Access to housing and entrepreneurial opportunities is on the decline, impeding pathways to prosperity for District 1 neighbors. I am committed to taking a strategic approach to understanding and addressing the needs of local small businesses and downtown economic development. We all know that small businesses are the backbone of our economy. Yet, City government often becomes a barrier rather than a vital partner in building opportunities with small businesses. As your councilman, I will build consensus to change this trend and expand our capacity to serve small businesses through grants, technical assistance and training, construction mitigation programs, education on securing public contracts, and accessing capital. By establishing a one-stop shop for aspiring business-owners, we can make opportunities more accessible and better support our small business ecosystem. And, by investing in the expansion of our housing stock and the preservation of our aging housing stock, we can ensure that all neighbors have a place to call home.
