In the city’s budget, there are pages and programs dedicated to the largest companies in town — as there should be. But we are unfortunately light on support and focus for the small businesses that play an equally critical role in the city for jobs and economic opportunity. As your alderman-at-large, I would bring small businesses to the forefront of conversations about economic development and the financial health of the city.

We also need a renewed focus on filling the many vacant storefronts in our neighborhoods, focusing on the types of businesses that will follow through on plans to set up shop in Moline. A key focus for any initiative should be to support local businesses who are already here in Moline as they look toward expansion, relocation or efforts to develop nearby properties. While we look to bring more business into the city, let’s make sure we remember the people and shops who have already made us their home.