- State and Local Work
Driving State and Local Action
At the start of the year, we anticipated that many of the legal and regulatory battles we had taken on at the federal level would migrate to the states. That prediction proved true.
That’s why the Chamber expanded our presence and capabilities across state capitals—building coalitions, launching public affairs initiatives, and equipping local business leaders to push back against harmful policies.
Defended fair and predictable state legal systems
- Legal ReformsSecured landmark legal reforms in Georgia and Oklahoma to curb lawsuit abuse and create fairer, more predictable legal systems.
- ClimateChallenged California’s climate disclosure laws and Vermont’s retroactive liability scheme, while securing victories in Maryland and New York.
- TechnologyAddressed challenges in AI, data privacy, and autonomous vehicle policies, successfully blocking or amending problematic legislation in states like Connecticut, Arkansas, and New Mexico.
- AntitrustEngaged in state-level advocacy to counter antitrust law expansions, price controls, and noncompete restrictions. Organized a coalition in opposition to California’s separate legal standards for reviewing mergers and blocked subscription models and fee regulations in Pennsylvania.
- Retroactive LiabilityDeveloped targeted messaging and advocacy to ensure victories in 15 states that tried to implement retroactive liability assessments for “climate effects” on companies providing lawful products.
The Chamber kicked off our year in Dallas with our State of American Business Address, where we delivered a clear message: all business is local.
That became the throughline of our work in 2025. We ensured that our advocacy in Washington—and our leadership around the world—remained grounded in the needs and realities of the communities where American businesses grow, hire, invest, and operate.
Engaged our federation of state and local chambers
- Hosted 147 fly-insLeveraged the Chamber’s unparalleled grassroots network of business advocates, hosting 147 fly-ins for state and local chambers from across the country to canvas Capitol Hill and advance pro-growth priorities.
- Led 14 coalition lettersRallied state and local chambers and national trade associations to advance pro-growth policies, leading 14 coalition letters on priority issues for the business community.
- Provided 466 briefingsHosted 466 briefings for our federation to provide timely updates on policy priorities.
- Convened 30 state chambersConvened state chamber professionals representing 30 states for the State Chamber Policy Summit, providing them with essential strategies and insights to address key policy areas like permitting, housing, and energy.
- Awarded 47 chambers with AccreditationIssued accreditation to 47 local, metro, and state chambers, including 7 first-time applicants.
Empowered small businesses in communities nationwide
More than 12,000 companies from all 50 states connected with the U.S. Chamber to apply for the CO—100, which recognizes and celebrates 100 exceptional small businesses from communities across the United States. This premier program provides a one-year paid membership to the Chamber, unmatched access to top experts and thought leaders, exclusive networking opportunities, and national media exposure.
Drew over 450,000 small businesses per month and 5M+ per year to the Chamber’s small business digital platform CO—, providing actionable advice for entrepreneurs to start, run, and grow an enterprise.
Recruited and amplified 355 small businesses to give a face to complex Chamber-priority issues through op-eds, media interviews, and other advocacy tactics.
Spotlighted small-business sentiment through the quarterly MetLife and U.S. Chamber Small Business Index, which garnered 159+ online/print article citations and 114+ placements in radio and television segments.
Download the 2025 Annual Report
In a year defined by economic uncertainty and accelerating change, the U.S. Chamber helped keep the voice of American business at the center of policymaking. Download the 2025 Annual Report to see the achievements, outcomes, and momentum shaping what comes next.
From advancing pro-growth tax policies and regulatory reforms to empowering small businesses and leading international delegations, the Chamber’s work in 2025 strengthened the foundation for American prosperity.