Restoring this position will help prevent delays in planning studies for which applicants pay cost-recovery fees. Prompt review of development projects is also an investment in Arlington’s future through the taxes they will generate when completed. The Chamber encouraged the County Board to amend the site plan for Westpost in Pentagon City to provide more flexibility for providing grocery and drug store items at that site by removing a requirement for a specific size grocery store at that location. The original language reflected how supermarkets were designed when it was approved in 1998, and may not be appropriate for how consumers buy these products in the future. The Chamber expressed support for a redesign of the Crystal City Water Park and path connecting Crystal Drive with the Mount Vernon Trail and the forthcoming north entrance to the Crystal City VRE Station. This update will help fulfill the community's vision for Crystal City and the design has been updated to allay pedestrian safety concerns raised by an early proposal. The Chamber requested that the Arlington County Board restore a proposed reduction in operating funds for the Arlington Convention and Visitors Service (ACVS) for Fiscal Year 2022. Restoring its operating funds will allow ACVS to build back its travel marketing activities, which will support Arlington's hotels in regaining room occupancy and restoring jobs lost during the coronavirus pandemic. Bridging ACVS's funding will help restore its future revenue stream through increased Transient Occupancy Tax revenues. The Chamber joined chambers of commerce and business organizations from across the country in letter to the U.S. Senate calling on Congress to extend the deadline for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to December 31, 2021. Under current law, the program will expire at the end of March.  The Chamber wrote a letter of support for the federal Gyms Mitigation and Survival Act (GYMS Act). This bill would provide funds to the Small Business Association for grants to eligible fitness businesses. Local gyms and fitness studios have faced revenue constraints over the past year due to the capacity restrictions enacted by the Commonwealth to prevent the spread of COVID-19.​  The Arlington Chamber of Commerce encourages and supports the broad policy goals of the Community Energy Plan (CEP). The target of net-zero CO2 equivalent emission by 2050 is aspirational, and can be an impetus for innovation. But there is also the risk of losing the plan’s sensitivity to individual circumstances if its implementation is too prescriptive. Arlington County should ensure sufficient flexibility in implementing the plan so that it is viable and economically feasible for businesses and residents, including the availability to consumers of a diverse range of energy choices in meeting growing energy needs.   The Arlington Chamber of Commerce encourages Arlington County to define and move forward with a planning process for the Courthouse West project. The applicant, CRC Companies, submitted a Special GLUP Study application in May 2019, and received its Tier I review and Tier II acceptance in November 2019. The change will facilitate a site plan to add much needed housing at this highly transit-accessible location and to bridge similar scale developments in the adjacent Clarendon and Courthouse neighborhoods.   The Arlington Chamber of Commerce encourages the County Board to adopt the proposed ordinance to authorize non-commercial banners in the Ballston Business Improvement District (BID). This signage will support the Ballston BID’s placemaking work and build on its Ballston “full” campaign.  The Chamber encouraged the County Board to accept the proposed ordinance to allow non-commercial banners in the National Landing Business Improvement District (BID). This would allow the National Landing BID to identify and build community across its three neighborhoods, Crystal City, Pentagon City, and Potomac Yard. The Chamber also believes this will approval will enhance neighborhoods in Arlington.  The Chamber encouraged WMATA to reconsider its plan to reduce bus services by 50% and close at 9:00 p.m. starting in January 2022. Though this plan is a part of the closing of its projected budget gap, the Chamber believes that the reduction would inhibit the recovery of workplaces reopening and create inequitable consequences for people whose jobs do not permit telework. Most prominently, the proposed service reductions would fall hardest on our region's service sector workforce.  The Chamber showed support of the Arlington Public Schools plan to hire a Partnership Coordinator for Fiscal Year 2022. The Chamber believes that this individual will be well-positioned to identify work-based learning opportunities and would provide leadership in developing comprehensive career pathways for students. The educational return on investing in this position will be significant. The Chamber encouraged the Safety and Health Codes Board to not enact the Revised Proposed Permanent Standard for Infectious Disease Prevention of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus That Causes COVID-19 as there remain many concerns that this standard will not minimize disruption and cost in meeting the regulation's health and safety goals.  