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Advocating for Shared Spaces: Michelle Addresses City Council on Street Vending
This week, I took a significant step, speaking before the city council for the first time, about street vendors. My aim was to spark a conversation and find solutions for the challenges of blocked sidewalks, crosswalk entrances and shared public spaces.
My presentation highlighted the need for vendors to embrace a responsibility to the communities from which they benefit. The goal isn't to deter vibrant street vending, but to create an environment where all businesses can thrive while ensuring accessibility and enjoyment of public areas for everyone. This marks an important step towards fostering a harmonious relationship between vendors, brick and mortar businesses and the city.
It's also important to remember the vital role that brick-and-mortar businesses play in the financial health of our city and county. Beyond providing jobs and unique shopping experiences, these physical storefronts are significant contributors to local revenue. Street vendors who have no overhead, no property taxes and rarely collect and remit sales tax, have no contribution to our community to support the public spaces in which they occupy.
Every time you shop at a local brick-and-mortar store, you're directly supporting our community through:
- Property Taxes: These taxes on our physical location help fund essential city and county services like schools, public safety, and infrastructure.
- Sales Taxes: The sales tax collected on your purchases goes directly back into the municipality from which they are reported, helping to maintain and improve our shared spaces.
- Job Creation: We employ local residents, providing wages that are most likely spent within the community, further circulating money and stimulating economic growth.
- Local Investments: Many local businesses, including Moxie Mercantile, are more likely to procure goods and services from other local suppliers, creating a powerful multiplier effect within our economy.
These financial contributions are the backbone of a thriving local economy, enabling them to provide the services and amenities that make our neighborhood a great place to live and work. When you choose to shop local, you're not just finding a treasure; you're investing in the future of our community.
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