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REPRINTED FROM THENEXTMAYOR.COMApril 9, 2007 press release, (submitted via e-mail) |
New Leadership. New Direction. A New Philadelphia.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 9, 2007
CONTACT: Melanie Johnson
(215) 545-9700
(267) 984-2027 cell
melanie@nutter2007.com
Philadelphia, April 9, 2007-- Today, Mayoral candidate Michael Nutter announced a far-ranging plan to create jobs and boost Philadelphia's economy. Nutter rolled out his plan, called 'Opportunity Now: The Nutter Plan for Economic Development,' on Chestnut Street in front of a boarded up store front.
Nutter pledged to use the City's economic development resources to create opportunities for all Philadelphians, including small business owners and middle class residents who are being squeezed out by Philadelphia's shrinking job base. "I understand how to create neighborhood jobs, because I have been doing it as a District Council member for 15 years," noted Nutter.
"As Mayor I will:
• Overhaul the City's approach to small businesses by creating an Office of Business Services, with a Business Service Representative assigned to every business.
"Small business is the base of a strong economy," stated Nutter. "This will be my number one economic development focus, as Mayor.”
• Replace the City's Minority Business Enterprise office with an Economic Development Cabinet and double the number of City contracts that are awarded to minority, women and disadvantaged businesses.
“The existing Minority Business Enterprise office has failed by every measure to serve the minority and women's business community,” said Nutter. “This city cannot afford to under-utilize these talented populations."
• Create a Neighborhood TIF (tax increment financing) program that would generate $8-10 million each year for neighborhood businesses and economic development near commercial corridors.
• Provide access to continuing education and job training for every Philadelphia through an increase role in job training by Community College of Philadelphia, and by encouraging prepaid tuition reimbursement by the City's businesses.
• Promote Philadelphia's attractions for creative class workers by developing live-work space and establishing an Office of College and University Development.
"We have the greatest cluster of universities and medical schools in the country," said Nutter. "We need to use them as a catalyst to create jobs in the rest of the City's economy.”
“As Mayor, I will continue to build the City’s economy for all people, small business owners, middle class residents and the graduates of our high schools and area colleges and universities, everyone should have a piece of the dream that Philadelphia can provide,” said Nutter.”
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PO Box 58550 • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
Phone: (215) 545-9700 • Facsimile: (215) 545-4088
www.NutterForMayor.com
Paid for by Nutter for Mayor, Kahiga A. Tiagha, Esq., Treasurer