Community Issues

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce works closely with the City of Columbia and with Boone County government officials to positively influence the business climate in the Mid-Missouri region. In order to provide continuity on community issues, the Chamber supports the following statewide initiatives:

• Legislation that would create minimal rental standards for properties located within the County’s boundaries.
• Legislation penalizing merchants operating without a required merchant’s, auctioneer’s and/or liquor license(s) through fines and ultimately closure for chronic abuse.
• Requiring utilities to use the universal utility corridor provided instead of seeking individual easements.
• Legislation that evens the playing field between local retailers and their out-of-state competitors when it comes to use or sales taxes on internet and catalogue purchases made by consumers.
• Legislation that would guide MDNR in the determination and enforcement of total maximum daily loads.