The Chamber continues to believe that businesses should have flexibility to apply practices that work best for achieving health and safety in their circumstances. The shifting regulatory landscape continues to be a challenge for our businesses’ recovery, especially for our small businesses.  The Chamber wrote a letter to the County Board encouraging them further permit retail uses of TOSAs in public spaces. In addition to this, winterization of these spaces is essential for restaurants to maintain the ability to serve diners in a socially distant manner. The Chamber believes that allowing property owners and community groups to craft community TOSAs for their areas is also a welcome addition.  The Chamber wrote a letter to the County Board regarding the new Green Building Incentive program and highlighted specific aspects that should be reconsidered as well as points that the Chamber agreed with. The Chamber believes that an effective incentive program should remain connected to the actual costs of implementing green building techniques and focused on environmental outcomes.  The Chamber called on members of the Congressional Delegation for Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia to push forward the passage of a FY2021 omnibus spending package and additional economic relief. The continued rise of COVID-19 positive patients combined with a lack of funding is an urgent issue not only spanning the country, but particularly throughout the three jurisdictions that make up our region. The Chamber sent a letter to Senator Mark Warner highlighting the importance of continued COVID-19 relief and the need for support of all nonprofits, including 501(c)6es. The letter noted important findings from the recent Census Bureau polling that shed light on the overall financial effects of the pandemic on Virginia small businesses and inhabitants. The Chamber wrote a letter to the County Board encouraging them to accept the proposed amendment to the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance to permit outdoor cafes in zones R-C. This would allow restaurants along and adjacent to Fairfax Drive, N Glebe Road, and Wilson Boulevard to implement outdoor dining. The Chamber believes this will enhance the vibrancy and streetscape near the Ballston, Virginia Square, and Courthouse metro stations. The Chamber wrote a letter of support encouraging WMATA to name the new Metrorail station "Potomac Yard - VT". The name reflects the new Virginia Tech Innovation Campus and continues the tradition of including university names in nearby Metrorail stations.  The Chamber wrote a letter in support of small business capital grants. Two-thirds of Arlington’s small businesses responding to a recent Arlington Economic Development survey identified access to capital as the most critical resource for success in the next six months. Our member businesses similarly have identified specific capital needs for safe operation. The Chamber believes that Arlington’s small businesses need further support, beyond existing programs such as Temporary Outdoor Seating Areas (TOSAs) and Pick-up/Drop-off Zones (PUDOs), to make it through the winter and the year ahead.  The Chamber wrote a letter of support to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in regard to the proposed Control of Air Pollution From Airplanes and Airplane Engines: GHG Emission Standards and Test Procedures rule implementing carbon dioxide emissions standards for aircraft. The Chamber believes that when finalized, this rule will reduce emissions in the most cost-effective way. The Chamber wrote a letter of support to the VDOT Northern Virginia District Office in regard to the 495 NEXT project that proposes a plan to extend the 495 Express Lanes from their current terminus north to the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Expanding the lanes will improve travel for all modes on and connecting to the Capital Beltway.   The Chamber encourages the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority not to make the proposed reductions in service starting in December. Reducing service could lead to further economic consequences, the impacts of which are likely to be felt most strongly by people who can least afford them. Maintaining the current service levels is essential to help riders feel comfortable that they can socially distance on Metro services.  The Chamber signed onto a letter to Congress that would pass further COVID-19 relief and include 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations in the PPP. Over 2,300 community organizations signed on in addition to the Chamber.  The Chamber signed onto a letter to the Office of Railroad Policy and Development supporting the expansion of Washington Union Station. The project is of national significance, particularly to the Capital Region of DC, Maryland, and Virginia. With more than 37 million annual visitors, the Chamber believes that the station is in need of modernization and redevelopment.  The Chamber sent a letter to the Arlington County Board calling upon them to allocate a portion its funding under the CARES Act to purchase rapid saliva tests for COVID-19, and to share those tests (or sell at cost, if possible) with businesses, nonprofits, and other community groups. Rapid testing is essential for smooth functioning of businesses and other important facets of society such as schools. Access to tests will help Arlington businesses to reduce the risk of operation and of community spread of the virus. The Chamber sent a letter to the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry suggesting that the Emergency Temporary Standard for COVID-19 Prevention falls short of the goal of consistent workplace health protection protocols and therefore should not be adopted as permanent. Making this standard permanent and potentially adding provisions could place a significant burden on businesses that continue to struggle with the economic consequences of this pandemic.  