Legislative Platform
The Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce and the Aberdeen Development Corporation have developed a Legislative Platform to guide our organizations' efforts in key areas locally and nationally.
Legislative Platform
Key Policy Areas
Education
We support education as a vital component of a strong local economy. This includes state investment in Northern State University, its students and all programs and facilities which serve the workforce needs. Keeping college and tech education affordable for the student population while balancing other needs is also vital. Furthermore, we support the development of new programming at NSU; including the nursing program to meet workforce demands. Continued funding support of K-12 education, and early education opportunities for the greater Aberdeen region are a constant.
Workforce
We support and advocate for policy that encourages thriving employment opportunities within our community and aids in recruiting, retaining, and educating a workforce to fill employment needs in the greater Aberdeen Area. This includes creating and supporting long-term solutions for the childcare shortage, which is further burdening workforce in our region.
Energy, Water & Infrastructure
We support secure, reliable, and affordable energy development and distribution. This includes prioritizing bringing new/additional water sources to Northeastern South Dakota, without which the region cannot sustain, let alone grow.
Local Government
We support assistance for local government to meet the needs of their residents.
Health Care
We support policies that enable employers to hire and retain a healthy and productive workforce. We also support the continuum of long-term care and mental health needs Economic and Community Development. We support statewide and local economic and community development services to promote, grow and support the region; including future housing development projects.
Transportation
We support the growth and development of expanded transportation options and availability to and from the greater Aberdeen area, including but not limited to roads, transit, air, and rail movement of goods and the populous.
Opportunity
We support efforts that encourage population growth through opportunities for all. Encouraging collaboration and involvement of various entities in support of creating a welcoming community.
