Small Business

As a small business owner, I understand firsthand the challenges, uncertainty, and resilience required to keep a business running. From navigating complex regulations to managing tight margins and adapting to changing market conditions, owning a business demands creativity, perseverance, and an unshakable belief in what you’re building. Every day, entrepreneurs in Fort Collins face real obstacles—from rising rents and limited commercial space to complicated permitting processes and delayed approvals—that threaten their ability to survive, let alone thrive. These are not abstract concerns; they are daily realities for the small businesses that fuel our local economy and shape the character of our city.

As a city, we can and must do better to support them.

Small businesses are the backbone of Fort Collins. They generate critical sales tax revenue, create local jobs, foster innovation, and contribute to the unique character and identity that makes our community special. They are run by our neighbors, staffed by our families and friends, and often serve as the first job site for young people entering the workforce. When small businesses succeed, our entire city benefits. As mayor, I will make small business support a top priority—reducing unnecessary barriers, streamlining city processes, and championing policies that foster long-term stability, investment, and success.

One key area of focus will be our opportunity zones. These zones were created to spur economic growth, but we must ensure they benefit the small businesses already rooted in our community—not just new developments or outside investors. I will advocate for a local tax structure that rewards commercial property owners who voluntarily stabilize rents. This approach, grounded in incentives rather than mandates, can create a more predictable and affordable environment for businesses to grow, hire, and contribute meaningfully to our city’s future. While rent control is not permitted under Colorado law and may not be the right tool for our city, we can still take action to address rent volatility and provide the kind of consistency entrepreneurs need to stay rooted and invest in the long term.

In addition to stabilizing commercial rents, we must do more to make Fort Collins a city where starting a business is not an uphill battle. Too often, permitting and approval timelines are slow and opaque, leaving entrepreneurs in limbo and draining precious time and resources. We need a permitting process that is clear, responsive, and efficient—one that recognizes the urgency many business owners face when trying to open their doors and begin serving the community. As mayor, I’ll work to cut through red tape and create a more business-friendly experience within City Hall.

Marketing and visibility are also essential to small business success. In today’s competitive regional economy, Fort Collins businesses need the tools and support to stand out, attract customers, and grow their reach. I will work to modernize our approach to signage regulations, business promotion, and city-sponsored advertising platforms, making it easier and more affordable for local businesses to get the attention they deserve. A thriving, visible small business community not only supports economic growth but also enriches the social fabric and identity of our city.

Ultimately, I will bring a practical, business-minded approach to City Hall—grounded in experience, empathy, and a deep understanding of what it takes to keep a business afloat in both good times and bad. My goal is simple: to make Fort Collins a city where entrepreneurs can not only succeed, but want to stay, invest, and help build the future of our community for generations to come.