Engage in Policy
Photo by Member Mark Krancer, Kram Kran Photo
The Advocacy Arm of the JAX Chamber
JAX Alliance is the advocacy arm of the JAX Chamber, working to enact business-friendly policy that encourages sustainable economic growth in Northeast Florida. Our committee works together to make formal policy recommendations to the JAX Chamber Board of Directors.
What we Do
JAX Alliance is composed of business leaders across all sectors who discuss and assess policy issues to make a recommendation to the Chamber Board of Directors. These issues can include decisions relating to sparking downtown development, bolstering international trade, or making it easier for companies to do business in Jacksonville.
Join the Jax Alliance
Once you’ve committed to the JAX Chamber at an investment level of $5,000 or more, your business will be eligible to participate in JAX Alliance and help us drive policy change.
Government Affairs Committee
One of the fundamental strengths of the JAX Chamber is the ability to engage and educate decision makers at all levels of government on business-friendly policy that will stimulate and sustain responsible economic growth. The Government Affairs Committee helps prioritize the key issues for each level of government and then works to develop action plans for staff and volunteers to execute.
How does the Chamber decide on which policy items to focus on?
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE DISCUSSES IDEAS
CONSENSUS ON ISSUES
RECOMMENDATION TO JAX CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AGENDA OR POSITION STATEMENT IS PUBLISHED
Prior Issues of Engagement
Fintech: Supported the creation of Fintech academies to lead training programs and develop the highly skilled workers needed for the growing Fintech sector. Gov. DeSantis announced a $3.6 million grant for Florida State College at Jacksonville and St. Johns River State college. The colleges and JAXUSA Partnership then announced the Northeast Florida Fintech initiative.
Historic Preservation in Downtown Jacksonville: Recommended support for Downtown Preservation and Revitalization Program. The program supported the preservation and development of historic buildings as part of the overall redevelopment of Downtown Jacksonville. The DPRP was approved by City Council and signed into law — and several historic preservation projects have been approved.
Duval County Schools Infrastructure: Supported a referendum to fund Duval County Schools projects to enhance school infrastructure. The referendum was passed by voters.
Business Rent Tax: Supported reducing Florida’s Business Rent Tax, charged for the rental, lease or license to use real property. The rate was 6% prior to advocacy on this issue. During 2021, the Florida Legislature passed a cut of the business rent tax, reducing it from 5.5% to 2%. The tax cut will begin going into effect once Florida’s Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund is replenished.
JAX Alliance Signature Events
Tallahassee Drive-In
Members travel to the state capitol during the legislative session to lobby on behalf of Northeast Florida business issues. The Drive-In provides attendees the opportunity to speak with Northeast Florida legislative members and other experts about driving policy and change on important issues in our community.
DC Fly-In
As the voice of the local business community, JAX Alliance members represent our more than 3,000 members in Washington. This trip is critical in keeping Jacksonville on the map and connecting with our elected representatives on strategic opportunities for our city.
Pulse on Policy
Quarterly breakfasts for Leadership Level members of the JAX Chamber to hear from key legislators on topics that have direct impact for businesses in our region.