The Chamber sent a letter to the GO Northern Virginia Grant Review Board supporting Fairfax County Public Schools and Arlington Public Schools' grant proposal to GO Virginia for the proposed TechInnovation and Equity in Computing Hub (TECH) Project. The Chamber supports initiatives and programs to align training and educational programs with projected workforce needs, particularly in the STEM field.  The Chamber sent a letter to Arlington Public Schools suggesting that the reconfiguring of school spaces for social distancing provides a unique way to support the community through expanded child care. An expanded child care plan can phase expansions based on families’ child care needs, for example, prioritizing children of healthcare workers and children of parents whose jobs do not allow them to telework. ​The Chamber sent a letter to the County Board expressing concerns regarding the new Arlington County Ordinance Requiring Physical Distancing on Public Sidewalks. The hastily developed ordinance has led to confusion, presents enforcement challenges, and has left the community unclear on how it will be applied. As part of the Northern Virginia Back to Work Task Force, the Chamber called on Governor Northam to protect important funding for talent development programs, including the G3 Program, university funding, FastForward program, and the Virginia Employment Commission. ​The Chamber sent a letter to the County Board opposing a propose amendment to the Columbia Pike Neighborhoods Form Based Code to add a cash contribution to the Affordable Housing Investment Fund for commercial uses in these districts. The Chamber supports creating more affordable housing in Arlington, but this amendment risks disincentivizing needed development along Columbia Pike. The Chamber sent a letter to the County Board encouraging that they add more flexibility for building heights to the Shirlington Special GLUP Study. Flexibility will help all stakeholders design creative solutions that meet the project’s goals and connect Shirlington with its surrounding neighborhoods. The Chamber wrote a letter in support of a joint application by the Arlington Convention and Visitors Service and the other destination marketing organizations across Northern Virginia for a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The regional groups are working to counteract the sharp impact that COVID-19 has had on Northern Virginia’s hospitality industry. The grant will fund a program combining travel and tourism marketing with hotel employee training that provides hospitality workers with a certification in the new, post-COVID-19 health, safety, and sanitation protocols. As part of the Northern Virginia Back to Work Task Force, the Arlington Chamber called on Congress to pass workforce training initiatives to bolder coronavirus stimulus bills. Specifically, the task force called for Congress to create tax credits for individuals seeking training and upskilling, to allow the use of 529 account funds for post-secondary certifications, and to make Pell grants available to individuals pursuing short-term workforce training. The Chamber asked the County Board to reject a proposed change in how the Noise Control Ordinance is enforced. Although Arlington County staff have assured the business community that it plans to take steps to engage businesses before enforcing penalties, the proposed text does not provide any guarantee against the ordinance being used in a more punitive manner. The Chamber encouraged Arlington County to create a simple, administrative process for fitness-related businesses to obtain permits to hold activities in public parks and other open spaces. The impact of the pandemic has been devastating to fitness facilities, who are likely to face continued restrictions on indoor activities. Parks and other open spaces have the potential to provide opportunities for fitness classes to spread out and to allow patrons to space out to exercise safely. The Chamber encouraged Arlington County to streamline the process for permitting and deploying small wireless facilities, including allowing providers for file location permits during a technology pilot phase, to avoid delays in enhancing Arlington's digital infrastructure. The Chamber sent a letter to the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority supporting the projects in Arlington under consideration for funding in the Authority’s Fiscal Year 2020-2025 Six Year Program. These projects, including Rosslyn multimodal network improvements, a new VRE Station and airport connection in Crystal City, a second Metro entrance in Ballston, and connector trail alongside Arlington National Cemetery will support development in Arlington and connections with the region. The Chamber sent a letter to the Arlington County Board encouraging a flexible approach to outdoor dining to help restaurants maintain distance between patrons due to the coronavirus. The Chamber