News Summary
City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow has declared his intention to run for mayor in Tallahassee’s upcoming election. This decision came during the Chamber of Commerce conference, an event Matlow previously criticized. His participation indicates a shift in his relationship with the Chamber amidst growing concerns over job creation and economic challenges in the region. With local unemployment on the rise, Matlow is seeking collaboration with business leaders to address these pressing issues ahead of the election.
Tallahassee – City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow has officially announced his candidacy for mayor in 2026 while attending the annual conference of the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce. This marks a notable shift for Matlow, who has been a critic of the Chamber since 2018, a period during which he has avoided the conference due to his disagreements with the organization.
The upcoming conference, running from August 15 to August 17, is the largest gathering of local business and nonprofit leaders and aims to address numerous economic challenges facing Tallahassee, including a concerning job creation rate and a workforce crisis. The Florida Chamber of Commerce has indicated that Leon County needs over 14,660 new jobs by 2030 to maintain its competitive stance.
Despite his previous criticism of the Chamber, which Matlow has described as “local government’s marionettists,” he has recently registered for the conference as a business owner under his venture Gaines Street Pies. His willingness to participate in the Chamber’s event reflects a desire to mend past relationships and seek potential collaboration moving forward, particularly in light of incumbent Mayor John Dailey’s decision not to run for re-election.
Matlow’s contentious history with the Chamber includes accusations of it being entangled in a public corruption investigation, a claim that prompted reaction from Leon County’s State Attorney, who called for Matlow’s removal from office. Additionally, the Leon County Democratic Party, where Matlow’s aide serves as chair, described the Chamber as an obstacle to the working class in a statement last September.
To bolster support for his mayoral bid, Matlow has engaged with local business leaders, indicating an interest in finding common ground on issues such as job creation and economic development. The conference will also feature workshops designed to inspire innovative economic ideas, including a “Shark Tank”-style session for local industry leaders.
Current Economic Landscape
Presently, the economic climate in Leon County is challenging. The number of job openings exceeds 12,000, yet around 7,000 residents remain unemployed. The local unemployment rate has risen from 3.9% to 4.3% year-over-year. Economic experts have reported a slight decline in job creation compared to the previous year, raising concerns about future prospects for recovery.
Further complicating matters, many adults in Leon County lack a GED, and only about 52.5% of kindergartners have completed a Pre-K program. Although child poverty rates have decreased, 17.6% of children still live in poverty. Additionally, federal funding cuts for research at local universities are expected to have negative repercussions on the local economy, exacerbated by recently imposed tariffs affecting small businesses and consumers.
Chamber Conference Agenda
The Chamber’s annual conference is not only an opportunity for networking but also includes presentations from notable speakers such as economist Ron Hetrick and workplace expert Henna Pryor. As the Chamber enters a period of transition with the upcoming retirement of its long-serving President and CEO, Sue Dick, who has held the position for 30 years, the new leadership under Michael Dalby will aim to further the organization’s mission, focused on job creation and strategic planning for the city’s future.
The conference’s agenda aligns with the Chamber’s efforts to enhance economic stability, a goal essential for ensuring the prosperity of Tallahassee and its residents. Addressing the challenges posed by workforce shortages and the urgency for job creation remains a top priority as community leaders, including Matlow, seek to navigate these complex issues moving forward.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee Chamber Conference Overview
- Wikipedia: Tallahassee
- Attendees of the Chamber Conference
- Google Search: Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce 2025
- Jeremy Matlow’s Candidacy Announcement
- Google Scholar: Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce
- Sue Dick’s Departure Announcement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tallahassee
- Michael Dalby Named New Chamber CEO
- Google News: Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
