Our advocacy goal for 2023 is to increase our participation and effort to have a greater impact. Here is a simplified list of the partners we work with and our activities.

To date, our advocacy includes the following:

If you have any questions or would like to get involved with our advocacy efforts or our Government Affairs committee, please contact executive director Dana Neuts at info@covingtonchamber.org. 

Jeff Wagner, current Mayor of Covington, has filed with the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission to run for re-election for Covington City Council, Position #7.

Wagner was first elected to the Covington City Council in November 2003, and is currently serving his fifth term on the council. He continues to work locally and regionally to bring awareness to Covington, work with state and county leaders for funding and partnering for local issues.

When asked, Wagner stated, “Our city means a lot to me. I've invested a lot of time and energy in helping to build our community and I wish to see our city continue to thrive both economically and as a great place to live, work and play.  I believe that being involved, not only locally, but regionally, is essential to make sure Covington is heard and that we are at the table for the future of our City, our County and our State. It is not just about us, it is about all of us working together, forming lasting partnerships for the common good.”

“Since being elected to the Covington City Council in 2004, I have continued to focus on developing more activities and parks for our youth, developing a balance between economic development and the needs of our citizens, and to continue addressing the transportation issues of Covington, all while continuing to pursue a balanced budget for our city. And most recently, building a process for our public safety to reassure that we strive to have an even stronger presence in our City for our residents and businesses”
Currently, Wagner is the Municipal Manager with Republic Services. Prior to this, he was a financial advisor for eight years and previously managed Wagner’s, a family business in Covington, for 17 years.

He has been a resident of Covington since 1988. While living here, he has been active in numerous organizations including: President of Covington Days, Covington Kiwanis Club, Covington Merchants Association, Covington Community Council, Chair of the Covington Chamber of Commerce, as well as the co-chair of the Covington Economic Development Council. He has also been involved with Reach Out Covington, Children's Miracle Network Telethon and was voted Kiwanian of the Year in 1993. Previously, he has also sat on the King County Flood Control District Advisory Committee, Kent Chamber Board of Directors, King County Growth Management Planning Council and was chosen as the 2014 Covington Citizen of the Year.

He most recently served as Treasurer of the Sound Cities Association Board of Directors, Board Member of Covington Chamber of Commerce, and a Board Member of the Covington Domestic Violence Task Force.
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Currently, he is proud to serve on the following:

• Communities in Schools Kent, Board Member
• Sound Cities Association Event Committee
• Kent Kiwanis Club
• Puget Sound Regional Council, Executive Board

Jeff and his wife Michele enjoy living in Covington and look forward to continuing to raise their family in this great city. Covington -- Growing Towards Greatness!

On Tuesday, we had the opportunity to share some of our 2022 accomplishments with the Covington City Council. We have much to be proud of, and we are excited to share some of those highlights with you! View the presentation below or download the PDF to read offline. Thanks to our members, sponsors, volunteers and partners for their support!

The Covington Chamber is a member of the South Sound Chambers of Commerce Legislative Coalition, and last week we presented our 2023 legislative priorities to local elected officials and state legislators.
 
Our focus in 2023 is on economic vitality and growth for the South Sound region, specifically in the areas of transportation, budget and taxes, small business support, continued investments in workers and education, housing attainability, energy and climate change, public safety, and health care. Read our issue paper here.
 
Thank you to Green River College for serving as presenting sponsor along with Comcast and to the Auburn Area Chamber, Kent Chamber and Seattle Southside Chamber for including the Covington Chamber in the panel discussion. Thank you also to our members who attended to support our work.