Economic Development and Business Retention

Expressed concern that downtown vacancies and construction impacts hurt small business owners who do not own their property, noting that many cultural draws have disappeared.

Criticized high commercial rents, unhoused populations, and city trash pickup, arguing that city officials lack compassion and are failing residents.

Thanked OED for their partnership on the downtown business improvement district renewal, noted progress on homelessness, and urged the city to maintain street-level enforcement and consider a discretionary budget for economic development.