BASTROP CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Public Policy Guide 2023-2024

from Public Policy Guide 2023-2024

Confidentiality Notice

This document is the property of the Bastrop Chamber. Access to the original document may be obtained by visiting www.bastropchamber.com, or by calling (512) 303-0558.

We Are Speaking Up for You!

With nearly 800 members representing almost 10,000 full-time jobs, the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce is the largest business association in Bastrop County. This Public Policy Guide was created by the Governmental Affairs Committee to educate members, elected officials, and the community at large about the Bastrop Chamber’s position on issues affecting the business community in Bastrop County and the surrounding market area. We worked closely with the Bastrop Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) and Bastrop Independent School District (BISD) along with input from the City of Bastrop and Bastrop County to produce this guide

This Public Policy Guide is actively shared with elected officials and is readily available in print from the Chamber office or through website links on BastropChamber.com and BastropVotes.com.

In addition, your Bastrop Chamber promotes voting and civic involvement in Bastrop County in multiple ways:

 BastropVotes.com website – redesigned and refreshed in 2022

Includes information designed to educate our community about candidates, dates and locations of upcoming candidate forums, descriptions of elected offices, contact information for your elected representatives, precinct maps, and other information to have a more educated voter base. The most recent voting records for Texas state legislators and U.S. congressional members can also be found on the site.

 Actively registering citizens to vote

All Chamber staff are Deputy Voter Registrars, and we provide several opportunities throughout the year for citizens to register to vote.

 Conducting candidate forums so citizens can see and hear from candidates themselves

 Serving as a resource for fair, impartial, and insightful information about local elections

Advocacy and connections are central to our purpose. Please join us in this effort of a “Bigger Better Bastrop” for our business community, our motto dating back to 1922!

Becki Womble, CCE, IOM President/CEO

Who We Are

The Bastrop Chamber of Commerce was established on January 14, 1922, by a group of energetic and motivated business leaders in the community. Throughout the years, the Bastrop Chamber has grown from that initial small group of local businesses to nearly 800 diversified businesses of all sizes, non-profit and civic organizations, and individual members throughout the county of Bastrop and Central Texas.

For more than 100 years, the Chamber of Commerce has been Bastrop’s “Voice of Business in Bastrop County,” advocating on behalf of business interests. Our financial strength comes from the voluntary membership investments of businesses and individuals. These visionary and strategic community leaders are driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a dedication to improving the business economy and quality of life for all the citizens in the greater Bastrop area. With its pro-business agenda, the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce assists greatly with workforce development and job creation through stimulation of industrial and commercial growth.

Armed with passion and vision, our members, board of directors, volunteers, and professional full-time staff have combined power and energy to build upon past progress. The needs of our members and our communities will continue to be the vehicle that drives our success and prosperity going forward.

Our Mission – To improve business prosperity, and thereby the quality of life in Bastrop County, through leadership, advocacy, and collaboration.

Our Vision – The Bastrop Chamber of Commerce will be recognized as the principal advocate for business, prosperity, and economic sustainability for Bastrop County.

Our Core Values – Ethical, Supportive, Resourceful, Respectful, and Innovative.

Purpose of the Governmental Affairs Committee

The Governmental Affairs Committee identifies the priorities and needs of the business community in Bastrop County and the surrounding market area, establishes policy positions, and communicates with various government entities to enhance member success and community prosperity.

Purpose of Our Public Policy Guide

A politically active Chamber is a great asset to the community. The purpose of the Public Policy Guide is to communicate our priorities to our members, political leaders, and the general public. This Guide will direct our efforts as we interact with the various government entities impacting our membership.

The 2023-2024 Public Policy Guide was based on the results of a membership survey from August 2022. It was vetted by a volunteer sub-committee and reviewed by our Governmental Affairs Committee, which has identified the 2023-2024 priorities. The Governmental Affairs Committee recommended this Public Policy Guide to the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and it was formally approved and adopted by this body on November 16, 2022.

Economic Development

Encouraging economic development is one of the most important services a chamber can provide its members and is critical to the continued success of Bastrop and Bastrop County. Governmental policies and processes that dampen economic development efforts or that restrict free-market activities are of particular interest to the Chamber. This was never clearer than during the global pandemic, which continues to impact our day to day lives and our businesses

Government should consider the direct and indirect impacts of its regulation on local businesses, particularly those impacts which restrain or even prevent normally acceptable business activities, as such actions impact the stability of local economies and the livelihoods of its citizens

Additionally, government should avoid actions that raise the cost of housing and assist in keeping local housing options obtainable for our local workforce.

380 Agreements – 380 Agreements allow a developer and taxing body to negotiate a contract to provide property tax incentives in return for the project meeting performance benchmarks.

• The Chamber SUPPORTS clearly defined 380 Agreements for job creation and manufacturing.

