As someone who works in the general field, I can tell you that unless the business owners called the City and asked for help, no one there had any idea. The city has maybe 5-10 people involved with economic development. There are something like 3500 business establishments in city limits. There is no realistic way that the city can stay ahead of all those independent decisions.

Also, there aren't many programs that could help small businesses that lease space. Unless you're adding significant new payroll or investing in new property or equipment, there isn't much to offer.

The best way for the city to affect economic development is to create a safe, interesting, affordable and accessible environment for the business owners to make decisions.
Greg | 03.17.04 - 11:28 am | #