This strategy will supercharge our local economy with robust and thriving companies while, generating revenue for the city. The city of Oakland has yet to engage in cultivating an economy fueled buy innovation and entrepreneurship. A program that provides tools and opportunities to sustain local manufacturing companies will create jobs and ensure long-term growth for years to come.
People that need permits from the city, whether for a special event or to open a business, report very different experiences obtaining them. City staff could set and report standard costs and turnaround times for obtaining permits, as was done for residential building in the recent Housing Element. The Economic Development Strategy could identify where staff cuts are having the greatest impact on permit processing and make recommendations to address the staffing gap.
In addition to traditional Commercial Lending, the City of Oakland offers KivaZip crowdfunding opportunities to small businesses. Local company Cutting Edge Capital (http://www.cuttingedgecapital.com/) is a go-to resource for Direct Public Offerings. And Social Impact investors such as the Kapor Center for Social Impact (http://kaporcenter.org/) are at the leading edge of Impact Investing. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impact_investing) How can the City connect local entrepreneurs and businesses to these opportunities?
Many decisions are made about city operations and services that affect the quality of life of residents. It would be helpful if residents had opportunities for public feedback and education at the earliest points of consideration - before matters are voted on by the Council.