MetroNorth Advocacy

Keeping Costs Down

While states across the country are permanently cutting taxes, reducing regulatory burdens and addressing affordability for businesses, Minnesota is becoming a cost outlier with the enactment of numerous anti-employer policies that are driving up costs.
The 2023 and 2024 Legislative Sessions brought costly and complicated mandates, tax increases and more regulations. Unsustainable state spending increases of more than 35% have now put Minnesota at risk for a budget deficit putting even greater strain on the private sector and the state economy. Costs matter – for employers and their employees. Many small businesses in Minnesota are seeing cost increases via mandates, tax increases, and various regulations. We want to ensure that policies do not impose excessive and/or burdensome taxes and fees on employers.

Environmental Permitting Reform

Businesses seek expansions outside of Minnesota due to the state’s arduous permitting process, and those that do invest here are often faced with greater uncertainty and lengthier timelines than what may be experienced in other states. Site selectors have pegged Minnesota as unfriendly on the criteria of environmental permitting, taking it off the list for potential investment. We advocate for reforms of the state's permitting processes, and believe Minnesota's environmental permitting can protect natural resources AND be reliable for businesses. The MetroNorth Chamber and the MN Chamber Federation will proactively advocate for reforms to Minnesota’s permitting process. Minnesota’s environmental permitting process can both protect the state’s cherished natural resources and produce timely and reliable outcomes for businesses; achieving this goal is one important step to help Minnesota compete in the 21st century economy.

Educating on Workplace Mandates

We seek to educate businesses on mandates that may affect them, ensuring they have the tools and resources they need. Similarly, we will advocate against further workplace mandates that harm the employer/employee relationship and make it more difficult, and expensive, to operate a business in Minnesota.

Each quarter, Blaine and Coon Rapids both hold a business council meeting where business owners are updated on goings-on in their community—from developments in infrastructure to economic changes. These meetings are a great way to stay informed about your community and network with other business professionals!

Learn more about our upcoming business councils below:

Blaine Business Council Dates

Coon Rapids Business Council Dates

A gathering of legislators and employers to discuss all things business and business-related policy.

 

See below for videos from our 2024 State of Business Program:

 

Our annual Legislative Receptions are an opportunity for businesspeople and legislators to connect and discuss business-related policy. Attendees also hear from the Chamber on its key issues and legislative priorities.

Take a look at some pictures from our 2024 Legislative Reception!

The MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors unanimously approved the following resolution on July 9th.

RESOLUTION CALLING FOR RENEWED CIVILITY IN POLITICAL DISCOURSE AND A RECOMMITMENT TO RESPECTFUL GOVERNANCE IN THE WAKE OF THE TRAGEDY INVOLVING THE HORTMAN AND HOFFMAN FAMILIES

WHEREAS, the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce mourns the tragic and senseless murder of Melissa and Mark Hortman and the attempted murder of Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman—an act of violence that has deeply shaken our community, state, and nation;

WHEREAS, Melissa Hortman, a former Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, and Senator John Hoffman have long served our state with distinction, working tirelessly to improve the lives of Minnesotans through public service;

WHEREAS, this heartbreaking incident stands as a grim reminder of the dangerous consequences of increasingly toxic and polarized political discourse in our country;

WHEREAS, regardless of political affiliation, we must reaffirm that violence, hatred, and intimidation have no place in our democracy, and that we are strongest when we engage with one another through respect, compassion, and civil dialogue;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce extends its deepest condolences to the families of Melissa and Mark Hortman, and its heartfelt support to Senator John and Yvette Hoffman as they recover and heal;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board calls for a renewed commitment to civility in politics and public life—urging elected officials, civic leaders, and community members to model respectful behavior, especially in moments of disagreement;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we condemn any form of political violence or rhetoric that incites division or harm, and instead reaffirm our dedication to the values of democratic governance, mutual respect, and constructive engagement.

ADOPTED this 9th day of July 2025 by the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce.