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Candidates urge using industrial-development dollars to support downtown businesses
Summary
At a Two Rivers candidate event, candidates recommended directing industrial-development funds toward small-business assistance, downtown improvements and incentives for startups rather than solely toward housing projects.
Gus, a candidate, said industrial-development funds should be used primarily to support local businesses and downtown revitalization.
"What would I do with the dollars for is this an industrial development? I would probably use it for for the businesses," Gus said. He suggested using funding for tax breaks, building repairs and utility-rate relief to benefit both businesses and the people who work there.
The comment came during a community candidate event in Two Rivers where several participants described priorities for city economic policy. Gus outlined a mix of actions he would pursue if those funds were available: downtown improvement deals, incentives to attract businesses and support for startups and small-business resources. "Trying to bring more businesses in, trying to do some startups... provide different resources for those small businesses that wanna start up in the city," he said.
Speakers repeatedly mentioned downtown restaurants, parks and destination businesses as assets to build on. One participant suggested more activity in City Central and named local businesses and summer music as part of the downtown draw.
No ordinance proposals, motions or funding allocations were made or voted on at the event; the discussion consisted of candidate remarks and public comment.
