ADVOCACY INITIATIVES
GAACC advocates for our members, Asian Pacific American (APA) businesses in Central Texas, and the APA community in general both locally, statewide and nationally.
At the federal level, we are MOU partners with the Asian Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and support the following:
- Increasing APA Business Opportunities
- Promote International Trade
- Comprehensive Immigration Reform
- Disaggregation of APA Data
- Workforce/Leadership of APA Employees
On the state level, we host an APA Business Day at the Capitol with the Asian Chambers from Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Finally at the local level, we support the adoption of rules and regulations that promote economic growth and equity with relevant public agencies such as City of Austin, Travis County, Capital Metro, and independent school districts.
Need some cultural or APA information training? Experiencing an issue that is impacting your business? Reach out to us as we can speak to your group and may be able to intervene or advocate on your behalf.
2021 Policy Positions
May 2021 City of Austin propositions
The following positions were adopted by the Board of Directors of the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce. Below is a summary of those positions.
| Proposition | Chamber Board position |
|---|---|
| Proposition A – Austin Firefighters Association Petition | No recommendation |
| Proposition B – Public Order Ordinance | In favor |
| Proposition C – Office of Police Oversight | In favor |
Proposition D – Mayoral Election Date | In favor |
| Proposition E – Ranked Choice Voting | In favor |
| Proposition F – Adopt Mayor-Council Model | No recommendation |
| Proposition G – Add 11th City Council District | In favor |
| Proposition H – Democracy Dollars | No recommendation |
Stop Anti-Asian Hate Campaign
A Joint Statement from the Austin Chambers of Commerce on the acts of violence in Atlanta, GA
2020 Policy Positions
Project Connect Initial Investment
We support the City of Austin’s tax election to fund the initial investment of Project Connect, a comprehensive transit plan for Austin. This proposition passed in the November 3 election.
2019 Policy Positions
GAACC supports the expansion of the Convention Center which would be paid by an increase in the the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) imposed on visitors, with the stipulation that the construction and concession vendors be reflective of the community in Austin. The facility has been at capacity for 5 years, unable to accommodate larger groups. Austin is the 11th largest city and our convention center is the 48th in terms of exhibit space.
- 2015/16 – Stakeholders (including GAACC) provided input, masterplan created, townhall meetings were held
- 2017/18 – UT Study was completed and offered 5 scenarios for the expansion
In May 2019, Austin city council unanimously directed city staff to gather information necessary to move forward with expansion, preservation of Palm School, and creation of a public tourism improvement district (supported by hotel industry) that would also help cultural arts and the homeless Read report here While the expansion has support of many in the community including the Downtown Austin Alliance and the Austin Chamber, Unconventional Austin is a group that opposes it. Read report here
Transportation
The Central Texas population just hit 2 million and it is projected to double by 2040. In that same time, road capacity is expected to increase by only 15 percent. We support Capital Metro’s plan for a complete system of reliable and frequent transit with congestion-proof services that operates free from other traffic: Project Connect
Public Charge Rule Changes
On August 14, 2019, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published final regulations that would dramatically change the effect of the public charge grounds of inadmissibility to the United States. We oppose these changes as it can negative impacts those seeking permanent resident status through family member petitions, which is common among Asian Pacific Americans. Note: There is currently an injunction stopping it from being used.