Advocacy

The Chamber is a leading advocate for business in Manhattan and beyond.

Our Work

The Chamber is a thought leader on the future of the city’s economy and the collective voice for business on public policy and economic development decisions at all levels of government.

We are working to create and sustain a favorable business environment in which all businesses can grow and prosper. We are working to create a better New York.

Latest Issues

New York’s Post-COVID Economic Recovery: The Chamber is partnering with city and state government and other organizations and companies to accelerate the city’s rebound in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Chamber CEO was appointed to the “New” New York panel convened by Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul – Final Report (December 2022)

Crime and Public Safety: The adverse effects of crime are having a severe impact on the quality of life and safety of New Yorkers and visitors.

Economic Impact Statements: New York City does not currently have a formal process to analyze the impact that proposed legislation might have on jobs and the economy. New York City government must develop the capacity for economic analysis of legislation. Policymakers and the public must understand the potential consequences of bills before they are voted upon. This evaluative function could either be housed within the Independent Budget Office or the Comptroller's Office.

Commercial Rent Tax: Thousands of storefront businesses located in Manhattan’s commercial districts and surrounding neighborhoods face unique pandemic recovery challenges such as debt, remote work, fewer visitors, and less foot traffic, yet they are still forced to pay the CRT, which is effectively a 3.9% surcharge levied on their annual rent when it exceeds a given threshold. It is time to permanently eliminate the CRT on all restaurants and retail shops to support their recovery and long-term sustainability. 

  • Chamber CEO Jessica Walker op-ed with colleagues at the NYC Hospitality Alliance and BOMA, urging that retail stores and restaurants be permanently exempted from the tax: "It's time to repeal the Commercial Rent Tax" (April 2023)

Bringing a casino to Manhattan: Siting a casino in Manhattan will help cement our place as the world's pre-eminent tourism destination. Manhattan's transportation infrastructure, cultural attractions and convention facilities at Javits present an unparalleled opportunity to maximize gaming revenue for the city and state—and bring in additional visitors who will shop in our stores and eat in our restaurants.

Congestion pricing: Our organization was a staunch supporter of congestion pricing before COVID for the promise it holds to reduce traffic gridlock and fund transit improvements – both of which are good for businesses and the economy and our residents. We continue to support this policy in principle. However,we now have serious concerns about the timing, as businesses are still trying to rebound in the wake of the pandemic. More time is needed before this policy can responsibly be implemented.

 

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