Building Civic Bridges Act

Mobilizing business to support legislation in 2025 to reduce polarization and support community bridgebuilding

BREAKING NEWS: BCBA reintroduced on July 10, 2025–Our Statement

The Business Case for the BCBA

‍In an era of deepening divides, many companies are witnessing firsthand how contentious social and political issues create workplace conflict and reduce productivity.

A 2022 SHRM study found that 45% of American workers experienced political disagreements at work, and 13% have even experienced bullying in the workplace due to their political views. Another SHRM study in August 2024 showed that incivility costs American businesses an astronomical $2 Billion per day. These trends are leading to lower work quality, productivity losses, toxic work environments, turnover, and higher operating costs.

‍This is why we support reintroduction in the 119th session of Congress of the bipartisan Building Civic Bridges Act (BCBA). The bicameral, bipartisan legislation will help reduce polarization and help heal America’s social and political divides.

Support the Building Civic Bridges Act

‍The bipartisan Building Civic Bridges Act (BCBA) is back before Congress with renewed momentum and growing support from both sides of the aisle. Led in the House by Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Andy Barr (R-KY), Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Blake Moore (R-UT), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Andy Kim (D-CA) and Lucy McBath (D-GA), and with a companion Senate bill coming later this year, the BCBA positions the federal government as a key partner in healing toxic polarization and strengthening our democracy.

The legislation advances five key strategies:

• Grants to nonprofits, schools, faith groups, and others working to bridge divides
• Creation of an Office of Civic Bridge Building
• Research on civic engagement and social cohesion
• Training AmeriCorps members in bridge building skills
• Coordination among federal agencies and civic organizations

A new provision ensures that all funding comes from private donations already authorized for use by AmeriCorps—making this a fiscally responsible solution to a pressing national challenge.Civic bridge building is proven to foster productive dialogue across differences. In today’s polarized climate, the business community sees the BCBA as a smart, scalable step toward restoring unity and economic resilience.

“Toxic division isn’t just a threat to democracy—it undermines our economic competitiveness,” says Sarah Bonk, Founder of Business for America. “This bipartisan bill invests in proven solutions to foster dialogue and heal divides.”

Business for America proudly joins the Business Roundtable, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Hispanic Chamber, and 100+ civic organizations in urging Congress to pass the BCBA in 2025.

‍Join us in supporting this important legislation. Questions? Contact BFA National Policy Director Richard Eidlin.

Signatories

The following companies and business organizations have signed our business letter urging Congress to pass the Building Civic Bridges Act.

Business Signatories

Cummins
ECOS
Emmis Corporation
Powers & Sons Construction
ProsperBridge
Rivanna Natural Designs
Salesforce
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
StartEngine
Streamline Software
REI Co-op
YottaDB

Business Groups & Trade Associations

American Sustainable Business Network
Good Business Colorado
Indiana Chamber of Commerce
NH Businesses for Social Responsibility
State Business Executives
U.S. Hispanic Business Council

• • •

Resources

• Policy Page: coming soon
• Press Release: Houlahan, Barr, Thompson, and McBath Reintroduce Bipartisan Building Civic Bridges Act (7.10.25)
• Resolutionaries: Consequences of Polarization in the United States to Business and Our Economic Future
• National Civic League endorsement (12.27.24)
• Allsides: What Is the Building Civic Bridges Act and Why Support It? (3.18.24)