Policy & Advocacy
Events
An overview of our Policy & Advocacy events.
Candidate Interviews
Watch our interviews with candidates for local elections.
Committees & Councils
The function of our Policy Advisory Committee.
Key Issues
Our legislative agenda and policy initiatives.
Helpful Links
Useful links to our local government and advocacy organizations.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Invest in the Chamber and promote your brand at Policy & Advocacy events.
An integral component of the Chamber's mission is to communicate the views of the business community to our elected officials. The Advocacy department identifies, prioritizes and recommends policy to our Board of Directors for those issues that affect our local economy, business environment and quality of life in Tampa Bay.
Benchmarking
For more than two decades the Chamber has taken an annual Benchmarking Visit to investigate programs and initiatives in a city similar to our community. It gives us a chance to study other great cities and adapt best practices to meet the growing needs of Tampa Bay. Recent program focuses have included workforce development, innovation, education, healthcare, downtown and waterfront redevelopment, policy & business impact, and young professional attraction & retention. A sample of past visits beginning with the most recent include Dallas, Boston, Research Triangle (Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill), San Antonio, Charlotte, Toronto, and Austin.
Face the Chamber: Mayor’s Breakfast
The Mayor’s annual address to the Chamber takes place at this event. The program includes the popular segment where the mayor is placed on the proverbial hot seat, as the moderator asks the tough questions on behalf of the business community. Chamber members join us to hear the mayor’s responses and learn what we as a Chamber can do to help move Tampa Bay forward.
Hob Nob
This premier election event gives voters an opportunity to meet candidates for all elected positions, from Congress to county commission. This biennial gathering is the pinnacle of election seats, drawing crowds of over 50 candidates and 600 constituents. This event will take place in 2026.
Legislative Kickoff
Legislative Kickoff is a pre-session reception featuring the Hillsborough County legislative delegation and the release of the Tampa Bay Chamber Legislative Agenda.
Legislative Wrap-Up
Legislative Wrap-up is a luncheon following the close of Legislative Session. Our state senators and representatives from Hillsborough County discuss the legislative session and the Chamber Legislative Agenda.
Public Policy Roundtables
The Chamber welcomes Tampa Bay’s elected officials and policy experts to our semiannual breakfasts designed to give our members a better understanding of key issues and legislation that could affect our local economy.
The Policy Advisory Committee surveys Chamber members to identify legislative issues of high importance to the business community and provides recommendations for the annual Legislative Agenda. Through out the year they monitor and keep members informed on pending legislation of business interest at the federal, state and local levels.
2026 Chair
Monica Maybank, The Almond Group
2026 Vice-Chair
Michael Blasco, Tampa Bay Food Trucks
Staff Contact
Nzinga Barnette – Director, Advocacy
Government Agency Links
- City of Tampa
- Tampa City Council
- Tampa Mayor's Office
- Hillsborough County
- Board of County Commissioners
- Hillsborough County School District
- Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections
- State of Florida
- Governor's Office
- Florida House of Representatives
- Florida Senate
- Select Florida
- Florida Economic Development Council
Business Advocacy Links
Related News
Events
An overview of our Policy & Advocacy events.
Candidate Interviews
Watch our interviews with candidates for local elections.
Committees & Councils
The function of our Policy Advisory Committee.
Key Issues
Our legislative agenda and policy initiatives.
Helpful Links
Useful links to our local government and advocacy organizations.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Invest in the Chamber and promote your brand at Policy & Advocacy events.