Endorsed by:
Brandon McCullough- Livonia City Council President
Laura Toy- Livonia City Council Member
Livonia Democrat Club
Livonia Firefighter Union- IAFF Local 1164
Livonia Police Officer's Association
Dayna Polehanki - Michigan State Senator
UAW - Region 1A
Metro Detroit AFL-CIO
Livonia Local Launch Pad
You don't have to look long in Livonia to find a shuttered shop with a "For Lease" sign across its window. The city needs these spaces filled to create an increased tax base and draw entrepreneurs to our city. I do not have a background in running a business; however, I don't believe that should stop anyone from coming up with an idea to make Livonia a place that encourages small businesses. To that end, I have created the framework for a potential plan that utilizes existing staffing and resources so as not to require additional tax funding.
Three Pillar Approach
Targeted Tax Credit Progam
- Incentive Structure: Offer a one- or two-year local tax credit (or fee rebate) to qualifying new small businesses that locate in designated areas (e.g., under-served corridors or long-vacant commercial districts). For example, Livonia could refund a percentage of a new business’s city taxes or licensing fees for the first one to two years. Credit awards would be capped per business and per year to stay within budget.
Pop-Up Shop Pilot Program
Establish a pilot pop-up program for entrepreneurs to test retail concepts in physical retail space. City-owned or partner-owned storefronts (vacant malls or strip spaces) would be offered as two- to six-month pop-up leases at nominal cost..
Virtual Vacancy Map
Develop a Livonia “Vacancy Map” that publicly lists available retail and commercial units. Each listing would include the address, size, zoning/use, and landlord contact information. Entrepreneurs could browse vacancies by area and sign up for alerts. This tool could be integrated into the existing Livonia City website.
No plan is perfect, and there may be issues with these ideas that I have not yet considered. I am open to discussing potential plans to help Livonia grow economically. I understand that this cannot be done alone, and I will always strive to work alongside my fellow council members should you elect me to this office. More importantly, I will work with every citizen of Livonia. Together, we can accomplish more.