Breakfast with the Legislators 2026 will give residents and business owners an early chance to discuss housing, taxes and workforce needs ahead of next year's legislative session. 

Set for 7 to 9 a.m. Wednesday at the Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn, the event is hosted by the Post Falls Chamber and the Joint Chamber Public Policy Committee, drawing members from the Post Falls, Coeur d'Alene, Rathdrum and Hayden Chambers of Commerce. 

President and CEO of the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce, Christina Petit, said that the breakfast was launched to connect legislators and business leaders at a deliberate time of the year. 

"We strategically have it in October, prior to the election and also prior to when the legislators are starting to create and draft their priorities and bills that are going to be discussed in January," she said.  

The event format includes questions crafted around priorities the business community has shared with the public policy committee. Petit said it's a "great opportunity" not only to build relationships with North Idaho's legislators, but also to share what is on each side's mind as they head into the next legislative session. 

"We've started the process for communication and good stewardship for our business community," Petit said. 

Petit said that seven of North Idaho's nine legislators have confirmed attendance, with one unable to make it. 

She called these face-to-face conversations "essential." 

"I think it's one of the most important things a chamber of commerce does," she said. 

She said the decisions lawmakers must make come at "Mach speed" once the session begins. She noted that early dialogue helps legislators understand what the business community needs and react quickly. 

The breakfast follows similar events like the Legislative Town Hall in April and the inaugural "Meeting of the Mayors" in August, meetings dedicated to stimulating conversation between legislators and constituents. Petit sees the broader trend of increased engagement and collaboration as a "great idea"

"There's been great things happening with that collaboration and so that's why we're doing more and more of that," she said. "People are saying, 'This is working, let's keep doing that.'" 

For first-time business owners or entrepreneurs wondering what to raise with the lawmakers, Petit advised listening first. She said that Legislators will outline their committee assignments and focus areas as part of the program. From there, owners can share what matters most for their operations. 

Petit stressed that state and local elections carry immediate weight for everyday business and quality of life. 

"I can't think of a more important thing to do, if you're a new business owner or a longtime business owner, than to pay attention to what's happening in your local politics and get involved," she said. 

Tickets are $40 each. A table of eight is $320. For registration or more information, visit the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce website. 

Info: postfallschamber.org