The City of Cincinnati must create and support better incentives to promote the development of small businesses. These incentives can include: tax abatements, low interest or micro loans, and partnering opportunities. I would support training and development through incubator programs, and help foster awareness and greater cooperation with small businesses, including those designated as SBE/MBEs.

Thomas Platform - 2

The City can grow its tax base by stimulating economic development, which creates jobs and increases the city’s population. This will help rehabilitate the declining housing market by creating a demand for new housing. A critical component of this effort is greater collaboration with the Board of Education to produce better schools.

A properly planned streetcar system can become an economic engine for growth in an urban environment. It can be a catalyst for strengthening economic development and can have a major impact on the local and regional tourism industry. I strongly support the concept of a streetcar system in Cincinnati and the restoration of inclines in our city.

The AMOS Project, NAACP, Greater Cincinnati/NKY African American Chamber, and the AFL-CIO Labor Council have developed a model Empowerment Agreement for The Banks Project. I would use this model for development projects throughout the city to generate greater participation of African Americans in the creation of businesses, which result in the creation of employment opportunities.

• Housing - New and existing housing in the central core and neighborhoods to encourage
  more people to move into the city
• Crime - A safe city gives people confidence to remain in the city
• Environment - A clean and safe environment provides a better quality of life