State Legislative Agenda

Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce & Visit Savannah 2026 Legislative Overview

Over 150 members of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce make up our Governmental Affairs Council. The council, facilitated by a Chairman, meets at least three times a year, as necessary, to review local, state and federal issues. When creating policy, or legislative agendas, the council makes its recommendations to the Chamber’s Executive Committee and then these matters go to the Chamber’s Board of Directors for consideration. In instances where decisions are time sensitive and will affect the membership, the Executive Committee makes decisions on behalf of the Chamber Board. Along with the Chamber’s director of governmental affairs, engaged members help advocate for the Chamber’s priorities to become enacted.

2026 Specific State Legislative Priorities:

WORKFORCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM

• Support continued and enhanced state investment in tourism marketing to strengthen Georgia’s position as a leading global destination—driving economic growth, job creation, and increased tax revenue for communities across the state.
• Support initiatives and programs such as Certified & Registered Apprenticeships, Dual Enrollment, Georgia College & Career Academies, and other programs that prepare students for future careers and train a skilled workforce for the region’s current and future employers.
• Support the Savannah Convention Center’s capital improvement plan.
• Support modifying current regulations to authorize Sunday alcohol sales by museums located within historic districts.
• Support growing the commercial historic rehabilitation tax credit program to continue to incentivize restoration of historically significant properties.
• Create a statewide Interagency Council for the Homeless to ensure a coordinated statewide approach to addressing homelessness.
• Support revisions to the childcare tax credit in an effort to increase access to and supply high-quality childcare and early learning programs.
• Support legislation that protects the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act and keeps Georgia’s ports competitive.
• Align municipal tort liability limits with those of Georgia counties to create consistency, protect public funds, and reduce unnecessary fiscal risks for local taxpayers.

EDUCATION

• Support Savannah State University’s request for the construction of new student engagement and wellness facilities.
• Support funding expansion of the Savannah Technical College Aviation Campus to meet the demand for aviation training opportunities.
• Support increased state investment in the Georgia Research Alliance to expand university-driven innovation and economic development in the state—including funding for research talent and equipment infrastructure at Georgia Southern University that creates high-wage jobs and further strengthens Southeast Georgia’s position in the state’s innovation economy.
• Support funding and initiatives that improve access, availability and quality of public education, including career pathways, traditional public schools, public charter schools, early childhood and Pre-K education throughout our community.

HEALTHCARE

• Support implementation of and start-up funding for a PACE (Program for All inclusive Care for the Elderly) program in Coastal Georgia to provide the necessary support services for disadvantaged elderly and disabled persons to live successfully in their homes.
• Support continued funding for residency slots at our local hospitals to focus on the growing healthcare needs of Southeast Georgia and to support the growing medical education programs here in Savannah.

TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE

• Support funding and final design selection for improvements to the I-95 Airport Interchange (Exit 104) as directed by recently passed SPLOST 8.
• Support legislative solutions to implement next-generation 911, ensuring all Georgians have access to a modern public safety communications network.
• Continue to support the recommendations of the Joint Study Committee on Airport Infrastructure and Improvements to create a sustainable state funding source for Georgia’s commercial service and general aviation airports and support increased capital funding that includes additional significant air cargo handling improvements.
• Support ongoing investments in the Port of Savannah and local freight and commuter transportation infrastructure.

MILITARY SUPPORT

• Support policies that incentivize a strong workforce that includes qualified defense personnel, veterans, and military retirees in the state.
• Support initiatives that ensure the security and stability of current and future defense operations in the region, including all military installations, training centers, housing, and other entities supporting defense communities while expanding this essential economic driver.