LET’S TALK ABOUT: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT!

There are two goals of community economic development: to improve the economic stability or mobility of local residents/businesses; and to enhance the general community’s quality of life. We can achieve these goals by focusing on commercial districts, microbusinesses, workforce development opportunities, and jobs for residents.

We have the tools of Urban Renewal in our control to revitalize industrial areas and breathe new economic life into the city. If this is done in a way that takes into account the economic disparities for communities within our cities, we can truly benefit everyone in unique ways.

Commercial hubs are gathering places where community cohesion is built and neighbors get to know each other better. This strengthens the local economy as well as our overall livability and resilience in the face of economic or natural disaster.

Some Ideas I’m Excited About:

Commercial Zones/Districts:

  • Work with neighborhoods to identify potential commercial rezoning projects that can build mixed use and local activity nodes throughout the city, not just in the downtown area.

  • Develop co-operative ownership models for commercial spaces to generate wealth through non-residential properties.

  • Focus placemaking measures in neighborhood commercial zones with signage and locally-generated beautification projects.

Small and Microbusinesses:

  • Incentivize the recruitment and location of new retailers, businesses, and industry partners.

  • Explore the creation of a market hall with micro-entrepreneur businesses and creative space.

  • Explore the idea of a local night market to revitalize the downtown core and create a creative sense of community.

Workforce Development:

  • Develop a local makers space with a co-op membership program for local artisans and creators.

  • Recruit and develop entrepreneur opportunities for residents who are experiencing houselessness.

Jobs and Careers:

  • Develop a local community development corporation with shared goals around equity and sustainability.

  • Partner with local career and technical training programs, trade unions, and colleges to build out hyperlocal career training in local storefronts and mixed use buildings.

Policy:

  • Align local housing and transportation planning efforts to increase density and walkable/bike-friendly areas.

  • Develop local wealth development and financial access strategies, match programs, and education.