When the census takes place every 10 years, a great deal of the attention for counting the number of people living in the United States is placed on how many members each state will get in the U.S. House of Representatives. In a similar manner, Ohio and other states use this information in redrawing state House and Senate district lines. Who represents you in Columbus and Washington absolutely matters.

At Toledo City Council’s regular meeting on January 14 at 4:00 p.m., a vote is possible on Ordinance 2-20 which would require additional construction contractors to complete examinations and obtain a local license to perform work in the city. The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce strongly opposes this ordinance due to its potential negative impact on business growth and jobs.

​Due to the potential negative impact on business growth and jobs, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce opposes Toledo City Council Ordinance 2-20. This proposal would require additional construction contractors to complete examinations and obtain a local license to perform work in the city. A hearing will take place before Council’s Regional Growth, Development & Small Business Enterprise Committee on Wednesday, January 8 at 2:00 p.m. on the first floor of One Government Center located on Jackson Boulevard in downtown Toledo.

By Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

Prior to Toledo City Council’s January 2 session at 5:30 p.m., District 3 Councilwoman-Elect Theresa Gadus and District 5 Councilman-Elect Sam Melden are expected to be sworn in for the seats they were elected to in November. Ms. Gadus will succeed former councilman Peter Ujvagi and Mr. Melden will succeed former councilman Tom Waniewski. Returning district council members include Tyrone Riley (District 1), Matt Cherry (District 2), and Yvonne Harper (District 4). At-large council members currently in the middle of their 4-year term include Cecelia Adams, Gary Johnson, Nick Komives, Rob Ludeman, and Larry Sykes. An at-large vacancy was created effective December 31 with the resignation of Sandy Spang who took a role in the City’s economic development department. Council has 30 days from that date to select a replacement who according to city charter must run in the November 2020 general election to retain the seat for the remainder of the term that expires at the end of 2021.

It’s hard to believe 2019 will come to an end in just three short weeks. Over the past year, your Advocacy and Public Policy (APP) team has been working to improve transportation infrastructure and options, provide access to elected officials and key policy makers, expand career awareness, and advocate for ways to make it easier to do business in the region.

By Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

Have you ever thought about running for office or being appointed to a board or commission? Ever wonder why it seems like there are too many hoops to jump through when doing business with the government? Then the Institute for Leadership & Advocacy might be right for you!

​At its regular meeting at 4:00 p.m. on December 10, Toledo City Council is expected to vote on Ordinance 543-19 which would approve Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz’s request to submit for the March 17 ballot an increase of the city’s temporary income tax from 0.75 to 1.25 percent. If ultimately approved by Toledo voters the tax would be for a period of 10 years and bring the city’s total income tax rate to 2.75 percent effective July 2020. The proposal would allocate 40 percent of the revenue from the 1.25 percent tax for capital spending and the remaining 60 percent for operations, and would eliminate the ability to transfer the capital portion of that revenue for operating expenses. It would not change the existing allocation associated with the 1.50 percent that is permanent. Council must act on the ordinance by December 18 in order for the issue to be placed on the March ballot.

​In November 2018, City of Toledo voters established the Regional Water Commission in the City Charter. The Commission consists of the Toledo director in charge of public utilities and the director or commissioner in charge of public utilities from each contracting community. A primary duty of the Commission is to propose water rates for customers in the system. Toledo and each of its contract communities have the power to add additional charges for the operation and maintenance of the system within their community, often referred to as the retail rate. 

At its regular meeting at 4:00 p.m. on November 26, Toledo City Council is expected to refer to committee Ordinances 543-19 and 544-19 regarding Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz’s request to submit for the March 17 ballot an increase of the city’s temporary income tax from 0.75 to 1.25 percent. If ultimately approved by Toledo voters the tax would be for a period of 10 years and bring the city’s total income tax rate to 2.75 percent effective July 2020. The proposal would allocate 40 percent of the revenue for capital spending and 60 percent for operations, and would eliminate the ability to transfer the capital portion of that revenue for operating expenses. A hearing on the ordinances will take place before Council’s Committee of the Whole at 4:00 p.m. on December 3. Council must act by December 18 in order for the issue to be placed on the March ballot.

​As we honor and celebrate the achievements and sacrifices of our nation’s veterans this week, did you know that the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce has a military affairs committee?