The United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce remains steadfast in advocating for policies and investments that drive economic growth, strengthen our infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life for our community. As we look to 2025, our legislative priorities focus on securing critical resources, ensuring business-friendly policies, and fostering a thriving workforce.

From water infrastructure and energy resilience to windstorm insurance reform and military investments, our agenda is designed to support long-term prosperity for Corpus Christi and the entire state of Texas. These priorities reflect our mission to champion initiatives that empower local businesses, enhance regional competitiveness, and secure necessary funding for key projects.

🚨 CB to ATX 2025: Our Legislative Priorities 🚨

We’re heading to Austin on February 12 to advocate for policies that drive growth and protect the Coastal Bend’s future! Together, as a unified team, we will engage policymakers and champion a legislative agenda that supports businesses, strengthens our workforce, and secures critical investments for our region.

📌 Key Priorities:

💧 Water – Securing long-term water resources 💦

🌪️ Windstorm Insurance Reform – Fair, affordable coverage for our region 🏠

⚡ Energy – Supporting innovation & industry growth 🔋

👷 Workforce Development – Investing in talent & job training 🎓

🏖️ Tourism – Strengthening our visitor economy 🌴

🎖️ Military – Championing our installations & service members 🇺🇸

This highly anticipated event, hosted in partnership with Visit Corpus Christi and the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation, brings together business leaders, elected officials, and community advocates to amplify Corpus Christi’s voice at the Capitol.

Critical Water Infrastructure

The Chamber supports the development of new water resources, including seawater desalination, aquifer storage, and brackish groundwater solutions. We advocate for increased funding for the Texas Water Fund, particularly grants for water supply projects that ensure sustainable access to water for businesses and residents alike.

Windstorm Insurance Reform

Affordable windstorm insurance is crucial for coastal communities. We advocate for reforms that ensure fair and affordable coverage, including a statewide catastrophe plan with shared costs to protect all Texans from future natural disasters.

Workforce & Education

Economic growth depends on aligning worker skills with industry needs. We support initiatives that foster collaboration between educational institutions and industry partners to create skilled workers and pathways to quality jobs. Investments in workforce development strengthen our economy and provide opportunities for residents to thrive.

Tourism

Tourism is a vital economic driver for Corpus Christi. We strongly support increased funding for state music and film incentives, which create jobs, attract visitors, and showcase our region’s talent on a larger stage.

Military Investments

We advocate for $75 million in Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DEAAG) funding to strengthen Texas military bases and nearby communities against future BRAC decisions. Additionally, we support expanding DEAAG eligibility to include U.S. Coast Guard facilities, ensuring our region remains a stronghold for national security.

Port Corpus Christi Ship Channel Improvement Programs

Enhancing port infrastructure is essential to maintaining Corpus Christi’s position as a global trade hub. We support funding for the Port Capital Improvement Program, which enhances multimodal connectivity, safety, and efficient cargo movement. Additionally, we advocate for the Ship Channel Improvement Revolving Fund to finance channel deepening and widening projects, ensuring Texas ports remain competitive.

Energy Resilience

A stable and diverse energy supply is key to economic growth. We support an all-of-the-above energy strategy, including nuclear energy, to ensure reliable power across Texas. Strengthening the state’s electric grid will enhance resilience and reduce disruptions to businesses and residents.

Permitting Reform

We support a transparent and efficient permitting process that keeps projects on track and drives Texas’ growth. Backing the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s (TCEQ) request for $60 million and 153 new positions will help sustain development while ensuring environmental oversight.

Texas Resilience & Innovation

Addressing port and coastal challenges requires investment in cutting-edge solutions. In partnership with Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and the Texas A&M System, we support funding to develop AI-driven solutions that boost safety, promote sustainability, and enhance workforce skills to maintain Texas ports’ competitiveness amid digital and geopolitical shifts.

Addressing Nursing and Mental Health Challenges

Texas faces significant workforce shortages in nursing and mental health services. We advocate for funding to support students in essential healthcare programs at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, ensuring a pipeline of qualified professionals to meet the region’s growing needs and improve community well-being.

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Multi-Purpose Community Center

We support funding for a convocation center at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, which will serve as a hub for large-scale events, attract top talent, and drive economic growth in the region.

Demolition of Hazardous Structures

We support legislative action to secure a release for Nueces County from the deadline and debt owed to the Texas Historical Commission regarding the old county courthouse. Addressing this issue will allow for redevelopment opportunities that enhance public safety and economic progress.

Our 2025 legislative priorities reflect the Chamber’s dedication to advancing policies that sustain business success, foster workforce development, and position Corpus Christi as a leader in economic resilience. Through strategic advocacy, we will continue working to ensure that our region thrives for generations to come.