Small Businesses
We are fortunate to have so many wonderful small businesses in our community. Everywhere we turn, we get to experience food, drink, products and services from all different cultures and backgrounds. COVID-19 has caused all of our businesses to suffer, and it is our responsibility to protect these businesses now, and for years to come. On the council, I will support aid for our small business owners so they can make it through this global crisis. Unfortunately though, the problem extends beyond this pandemic. We also have several large developers & complicated permitting processes that make it nearly impossible for many to start businesses of their own. We need to give more residents the ability to start businesses, instead of allowing large corporations to extract revenue from our local economy. On the council I will fight to streamline permitting processes and prioritize local people (who actually have a stake in the types of businesses we bring into our community) to support in their dream of benefiting their city with their gifts and expertise. We have the opportunity to protect our local businesses in the short term, and for many years to come.
Provide Grants for Local Small Business Owners
Many businesses are struggling to stay afloat as a result of the pandemic. We need to continue to support our businesses with grants. Looking to the future, however, it is crucial that we continue to make funds available to residents so it is easier for them to start businesses of their own. This is how we will create lasting economic stability in our city.
Streamline Permitting Process
Many struggle to start businesses of their own because of the lengthy and costly permitting process involved in such an endeavor. I will explore ways that we can streamline this process and make it simpler so all people have the ability to start businesses of their own in the city.
Revitalize Business Roundtable Advisory Committee
Although the city currently has a committee dedicated to serving our local business owners, it has not had a meeting since 2019. This is unacceptable. I will explore ways that we can bring new life to this committee as we imagine what it looks like for businesses to recover post-COVID.