PRIORITY
A City Where Small Businesses Thrive
Milwaukie should be the easiest place in the region to grow a business. Our downtown is living proof of what a thriving local business scene can mean for a city. A thriving local economy doesn't happen by accident. It takes a city that removes barriers, invests in small businesses, and makes it easy to open, grow, and stay.
WHAT Will WILL DO AS Mayor:
Cut the red tape that makes it hard to open and operate in Milwaukie by streamlining permits and reviewing the business license fee structure so small businesses aren't burdened from day one.
Financially support local businesses both new and old with grants and technical assistance that help entrepreneurs get started and existing businesses grow and stay stable.
Use neighborhood hubs to expand where small businesses can thrive, creating more affordable commercial space across the city so entrepreneurs have options at every price point and in every neighborhood.
Invest in events and activation that bring people downtown, fill our streets with energy, and give local businesses the foot traffic they need to thrive.
Make sure growth works for small businesses. More residents living near our downtown and neighborhood hubs means more customers walking through the door.
WILL'S TRACK RECORD:
Helped launch Milwaukie's business grant program and fought to expand it citywide, awarding over $1.2 million across 33 grants, creating an estimated 150 jobs, and pushing to make neighborhood businesses across the entire city eligible, not just downtown.
Invested in foot traffic and downtown activation, securing $100,000 for marketing and tourism, $80,000 for event sponsorships, and $10,000 for multicultural events to bring more people through the doors of local businesses year-round.
Expanded where businesses can put down roots by supporting the Neighborhood Hubs Phase 2 code amendments, opening up new commercial corridors across the city where mixed-use development can take hold.
Made it easier to get downtown by investing in bike racks and the Monroe Greenway so more people can arrive without a car and with safe routes.