May 5, 2026

While the state legislative session has officially wrapped up, we're all watching closely to see when the Governor will call a special session – and perhaps more importantly, what will be included in the call. In the meantime, the political world continues to spin madly on.

Throughout the remainder of 2026, the Cobb Chamber Advocacy Team will continue publishing From the Capitol Steps to keep members informed on developments at the local, state, and federal levels. We have a lot to cover this issue, so let's dive in.

IN THIS ISSUE:

• 2026 Gubernatorial Forum
• 2026 Candidate Survey
• Stormwater Fee Webinar
• Advanced Voting
• Federal Update – D.C. Fly-in
• Tariff Refund Guide
  
  

 

Cobb Chamber Partners with GAM on Gubernatorial Candidate Forum

Organized by the Georgia Association of Manufacturers (GAM), on Tuesday, April 21, the Cobb Chamber was proud to work with Gas South, the Georgia Paper and Forest Products Association, the Georgia Forestry Association, the Georgia Mining Association, the Georgia Aerospace and Defense Alliance, and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) to host a gubernatorial candidate forum. Those polling above 2 percent as of April 2026 were invited to participate, and in order of their appearance, the following candidates accepted the invitation:

• Representative Derrick Jackson (D)
• Attorney General Chris Carr (R)
• Michael Thurmond (D)
• Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R)
• Former Senator Jason Esteves (D)
• Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones (R)
• Former Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan (D)
• Rick Jackson (R)

Moderated by Brittney Hull, GAMs Vice President of Government Affairs, candidates were asked the same set of questions regarding their positions on a series of topics, which included Energy and Infrastructure, Environment and Regulatory, Taxes and Economic Policy, and Education and Workforce Development.

To watch each gubernatorial candidate’s 20-minute interview, please visit our new 2026 Cobb Chamber Candidate Questionnaire page on our website.

2026 Cobb Chamber Candidate Survey

Speaking of our new web page, on April 1, 2026, the Cobb Chamber distributed a candidate questionnaire to everyone running for State House and State Senate seats within the Cobb Legislative Delegation, as well as all candidates in the Cobb County Board of Commissioners race for seats 1 and 3. As part of our U.S. Chamber accreditation process, the survey gives our members and the broader community an additional resource to consult before heading to the polls.

Candidates were asked to respond to a series of questions centered on issues affecting Georgia's and Cobb County's business climate and economic competitiveness – including areas where state and local leaders can act directly or work with federal partners.

Results from all responding candidates are now available on our new 2026 Cobb Chamber Candidate Questionnaire page.

We appreciate every candidate who took the time to participate. Although the submission window has closed, candidates who did not originally respond are still welcome to submit their answers – we will update the page on a rolling basis as new responses come in.

Advanced Voting Underway

Now that you are armed with information from candidates in Cobb County, make your way to the polls! Advanced in-person voting is open across the county for the  May 19, 2026 General Primary Election. To find locations to early vote, click here. Advanced voting runs from April 27 – May 15, and there is NO VOTING on Saturday, May 16 - Monday, May 18. Make your plan now and go vote!

Cobb County Stormwater Fee Schedule/Credit Webinar

Last fall, the Cobb County Board of Commissioners approved stormwater code amendments and a dedicated stormwater fee which goes into effect June 1. 2026. On April 16, 2026, the Cobb Chamber, in partnership with the Cobb County Water System, hosted a seminar for non-residential customers of the Cobb County Water System to learn more about the stormwater fee and the credit manual.

Cobb Chamber President and CEO Sharon Mason was joined by Cobb Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Lisa Cupid, former Cobb Water Systems Director Judy Jones, and newly appointed Cobb Water Systems Director Alicia Giddens. Together, they gave attendees an overview of the new stormwater fee – including how the revenue will be used and what non-residential credits will be available. SelectCobb Executive Director Dana Johnson and Advocacy and Government Relations EVP Amanda Seals moderated the session.

To watch the full seminar, please visit the following link: Cobb County Non-Residential Customers – Stormwater Webinar.

FEDERAL UPDATE

Longest Shutdown Ends

The United States' longest partial government shutdown in history ended on April 30, 2026, when President Donald Trump signed a bill restoring funding to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Beginning February 14, the shutdown had idled key agencies including the TSA, Coast Guard, FEMA, the Secret Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Customs and Border Protection – while the rest of the federal government continued operating normally. The new legislation funds DHS through September 30, 2026, though lawmakers still face unresolved questions about longer-term appropriations in the months ahead.

As the Cobb Chamber continues its advocacy efforts on the federal level, we are pleased to announce that registration for the 2026 Cobb Chamber Washington D.C. Fly-In Presented by The Home Depot and FMG Law/Freeman Mathis Decisions opens on Wednesday, May 6 at 1 p.m. upon conclusion of the 2026 Legislative Wrap Up Luncheon. This year, the Fly-In dates are Sept. 16 – 18 and you must be a member of the Cobb Chamber to attend. For more details and to register, please click here.

The Cobb Chamber Government Affairs Committee is in the process of updating its federal priorities. If you have any feedback for consideration, please contact Amanda Seals.

Tariff Refunds Guide and FAQ: What Importers Need to Know

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision striking down the tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) has opened the door for many U.S. small businesses and importers to seek refunds. However, determining whether your business qualifies and understanding what steps to take next might be a challenge.

Our partners at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have created a helpful website with FAQs, link to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) portal and more.

In addition, details about the refund process can be found on the CBP IEEPA Duty Refunds website. The site contains instructions on how importers will be able to file for refunds through an electronic system.

If you have any questions about the Cobb Chamber advocacy efforts or its Government Affairs Committee, please reach out to Amanda Seals, Executive Vice President of Advocacy and Government Relations, or Coleman Loftin, Senior Manager, Government Affairs and Advocacy.