News-Gazette, Town Hall #4: Urbana businesses economic growth and stability
Urbana, IL (News-Gazette)—family liaison for the Urbana school district and executive director of the Urbana Neighborhood Connections Center JENIECE MITCHELL, asks: As an Urbana resident of nearly 35 years, I have witnessed many businesses come and go. What is your plan to promote economic growth and stability within our community?
“Starting and running a business is hard. My husband and I have owned two small businesses, so we know firsthand the challenges of starting, sustaining, and growing a business.
“For the past decade, I have worked tirelessly to support local businesses through initiatives like the Urbana Amble (2020-2024) and Imbibe Urbana (2015-2018), which attracted and connected thousands of people to downtown Urbana during our First Fridays and Mistletoe Market events.
“Local businesses are the heartbeat of Urbana—they bring creativity, character, and jobs to our community. As mayor, I will prioritize building strong partnerships with businesses and work toward the city creating bridges, not barriers to their growth.
“My administration will collaborate with entrepreneur programs at the University of Illinois, Parkland College, and the Illinois Small Business Development Center to connect business owners with resources and knowledge, such as capital, licensing, taxes, and business plans before they start, during their initial stages of growth, and after establishment. By working proactively with business owners, we'll address challenges early, offering guidance before issues escalate.
“We will partner with organizations like Experience CU to attract residents and visitors to shop, dine, play, and stay in Urbana. I will ensure Urbana's infrastructure supports business growth by creating a safe, affordable, and well-connected community.
“We can further help businesses by adding housing, growing our population, lowering property taxes, and making Urbana a place where residents build their futures and enjoy access to amenities and a vibrant community.”
—ANNIE ADAMS
