Overview

State Advocacy

2026 Chamber Legislative Agenda: The Douglas County Chamber’s Legislative Agenda is created out of the Government Affairs Council and then approved by our Board of Directors.

Economic Development

Support policies and infrastructure that attract diverse businesses and create wage-sustaining jobs. Oppose measures harming or impeding a positive business climate or hindering job creation.

Support development authorities and their role and tools used in recruiting, retaining, and expanding quality jobs.

Support diverse housing options that drive action and deliver more safe, stable and economical housing for residents regardless of their income level.

Support advancements in technology and investments in infrastructure, while considering local input.

Support policies and funding to enhance the quality of life in Douglas, supporting initiatives in areas such as arts and culture, downtown development, parks and recreation, and a safe and inclusive community to live, work, and play.

Support individuals, including people of different races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, genders, and sexual orientations and equity in the workplace and government contracting with minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses.

Water

Support the Dog River Reservoir expansion, ensuring a sustainable water supply for our community and fostering growth in Douglasville-Douglas County.

Support continued management and funding of water resources to meet the needs of the growing population and economy, minimizing costs associated with unfunded mandates.

Support continued review and update of policies for the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District (MNGWPD) to ensure adequate clean water sources.

Support funding for the "tri-state water wars" and continued resolution with neighboring states.

Transportation

Projects:

- I-20/I-285 Interchange: Strongly support expediting the redesign and development of the  I-20/I-285 interchange on the western side of Atlanta to improve traffic flow.

- Lee Road Extension Project: Support funding for Lee Road Extension Project to enhance the quality of life for Douglas County residents, improve safety conditions, provide better access for approximately 15,000 daily users, and serve as a major economic driver for the southern portion of the county.

- State Route 5/I-20 Interchange: Support funding for State Route 5/I-20 Interchange Project to enhance the quality of life for Douglasville residents, to alleviate traffic congestion, encourage economic growth, and enhance the quality of life in our region.

- Mirror Lake Boulevard/US 78: Support funding to build a new ramp at Mirror Lake Blvd. and US 78 to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance safety in the area.

Support additional flexibility in how local governments fund transportation infrastructure and expansions.

Support continued transit service coordination, seamless interconnections, and increased resources for Douglas County residents.

Support investments in alternative forms of transportation to provide diverse options for commuters and residents.

Education & Workforce Development

Support adequate funding for public education to provide an excellent education to every student.

Support funding and resources for University of West Georgia, West Georgia Technical College, and other local institutions. We champion initiatives that enhance their missions to foster strong partnerships and diverse career pathways to ensure a skilled, thriving workforce in Douglas.

Support a robust education system that equips Georgians with the skills needed for success in the 21st-century economy. This includes supporting funding and resources throughout the cradle-to-career pipeline, emphasizing high-demand fields, and expanding access to diverse educational pathways, including career and technical education, higher education, and industry-recognized certifications.

Support a strong public education system with adequate funding, aligned with state constitutional provisions. This includes supporting one school resource officer and one counselor for every 250 students, and a robust retirement system to attract and retain high-quality educators

Support policy that encourages or funds loan forgiveness for mental health, public health, and public safety personnel

Healthcare

Support policy and funding to strengthen the healthcare system by expanding our workforce, reducing costs for small businesses, and increasing access to quality care.

Support the expansion of mental health services in the state through increased state funding, building a more robust network of providers, and reducing regulatory barriers.

Support continuation of tax-exemption for not-for-profit hospitals.

Support the maintenance of an effective Certificate of Need (CON) Program.

Public Safety

Support efforts to diversify funding sources for district attorney offices to include efforts for reentry into the workforce.

Support increased funding for organizations that utilize Victims of Crimes Act (VOCA) funds.

Support critical technology upgrades, advancements, equipment, and training initiatives for our public safety entities in Douglas.

Support University of West Georgia and its ALETE program (Academic Law Enforcement Training Exchange) that provides Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified officers to graduating members.

Regional Business Coalition

The Regional Business Coalition of Metropolitan Atlanta (RBC) is a not-for-profit association of over a dozen local Chambers of Commerce throughout the metro Atlanta region.

Each year, the RBC, in conjunction with all local metro Atlanta Chambers of Commerce, adopts a legislative agenda that outlines the core legislative issues agreed upon by the local Chambers. The RBC focuses primarily on three key public policy issues: transportation, air quality and water quality.

For more information on the RBC, visit their website – atlregionalbusiness.org

Atlanta Regional Commission

The Atlanta Regional Commission is the regional planning and intergovernmental coordination agency for the 10-county Atlanta region. Since 1947, ARC and its predecessor agencies have helped focus the region’s leadership, attention and resources on critical issues.

For more information about the ARC, visit www.atlantaregional.org

Douglas County Day at the Capitol

Join Douglas County Chamber Board of Directors and community stakeholders for the Day at the Capitol! Attendees have the opportunity to interact with members of the Douglas County delegation and key policymakers from both the House and Senate. The day also includes breakfast, special recognition in the House and Senate, and photo opportunities in the Capitol Rotunda.

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2026 LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

During each Georgia Legislative Session, the Douglas County Chamber shares weekly legislative updates provided by the Regional Business Coalition to help keep our business community informed on key issues, policy discussions, and legislation impacting Georgia businesses and local communities.

Week 1 Update

Week 2 Update

Week 3 Update

Week 4 Update

Week 5 Update

Week 6 Update

Week 7 Update

Crossover Day

Week 9 Update

Week 10 Update

Week 11 Update

Week 12 Update