encouraged the Arlington County to establish a simple, administrative process for outdoor seating permits, to allow adaptation of parking space for dining, to consider block closures for restaurants to set up tables, and to expedite zoning changes for outdoor seating in urban zones that do not currently permit it. The Chamber expressed support for recommendations for changes to the Form Based Code made by the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization (CPRO) in a position paper. CPRO's recommendations include allowing retail-equivalent uses at the street level, granting more design flexibility for new construction, and relaxing restrictions on signage. Adopting these recommendations will allow for activity that is economically feasible on Columbia Pike today, which has the potential to seed further development in the future.​ The Chamber joined a national coalition to ask Congress to extend Paycheck Protection Program eligibility to local chambers of commerce, civic groups, trade associations, and other non-profits so that organizations like ours can continue to provide important, community-minded services. The Arlington Chamber sent a letter urging Governor Northam to allow Senate Bill 861 to become law.  As part of the Northern Virginia Back to Work Task Force, the Arlington Chamber called on members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to consider addressing specific priorities when negotiating the fourth round of stimulus responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Arlington Chamber wrote a letter to the Arlington General Assembly delegation urging them to vote against an amendment proposed by Governor Northam that would delay benefit consortia for a year. The Chamber supports the bill passed by the General Assembly to allow small businesses to form benefits consortia to expand access to quality, affordable health care coverage for their employees. The Governor’s amendment would cause small businesses and their employees to wait a year to gain this health care access. The Arlington Chamber wrote a letter to the Arlington General Assembly delegation asking them to support Governor Northam’s proposed amendment to allow electronic meetings during the crisis. Holding electronic meetings during the emergency is essential to ensure that important public business can proceed in a way that minimizes risk to participants.  The Chamber signed onto a national letter organized by the American Society of Association Executives calling on Congress to include 501(c)6 nonprofit associations as eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program in the next round of coronavirus-response legislation. The Chamber wrote a letter to the Arlington County Board commending the Board on its efforts to serve the Arlington community during the coronavirus pandemic and to make specific policy suggestions. To further support the community during this time, the Chamber requested that the Board allocate more funds to Arlington Economic Development’s grants for small businesses, defer tax payments, and extend deadlines for permits and plans. The Chamber looks forward to working with the Board on these matters and to continue its strong partnership with the Board to see the community through this crisis. The Arlington Chamber wrote a letter with four other local Chambers of Commerce asking Governor Northam to propose an amendment that would clarify that public bodies may hold electronic meetings during the coronavirus pandemic on all continuing operations. Holding electronic meetings during the emergency is essential to ensure that important public business can proceed in a way that minimizes risk to participants. Continuing public business during the emergency will help prepare for our economic recovery. As part of the Northern Virginia Back to Work Task Force, the Chamber called on Governor Northam to protect important funding for talent development programs, including the G3 Program, university funding, and the Tech Talent Pipeline programs. The Arlington Chamber co-signed a letter with several other regional Chambers of Commerce addressed to Governor Ralph Northam. The letter requested that the Virginia tax deadline be pushed back to July 15, to coincide with the Federal deadline. ​ The Chamber sent a letter to Representative Beyer and also to Senators Warner and Kaine requesting that 501(c)6 nonprofits be included as eligible for the Payroll Protection Program. These nonprofits are major employers nationally and in our region, provide support to the communities they serve, and are facing the same COVID-19-related impacts as 501(c)3 nonprofits and for profit businesses. The Arlington Chamber joined with business leaders from around the DMV in a letter to the Congressional delegation for Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia to encourage the passing of a stimulus package that delivers economic security needed during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The Arlington Chamber sent a letter to Governor Northam encouraging his signature on Senate Bill 861, which would allow for the creation of benefit consortia. This bill would allow small businesses to form benefits consortia to expand access to quality, affordable health care coverage for their employees.  The Chamber sent a letter to the County Board supporting the redevelopment of 1900 Crystal Drive, including plans that will allow for better traffic flow within the site and access to retailers located in this development.   