Film & Music Industry – Bastrop enjoys a vibrant film, music, and art community. We are certified as a Film Friendly and Music Friendly Community as well as designated as the “Film Hospitality Capital of Texas” by the state legislature in 2019

• The Chamber SUPPORTS ongoing efforts to attract and strengthen these industries.

Housing – Bastrop is in a period of rapid growth and with population growth comes a need for more housing that is affordable and available.

• We SUPPORT diverse housing projects that help keep supply and demand for residential real estate in balance, thereby keeping local housing options affordable.

• We SUPPORT efforts that would promote home ownership.

• We SUPPORT efforts to ensure our workforce has ongoing access to housing.

Internet Accessibility – the 2020 global pandemic demonstrated that internet accessibility is vital to business success and a strong economy. It is a utility of necessity.

• We SUPPORT efforts to expand equitable and accessible broadband services to businesses and residents through all available means, including the state broadband office, public/private partnerships, and broadband providers.

• We SUPPORT the idea of broadband as a utility of necessity to deliver quality information and business opportunities.

Job Growth – Bastrop has a great deal to offer businesses, and the Chamber welcomes reasonable efforts to encourage them to locate here. Industries that are of particular interest are manufacturing, bio-life sciences, technology, and hospitality and leisure.

• The Chamber SUPPORTS managed growth efforts by all entities to diversify our economy.

Local Government – As a rural community, we too often see a disparate impact of legislation from the State Capitol when compared to more heavily populated areas.

• We SUPPORT measures that give municipalities local control and the flexibility to meet the needs of their own community.

• We OPPOSE unfunded or underfunded mandates from state and federal government that place an undue burden on local governmental bodies.

Planning & Development Services – Bastrop County is the 18th fastest growing county in Texas, per the 2020 Census.

• We SUPPORT streamlined development services, including planning, zoning, and permitting, that do not place unnecessary burdens on business growth.

• We SUPPORT the establishment of coalitions and partnerships to support managed growth initiatives.

• We SUPPORT infrastructure development and improvements, including roads, drainage, utility and internet access, and transportation planning.

• We OPPOSE processes that impede new business development and existing business expansion.

Austin Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) Utilization – One of our most important transportation resources is also one of our most underutilized assets. Bastrop is 24 miles from Austin Bergstrom International Airport. Airports are major economic engines, and there are many ways to participate in the trade that comes with proximity to a major airport.

• The Chamber SUPPORTS the promotion of Bastrop’s proximity to ABIA, considering that its citizens have more convenient access to the airport than many Austin residents.

Retail – Bastrop is the retail hub of a 191-square mile market area with particularly strong ties to our east and south. It benefits greatly from its physical and economic position.

• The Chamber SUPPORTS efforts to attract retail businesses that increase the breadth of products and services offered to the citizens in our area.

Tourism Efforts – Tourism is a vital part of the economy in and around Bastrop. It is one of the most promising industries of potential growth. Tourism is often a springboard for economic development and business growth.

• We SUPPORT the continued use of Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) to fully fund Visit Bastrop, Bastrop’s Destination Marketing Organization, an independent 501(c)6 organization

• We SUPPORT Visit Bastrop in bringing new and innovative programs that encourage and inspire visitors to come to Bastrop.

• We SUPPORT Explore Bastrop County in its efforts to bring more tourism assets to Bastrop County.

Workforce Development – Workforce development is vital to a strong business community.

• We SUPPORT programs that aid in workforce training and trade certifications.

• We SUPPORT efforts of local schools and employers to prepare individuals to enter the workforce by providing training in areas that the market demands, including attracting technical and other postsecondary colleges and schools to locate in the community.

• We SUPPORT public/private partnerships between higher education institutions, public school districts, and the local workforce to promote postsecondary readiness and to foster cooperation between schools and industry as they work to meet their common goals.

Education

Nothing attracts employers and residents better than a first-class education system. It is also the best way to improve long-term quality of life for any community. The Chamber supports efforts to provide the highest quality, most diverse educational opportunities possible for our citizens.

Whether it’s early childhood development, work skills training, trade certifications, or the availability of postsecondary education options, it is important that our region offers varied means of meeting the needs of students and our workforce, as well as the economic challenges of our community.

• We SUPPORT a school finance system that raises the per pupil funding for Texas public schools to at least the national average.

• We SUPPORT the use of enrollment versus attendance as the standard for school funding.

• We SUPPORT protecting current and future funding solutions for public education (HB3, Texas State Legislature, 2019).

• We SUPPORT measures giving school districts local control and flexibility to meet the needs of students, teachers, and community.

• We SUPPORT future school bonds to build and improve public education facilities.

• We SUPPORT local access to community college and/or university level education.

• We SUPPORT funding full-day pre-k programs for all students.

• We SUPPORT quality after-school programs so that families have a safe environment for their children.

• We OPPOSE any unfunded mandates placed on our public schools.

• We OPPOSE any state voucher plan, tax credits, tuition reimbursements, or any program that diverts public tax dollars

HEALTHCARE - With the continuing growth and aging population, access to quality healthcare is an important component in attracting employers, enhancing the quality of life, and improving the overall health of our community.

