The Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County is an independent organization dedicated to advancing the business interests of our members by delivering strong advocacy, business development education, reliable information, and strategic resources.

We are committed to supporting the growth, stability, and long-term success of the businesses we serve, ensuring they have the tools, connections, and resources necessary to compete and excel in Palm Beach County.

As part of our advocacy work, the Chamber monitors policies that impact our local economy and supports initiatives that strengthen small businesses, workforce development, and economic opportunity.

Below are the key legislative priorities identified by the Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County.

Business Priorities

1. Housing & Insurance Costs

Housing affordability and rising insurance costs continue to affect businesses, employees, and communities throughout Palm Beach County.

The Chamber supports policies that help stabilize housing markets and reduce financial pressure on residents and businesses.

Key priorities include:

• Support the full funding of the State Affordable Housing Trust Fund (Sadowski Funds) so more local workers can receive assistance for home purchases in Palm Beach County.

• Grow the My Safe Florida Home & Condo Program by supporting continued state funding so homeowners can strengthen their properties and help reduce insurance costs.

2. Capital for Local Business

Access to capital remains one of the most critical challenges facing small businesses and entrepreneurs.

The Chamber supports programs that expand access to affordable financing and resources that allow businesses to grow, hire employees, and invest in their communities.

Key priorities include:

• Support FloridaCommerce loan tools such as SSBCI and the Rebuild Florida Business Loan Fund to increase access to low-cost loans for small businesses.

• Support the Palm Beach County Business Loan Program through state matching and partnerships to provide working capital and growth opportunities for local businesses.

3. Workforce Housing & Property Taxes

A stable business environment requires balanced policies that do not shift financial burdens onto small businesses and commercial property owners.

Key priority:

• Oppose property-tax changes that shift burdens onto commercial and business property owners.

4. Promote Workforce & Talent Development

Workforce development is essential to the continued growth of Palm Beach County’s economy. Businesses depend on access to skilled talent, and residents benefit from training opportunities that lead to quality employment.

Key priorities include:

• Support Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in Palm Beach County that link local schools, colleges, and employers to high-growth sectors such as technology, healthcare, and logistics.

• Support policies that reduce obstacles such as transportation, childcare, and digital access, allowing residents to enter training programs and enabling businesses to hire local talent.

5. Education

Investment in education plays a critical role in preparing the next generation of business leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs.

Key priority:

• Support investment in traditional public-school education to help create a strong, educated workforce and maintain a skilled local talent pipeline.

Contact

Keely Gideon-Taylor
President, Board of Directors
📧 president@blackchamberpbc.com
📞 561-707-7993 (Direct)

Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County
560 Village Boulevard, Suite 120 #19
West Palm Beach, FL 33409

📞 Telephone: 561-282-9657