First off, our PAC endorsement process is wrapping up, and we’ll be announcing our endorsed candidates within the coming weeks. The MN Chamber’s Leadership Fund PAC has concluded its work for the 2026 election cycle. Linked here are their House and Senate endorsements. Also, for your own education, please refer to our East Metro Voter Guide for East Metro candidate information. 
 
Last week the Saint Paul City Council's Policy Committee included a presentation on minimum tobacco pricing—a proposal that, stripped to its essentials, amounts to government-imposed price controls. Our objection is the same one we've made regarding rent "stabilization": government-mandated price controls are a poor substitute for sound public policy. Good intentions don't exempt bad economics, and Saint Paul can ill afford policies that reduce revenue while searching for ways to grow its tax base. As a friend said last week, "even if you don't like gravity, it's still there."
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The City also released and Council began the process to adopt a proposed overhaul of its franchise fee structure. For commercial and industrial customers already weighing where to invest, expand, or locate, another layer of increased cost sends the wrong signal. If Saint Paul is serious about being "open for business," our policies should reinforce that message—not undercut it. The City Council will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, September 16th during the regular council meeting.  

Policy choices matter. They determine whether cranes continue to dot our skyline, whether vacant storefronts become thriving businesses, and whether employers choose to invest in Saint Paul or somewhere else. Cities don't simply grow because they hope to; they grow because they create an environment where investment is welcomed and success is possible.

See you in the trenches,
 B

On Tuesday of this week, the St. Paul Area Chamber Board voted to affirm its support for a new approach to strengthen business advocacy, member services, and economic vibrancy in St. Paul, the East Metro, and the Twin Cities region.
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The Board is aligned around the opportunity ahead: building on the momentum across St. Paul and our region, strengthening St. Paul's distinct voice, and expanding collaboration to create even greater impact. The work now is to refine the best path forward and take the time to get it right.​

To support that work, the Board will establish a special committee to further develop the strategy. By year-end, the committee will present recommendations to the SPAC Board addressing financial projections, governance, operational assumptions, strategic priorities, and an approach to local and regional advocacy.

We share a commitment to better outcomes for businesses, members, and the communities we serve. By continuing to work together, we are on the right path to strengthen our chamber, advance regional growth, and create an even stronger future for St. Paul and the Twin Cities. The momentum is real, and the opportunity ahead is significant.

To our partners, members, and friends, be encouraged: together, we can build on our shared progress and create even greater impact in the years ahead. More to come!

See you in the trenches, 
B