• We SUPPORT ongoing efforts to expand local healthcare services and strengthen access to options that are both appropriate and affordable

• We SUPPORT strategic community partnerships with Ascension/Seton Hospital and St. David’s Emergency Center and other medical providers in the Bastrop area.

• We SUPPORT the development of medical facilities for expanded in-patient care.

• We SUPPORT collaboration among healthcare providers on programs that manage the cost for providers and patients.

• We SUPPORT the protection of Texas healthcare providers from payment or reimbursement reductions within Medicaid or other subsidized programs.

• We SUPPORT the recruitment of and access to affordable primary care providers.

LIFE SCIENCES RESEARCH - When combined with concentrated employment in medical supplies and labs, Bastrop is positioned to be a highly competitive location for the continued development of biotechnology products and provision of healthcare services.

• The Chamber SUPPORTS efforts to capture a larger share of growth in the life sciences and biotechnology fields occurring throughout the Central Texas region.

Transportation And Roads

Transportation is the circulatory system of an economy. In a high-growth area such as Bastrop, keeping up with the increasing demands on our transportation infrastructure is both challenging and critical.

• We SUPPORT engaging regional and state authorities to ensure our community is well represented and benefits from enhancements to the regional transportation system.

• We SUPPORT state-, county-, and city-wide efforts to improve and expand infrastructures such as roads and utilities

• We SUPPORT CAMPO projects that align with local and regional transportation plans.

• We SUPPORT developers paying their fair share of required road and infrastructure improvements.

Natural Resources

Bastrop is blessed with a wonderful diversity of valuable natural resources which have attracted people to this area for many generations. From our pine forest to the Colorado River, it is in the interest of the businesses and citizens of this community to preserve these gifts while making the best use of them.

Forest – It was the “Lost Pines” of this area that gave Bastrop a prominent place in the history of our great state. Most of the wood used in the early construction of the Capitol was harvested around Bastrop. Though lumber is no longer a major industry, our forest provides residents and a wide range of visitors with a place to relax and enjoy its natural beauty. Bastrop and Buescher State Parks are some of the finest in the state

• We SUPPORT strengthening both the facilities and the programs available

• We SUPPORT continued efforts to reestablish the forest after the devastating fires of 2011, 2015, and 2022.

River – The Lower Colorado River is a great source of beauty and recreation for residents of Bastrop County and our guests. It also can bring tremendous destruction in the form of floods.

• We SUPPORT efforts to develop increased opportunities for river recreation.

• We SUPPORT the conservation and protection of the river and its watershed.

Ground Water – The Chamber recognizes that our local supply of water is increasingly strained by a growing population, farming, manufacturing, and the various collected demands of society. Increases in population, changes in laws regulating water rights, and a growing economy will place additional demands on already stressed water supplies.

• The Chamber SUPPORTS sustainable water conservation measures and recognizes the importance of water as a valuable resource.

Quality Of Life

Quality of life is defined as the standard of health, comfort, and happiness by an individual or group. Bastrop is where small-town charm meets modern amenities, and we appreciate our past and look forward to the future.

Historic Old Iron Bridge – Built in 1923, this bridge is iconic to Bastrop and is one of the most recognizable images and landmarks in our community. In the Chamber’s 2022 Public Policy Survey, respondents overwhelmingly supported the restoration and preservation of the Historic Old Iron Bridge.

• We SUPPORT efforts of the Bastrop City Council to pursue state and federal funding for its historic preservation, water quality protection from lead-based paint on the bridge, and the development of recreational spaces along the Old Iron Bridge.

• We SUPPORT strategic partnerships, capital campaigns, and/or fundraising efforts to restore and preserve the Old Iron Bridge.

Bastrop Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee

Chair Dr. Kristi Lee, Chair* Bastrop Independent School District

Staff

Becki Womble, CCE, IOM Bastrop Chamber of Commerce

Jami Haney Bastrop Chamber of Commerce

Committee Members

Steve Bridges

Mel Cooper

Curtis Courtney

Josh Coy

Bastrop County Democratic Party

Bastrop County Conservatives

Bastrop County Republican Party

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative

Kerry Fossler* Keller Williams Realty - Kerry Fossler, REALTOR®

Dianna Greenwood* Texas State Rifle Association

Alexander Hamilton First National Bank

Melvin Hamner

John Kirkland

Bastrop County Commissioner Pct. 1

Individual member / Council Member, City of Bastrop

Geoff T Koepp Southwest Business Consultants, Inc.

Jennifer Long

Bastrop Property Group

Jason Mullins Winning Promotions Texas LLC.

Lyle Nelson

Individual member

Kevin Plunkett The Old Town Restaurant & Bar and Piney Creek

Chophouse / Council Member, City of Bastrop

Connie Schroeder, CMO* Mayor, City of Bastrop

Tom Scott*