Chamber News
Chamber's 2026 Legislative Agenda Our legislative priorities for 2026, shaped by insights from our member businesses, were announced in early January
Legislative Priorities KEY PRIORITIES • Support legislative efforts that positively impact talent attraction, retention, and training needs to meet the evolving workforce needs of the Rochester region. • Support legislative efforts that encourage development, promote sustainability, and enhance the Rochester region through investments in infrastructure and projects that positively impact the regional business community. WORKFORCE • Support legislation that reduces barriers to employment and addresses workforce gaps through licensure reform in high-demand careers (Nurse Licensure Compact). • Promote the development of workforce programs and initiatives that develop career pathways, encourage partnerships between industry and education, and increase awareness of high-demand job opportunities. • Advocate for legislation that addresses business concerns relating to existing mandates (Paid Family and Medical Leave) through modifications that support business growth and operational sustainability. INFRASTRUCTURE • Support Olmsted County and the City of Byron’s request for state bonding funds to enhance safety and mobility along the Highway 14 corridor through the construction of interchanges on TH14 at CSAH 3 and CSAH 5, supporting regional development along the TH14 corridor. • Support the City of Rochester’s request for state bonding funds to expand sewer and water pipe capacity which would support the development of 1,000 acres for housing. • Address regional housing needs through the development and expansion of initiatives and resources, while advocating for balanced regulations that encourage development. GENERAL BUSINESS • Support legislative efforts to enhance grid reliability, achieve sustainability goals, and strengthen baseload power capacity through the removal of the nuclear moratorium. • Encourage effective economic development through tax reform, support of programs and incentives, and a streamlined permitting process that enables investment, drives business growth, and makes Minnesota competitive in business attraction and retention.
As the start of Minnesota's legislative session nears, starting on February 17th, the Chamber is excited to announce our 2026 legislative agenda! This guiding document for our advocacy efforts, is shaped by the input of our members, the business community, ranging from small business discussions, medium sized employer conversations, and meetings with large employers and community partners. As with previous years, the Chamber will continue serving as the voice of Rochester area businesses at the capitol, advocating on behalf of our business community. The 2026 Legislative Agenda is detailed on the right side and includes a focus on supporting legislative efforts to address workforce needs of the region, support of investments in infrastructure and projects that positively impact the business community, the development and expansion of initiatives to address housing needs, and more.
STAY UPDATED OUR ADVOCACY EFFORTS
Learn about our advocacy efforts, bills we are tracking during the session, sign up to receive our email updates, and download our Legislative Agenda by scanning the QR code or visiting www.rochestermnchamber.com/ advocacy
FEBRUARY 2026 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 33
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