By Randy Martinsen

Did you know that the Napa Chamber of Commerce is one of the only Chambers in our area that does NOT receive funding from government sources? This makes our Chamber a stronger voice for legislative action when advocating for our members. In order to make our voice even stronger, we have a process by which we hear all sides to an issue before debating it and giving our opinion.

Let me give you an example of how this process works: In late 2008, the Chamber was asked to review the Public Arts ordinance by some concerned members. The body at the Chamber who reviews these requests is the Legislative Action Committee (LAC). Both sides of the argument were invited, including the City Planning Department. LAC read the draft ordinance, heard presentations and asked questions. A white paper was written from the Chamber and approved by the Board of Directors to give City staff direction on some items that the Chamber thought should be improved.

In January 2009, the Chamber received a new presentation from the Arts Council Napa Valley, which addressed some of the recommendations given to the City in the white paper. The City of Napa Planning Department was in attendance and more questions were asked and discussion of the ordinance was tabled until the draft ordinance was ready for review by LAC.

The following May (2009) another presentation and revision of the ordinance was discussed. There was consensus to support the Public Art Ordinance as amended and acknowledge city work and support the temporary delay in building fees until the economy improves. A decision is made to wait on presenting a recommendation to Executive Committee until there was a revised request; which was made in December, 2009.

In January of 2010, LAC revisited the ordinance support question. With the changes LAC made a motion to send a request to Executive Committee to support the ordinance as amended. This information is then discussed in the following Executive Committee meeting where LAC’s recommendation may be ratified or amended before it is presented to the Chamber Board of Directors for further discussion and a final vote for action. If a decision can’t wait for Executive Committee review it may go directly to the Board for discussion.

There are four possible outcomes. 1) Support the request; 2) Oppose the request; 3) Neutral - Neither agree nor disagree, either position will not adversely affect Chamber Members, and individual Members are not encouraged one way or the other; or 4) No Position – this decision means it is something outside the scope of the Chamber’s vision and goals, and the Board takes no position on it at all.

In this case the majority of the Board agreed to send a letter to the City to encourage adoption of the ordinance for helping to sustain growth in the City of Napa.

Not all issues take this long, but some do. So, when you have an important issue to get help from your Chamber to advocate for you, remember the process and make sure you submit your request early. No position is made without carefully going through the process. This makes our opinion carry much more weight than it would otherwise.

more info...

2009 Legislative Action Committee Report
Chamber Positions

Legislative Action Committee (LAC)
One of the most active committees of the Napa Chamber of Commerce is the Board appointed 19-member Legislative Action Committee. This committee is charged with thoroughly investigating any public policy issue that the Chamber is asked to take a position on. All subjects are reviewed by being compared to the Chamber’s 5-Year Community Vision. Balanced presentations of the pros and cons of each issue are followed by discussion, lively debates and ultimately, recommendations to the Board. Members of this committee are appointed to one year terms by the Board. For more information, contact Lisa Batto, President & CEO lisa@napachamber.com.

Click HERE for information on all of the Napa Chamber committees.