Yesterday I attended a Chicago Business Development meeting at City Hall. They know that they have a problem, and they are seeking solutions from the community to solve it. I missed the first meeting, but it looked like the City Hall employees got a lot of input from the community!
Essentially it was to make the streamline city processes for inspection, permits, and lower the amount of rules and regulations.
Yesterday we discussed some best practices from other cities, and how we could help small manufacturers. There was a long discussion on TIF and SBIF grants. We also talked about cultural changes in the cadres of inspectors that go out into the community-trying to change their attitude from, I gotcha, let's fine ya. to The city is your partner and we need to fix this. I don't want to fine you because it's better for both of us if you do business and employ people.
As a rookie to these kinds of things, it's interesting to watch. The group is very diverse, and most likely, pretty Democratic. Those of you that know me know I lean Libertarian.
At least at this level of city government. They seem to be really trying to change. Whether it gets past the alderman or not, who knows? But, among these employees, there is a commitment to change the city style of government to be more amenable to all kinds of business.
If you could suggest something, what would it be? I told everyone in the room to join BIC. At least they would interact with the innovative minds that are building an entrepreneurial ecosystem.
