I am an architect and small business owner. I have managed a Sacramento firm for over 20 years and employ over 35 people. We have renovated local land marks like the Memorial Auditorium, Crocker Riverside Elementary School and Belle Cooledge Library.
I know what a business needs to grow, thrive, and survive tough times. I have led my architecture firm through two decades of ups and downs. I know what it’s like to make tough fiscal decisions. As an architect the recession means less building, less work and tightening our belt. To me downsizing isn’t just a word, it means having to tell someone that we have to let them go.
I am also a city planner who chaired the City of Sacramento’s Planning Commission. I even led the drafting of the City’s 2030 General Plan. I worked on projects that have improved our community like the R Street Corridor, the MARRS Building at 20th and K streets, and the River Walk by the Tower Bridge.
As a planning commission chair, I have seen firsthand the struggles that small business people face trying to do the right thing – open a business and create jobs. I have helped businesses start-up. When New Helvetia Brewing Company was having difficulty getting its approvals, I helped find a compromise with its neighbors. By addressing the parking concerns of its neighbors, New Helvetia is now under construction and set to offer unique craft beers to Sacramento and energize Broadway.
As a council member I will prioritize protecting local jobs and helping businesses grow. Specifically I will:
- Focus City resources on helping businesses grow. I wants use City funds to help recruit new companies and assist existing businesses expand.
- Reform the permitting process and City fees. Businesses should not have to go through three different offices to obtain a permit.
- Designate City staff to help businesses navigate through the City’s development and regulatory processes.
We do not need new gimmicks or bureaucracy to protect and grow jobs. We need leadership and experience.
-Joe Yee
October 25, 2012 at 6:36 pm
October 24, 2012 at 2:45 am
Joe Yee Thanks Denise- I've spent my time as planning commissioner working to make Sacramento a more vibrant, unique community. From big projects like the R street Cooridor to small ones like the New Helvetia Brewing company, I'm proud of the progress I've been apart of as a public servant. I hope to continue that work as a Councilmember. Let me know if you'd like to talk further.
October 25, 2012 at 7:39 pm