The Chamber is asking the County Board to delay holding a hearing on a change to the Arlington County Noise Control Ordinance. The County has not sufficiently engaged with affected stakeholders, such as restaurants, to learn about possible consequences of this action and so it is not yet ready to consider the change. The Chamber will support moving ahead with a hearing once the County does the necessary engagement with stakeholders, including businesses.  The Chamber sent a letter to the Arlington County Board expressing support for a plan to renovate the Key Bridge Marriott and two construct two new residential buildings and a public esplanade overlooking the Potomac River on the site. The Chamber joined with other chambers of commerce from across Northern Virginia to call for the General Assembly to restore Governor Northam’s proposed eligibility cap for the “G3” community college financial aid program. An amendment to reduce the maximum household income for participants statewide could prevent an estimated 8,000 potential NOVA students from benefiting from the program due to our region’s high cost of living. The G3 program is a key initiative to support Virginia’s talent pipeline and to help Virginians attain the skills and training for jobs that serve the community. The Arlington Chamber joined area chambers and other business organizations in calling on the General Assembly to HB 729, providing $70 million in additional funding to the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, restoring the funding that was diverted from the NVTA in 2018 which delayed key transportation projects across the region.
  • Chamber Supports Governor Northam's Transportation Package January 30, 2020
          Letter to the House Finance Committee, January 30, 2020
          Letter to the Senate Finance & Appropriations Committee, January 30, 2020
The Chamber encouraged the Virginia General Assembly to support HB 1414 and SB 890, bills which would implement Governor Northam's transportation package. The package includes critical infrastructure projects such as a new Long Bridge and improvements to the Rosslyn Metro station. The improved connectivity across our region will help Virginia to remain and economic leader in the decade to come. The Chamber sent a letter to the Virginia Senate Local Government Committee opposing S.B. 839, a bill which would allow local governments, like the Arlington County Board, to require developers to enter into binding labor contracts as a condition of certain special exception site plan developments.​
  • Chamber Urges General Assembly to Remove Sunset from Transient Occupancy Tax January 21, 2020
          Letter to the House Finance Committee, January 21, 2020
          Letter to the House Finance Subcommittee, January 17, 2020
          Letter to the Senate Finance & Appropriations Committee, January 13, 2020
​The Chamber encouraged the Virginia General Assembly support HB 62 and SB 107, bills which would remove the July 1, 2021 sunset from Arlington County’s additional 0.25 percent Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) that is dedicated to tourism promotion. The TOT surcharge funds tourism and travel promotion, drawing visitor spending into Arlington and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Arlington County and the Chamber have developed a great partnership in tourism promotion, and removing the sunset will allow for longer-range planning. The Chamber sent a letter to the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission encouraging it to adopt the Commission’s proposed work plan for 2020-2021. The NVTC works to increase capacity, accessibility, connectivity, and safety of our regional transit network by maximizing and broadening transit revenues, and engaging with the community to make the system as effective as possible for commuters. We particularly appreciate the work plan’s inclusion of engagement with chambers of commerce and look forward to continuing to collaborate with the NVTC.​ The proposed service reductions for 2022 will fall hardest on our region’s service sector workforce.  The Arlington Chamber of Commerce encourages the County Board to adopt the proposed ordinance to authorize non-commercial banners in the Ballston Business Improvement District (BID). This signage will support the Ballston BID’s placemaking work and build on its Ballston “full” campaign. This action would build on the County Board’s adoption of a similar ordinance for the National Landing BID last month and provide another example of how expanding the use of banners and other signage will enhance neighborhoods throughout Arlington.  The Arlington Chamber of Commerce supports the broad policy goals of the Community Energy Plan (CEP). The target of net-zero CO2 equivalent emission by 2050 is aspirational, and can be an impetus for innovation. But there is also the risk of losing the plan’s sensitivity to individual circumstances if its implementation is too prescriptive. Arlington County should ensure sufficient flexibility in implementing the plan so that it is viable and economically feasible for businesses and residents, including the availability to consumers of a diverse range of energy choices in meeting growing energy needs. 
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