The vitality of Richmond depends on a thriving and creative city that is able to offer opportunity for small business. The restaurants, breweries, specialty shops and small creative spaces in Richmond provide renewal in underutilized industrial and low-income neighborhoods. The City currently applies a one-size-fits-all approach to business, code, and zoning permits that keeps these spaces in state of frustration, confusion, taxation debt and non-compliance.

Not all problems are solved by adding more bureaucracy, but because change is so slow within the city governance, having an advocate in City Hall will make change happen quicker than attempting to change policy individually. By creating a position within City Hall that facilitates and encourages innovation, many businesses and non-profits can navigate the bureaucratic red tape and be seen as an important part of the City of Richmond.

It is time that the City acknowledges that not all pursuits within the city that will “save” it are large corporate sponsored venues, or massive developments. The taxes, business licensing and zoning/code laws are old and outdated and need to be seen as obstructions to the vitality of our city.

Sign the petition and tell City Hall that you love the things that make Richmond unique.