Focus on the Future: Economic Development

By Yvette Renee Simpson

Challenges We Face

Like Americans all across around the country, Cincinnatians are facing unprecedented economic challenges due to the recent fiscal crisis. Many are underemployed or have lost their jobs due to layoffs, and are increasingly unable to make ends meet. This not only harms individuals and families, it places a strain on the community at large as people are spending less, losing their homes to foreclosure and increasingly relying on government services.

City Council must focus on putting Cincinnatians back to work by making Cincinnati an attractive place for new businesses to locate and current businesses to expand and thrive.

Finding Solutions

As a member of City Council, Yvette will work to make Cincinnati a more business-friendly city by promoting the following initiatives:

• Attracting New Opportunities: To ensure a quick transition from business plan to servicing customers, Yvette will reduce the red tape for small businesses. She will work to establish a one-stop shop to navigate small business matters, such as permits, licenses, zoning and access to lending institutions. In doing so, Yvette will reduce bureaucracy and make the process quicker and more efficient.

• Investing in Local Businesses: Yvette will provide incentives for established businesses to remain and grow in Cincinnati. She will work to provide incentives for long-established businesses to remain in the city and be a part of the community. Yvette will also promote the re-purposing of Cincinnati's 2,000 blighted or vacant properties to encourage expansion of current businesses.

• Supporting Employees: To ensure Cincinnatians are educated and trained to compete in the current job market, Yvette will promote partnering with local educational institutions and businesses to increase internships and job training opportunities. In addition, Yvette will explore issues related to employee rights, such as ensuring fair wages and collective bargaining.