How much you pay in taxes, whether you can purchase an affordable home, and how the government spends your money – those were the focus at the Guam Chamber of Commerce’s general membership meeting on Wednesday. Chamber members and lawmakers spent the afternoon tackling issues that hit close to home for families and businesses.

Chairman of the board Tae Oh opened by thanking senators in attendance for what he called their role in rebuilding Guam’s economy by pushing the reduction of the island’s Business Privilege Tax forward. “The reduction from 5% to 4% is more than numbers: it’s about real relief for our 2,500 companies across our island, keeping businesses open, our employees working, and our economy moving," he said.

Senator Christopher Duenas says the Guam Legislature’s budget decisions are aimed at easing financial pressure while investing in Guam’s future. He highlighted full funding for tax refunds, the rebuilding of Simon Sanchez High School, allowing the Guam Visitors Bureau to compete in the “high stakes game of airline incentives” with a $10 million appropriation, and a comprehensive plan for the Guam Memorial Hospital—assurances he says impact every taxpayer.

“I’d like to reiterate that funding is not a blank check," the senator stated. "We must hold agencies accountable to become efficient managers of public monies.” He also added, “We the taxpayers understand these obligations must be met, no exceptions.”

On government procurement, immediate past chairman Ernie Galito pressed for reforms to prevent waste and delays, calling for more training, transparency, and private sector oversight. Housing, however, is where some say residents feel the squeeze most. 

Guam Association of Realtors executive director Sheri Fejeran pointed to a dramatic rise in home prices, saying, “In 2015 you could buy a home for $220,000. Today, the average is $507,000.”

Fejeran said the military buildup has pushed up demand and warned of what she calls the “hidden homeless” – residents who have no choice but to live with relatives because they can’t afford homes of their own.  “The ‘hidden homeless’ are our kids, uncles, nephews, nieces that live with us because they can’t afford to buy a property right now. So, no one takes them into account," she said.

And her advice for families looking to buy? “Invest in emerging areas. Keep an eye out for areas that are building or going through infrastructure upgrades. Pay attention to the market," said Fejeran.

For residents, the message was clear: the future of Guam’s economy isn’t just about business growth or government budgets—it’s about whether families can keep their homes, workers can keep their jobs, and taxpayers can trust their dollars are being used wisely.