Last week, the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance led its annual Washington, D.C. Fly-In, an important opportunity for investors to connect directly with federal policymakers and elevate the Charlotte Region’s top business priorities. Over the course of two days, our group engaged in thoughtful, strategic conversations with Members of Congress, White House officials, and federal agency leaders, emphasizing the important role of the business community in shaping national policy and driving regional progress.
This year’s fly-in focused on tax policy, government spending, regulatory reform, the reconciliation bill, and trade. Throughout the visit, investors heard consistent themes around the need for responsible fiscal policy, reduced regulatory burdens, and targeted investment in workforce development and infrastructure.
The first day began with a series of meetings on Capitol Hill, where our group held direct conversations with 11 congressional members representing our bi-state region. These discussions provided valuable insights into how federal policy is developing and how it will influence economic growth, workforce strategies, and long-term competitiveness for the Charlotte Region.
Members of Congress offered a wide range of perspectives on issues such as housing, education, healthcare, economic development, and the national debt.
Sen. Thom Tillis highlighted the importance of maintaining provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to avoid the largest tax increase in history. He also emphasized how lower taxes and regulatory reform can support job creation and reduce the cost of doing business. He also raised concerns about excessive federal spending and its potential implications for both inflation and the primacy of the U.S. dollar.
Sen. Ted Budd discussed similar topics, highlighting reconciliation efforts, the importance of cutting spending, and reducing inflationary pressures. He also spoke about the value of workforce investments, particularly through Pell Grant eligibility expansion and the value of the grants for short-term, high-quality education programs.
Rep. Alma Adams addressed critical topics including housing affordability, healthcare, and access to higher education, all of which are essential components of economic mobility in the region. She also mentioned the importance of the opening of the Pearl as an economic driver for the region.
Rep. Tim Moore talked about his role representing part of Mecklenburg County and addressing needs throughout the county and region.
Rep. Russel Fry discussed the significant growth seen in Chesterfield County and the need to work collaboratively at all levels of government to accommodate that growth.
We extend our sincere thanks to Reps. Mark Harris, Alma Adams, Deborah Ross, Russell Fry, Pat Harrigan, Brad Knott, Ralph Norman, Addison McDowell, Richard Hudson, and Tim Moore, as well as Sens. Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, for taking the time to speak with our delegation.
On the second day, investors participated in a series of discussions with the White House Office of Public Liaison, the Office of Management and Budget, and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Brette Powell, Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the Office of Public Liaison, along with Hailey Borden, Special Assistant to the President and Director of Business Outreach, opened the day with a dialogue about the administration’s priorities. These included tax and trade policy, deregulation, and the desire to reduce government interference in business operations. The conversation also included the administration’s strategy for managing artificial intelligence, with a focus on developing a national framework instead of a patchwork, state-by-state regulatory approach.
Dan Bishop, Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget, shared the administration’s vision for economic growth, as well as executive orders the President has signed including: Unleashing American Energy, Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation, Reducing Anti-Competitive Regulatory Barriers, and Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence. The President’s budget was also discussed, highlighting aims to expand the pool of skilled workers and extend vital tax cuts to support long-term economic development.
The delegation also heard from key leaders at the U.S. Department of Transportation, including Tariq Bokhari, Deputy Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration; Tony Frye, Associate Administrator for Highway Policy at the Federal Highway Administration; and Ben Siegrist, Director of Public Liaison and Senior Advisor at DOT.
These conversations centered on infrastructure modernization, from improving project delivery and ensuring effective use of tax dollars, to enhancing transportation safety and efficiency. The group also explored the implications of NEPA liability and the importance of supporting states in delivering infrastructure projects, as well as efforts to modernize air traffic control systems.
Throughout the fly-in, investors engaged with nearly 20 senior officials and policymakers, deepening relationships and building new connections. These interactions are vital to ensuring that Charlotte’s voice is not only heard but considered in the decision-making process that shapes national policy. Through participation in these high-level discussions, investors are better equipped to understand the evolving landscape in Washington and can more effectively advocate for the policies that will support continued economic growth in the region.
As the work of this Congress continues, the insights and relationships gained through this trip will empower our investors to take informed action and further advance advocacy efforts and our mission to champion the business community. We thank all participants for making this fly-in a success and for their commitment to strengthening the economic future of the Charlotte Region.
