Imagine Greater Tucson 2010-11 Phase I Community Conversation and Survey Statements Related to A thriving local, small business environment

1	80% small business community
2	A forward thinking growth community, trying to create a more business friendly atmosphere for small business.
3	A thriving downtown is important for tourism, attracting big business and young talent, and creating a center for a sustainable community.
4	A vibrant downtown that provides employment, entertainment, places to live and honors the traditions of the city will bring me and my time and money downtown, and draw others locally and from out of town, improving the local economy for all of us.
5	Ability to experience and observe the local ecosystem. Great for hiking/recreational activities. Escape pollution associated with growing cities. Beautiful landscape
6	Ability to open small business more easily
7	Alternative transportation - more light rail, electric cars, platinum status as a cycling community. Lots of pedestrian space downtown, arts warehouse district full of artists, nurturing our successes in optics and other industries, being aggressive about bringing high paying jobs to town, supportive of arts and small businesses, green economies.
8	Although Tucson does need to encourage more companies to locate here, I like that out of necessity, the economy has been largely driven by small business owners.
9	Although Tucson is a large city, the locally owned businesses, bicycle friendly streets, and University campus keep things central and give the entire city a good vibe
10	Although my children are grown so I don't have to worry about the quality they are getting, the education in Arizona, and therefore Tucson, is embarrassing. To be ranked 49 out of 50 states is appalling. Education, of course, is critical to individuals, to local industry, and to the city's (and state's) future.
11	Another VERY important factor that will keep people inside their homes instead of being out spending money is crime rate. Bad parts of town get abandon and became one of those areas that I wish to visit to support local business but I don't want to get killed doing that as well.
12	Any attempt to bring in progressive businesses and industry will fail without a strong public education component. Tucson has to fight locally and in Phoenix to improve this aspect of our community life.
13	As a small business owner, it can be very difficult to do business in Tucson. You also end up competing against unlicensed companies who don't carry worker's comp or carry other insurance and pay their employees under the table because they are not being caught or punished for this. You have a difficult time competing with them.
14	As a small business owner, the level of integrity and word of mouth is everything to stay in business. This town (city) has created an environment that promotes honesty and responsibility to community and those who meet this ethical standard will surely succeed.
15	Attract and recruit retired science professionals as a local problem solving resource
16	Because we are a government/public sector region - government sets the direction. Tucson/Pima County/southern Arizona is controlled by elected Democrats in a State that has a legislature controlled by elected Republicans. Pima County has had stable administration and Board of Supervisors while City of Tucson has had turnover in the City Manager and Council. U of A as a land grant university has engaged with the local business community very differently than ASU. Hundreds of millions of TIF funding for Rio Nuevo was spent with minimal benefit. Pima County wastewater and Tucson water are fighting amongst themselves and with others. Even PAG and TREO are additional bureacracies. We are not nimble, dynamic, responsive to taking advantage of opportunitie because we have a bureaucratic culture. Initiating and sustaining a series of improvements for lean, accountable, responsive, collaborative government would improve the near and longer term quality of life.
17	Beginning of a local movement
18	Being able to buy nutritious, locally grown, organic food is part of my value system. It's important to me because it keeps money in the community, it creates inter-community connections and it's better for the environment.
19	Better downtown hotels, restaurants, and entertainment facilities are needed to improve the Tucson business climate. Rio Nuevo needs to get off the ground as the proposed projects will generate tax dollars and help local businesses
20	Brings more people and traffic to local businesses
21	Brings people in to spend money in the local economy
22	Business is important. It is small businesses that create the majority jobs in most communities. I want to be able to start businesses to hire employees so that they can provide for their families.
23	Businesses find it very difficult to work with the city of Tucson - the local government can be very anti-business and anti-growth oriented in their permitting, regulatory and taxing actions. They speak about wanting economic development, but their actions do not support their talk.
24	Buy Tucson! Support local business and patronize local events and businesses. Atract more visitors and don't alienate those we have. All local events are important as they bring visitors to our city. Look at international interest sporting and collecting events.
25	By this I mean more synergy between local governments, businesses, BANKS, University, and citizen groups for investing in job creation. There are so some good things going on - Treo and Bios5 - but not enough. Rio Nuevo should return to its roots - what it was designed for. I want to see the region prosper!
26	Can't attract quality business or workforce if low education for kids. Example: Foothills is thriving and Rincon high school is failing
27	City goverment needs to assist small business rather than be a road block to success.
28	Community support to sustain local business
29	Continue to grow downtown and shopping and resturants along Broadway, specifically towards the central/eastside - support the growth of local businesses.
30	Cool local restaurants
31	Corporations choke communities until they die---local businesses are the heartbeat of a community
32	Create dynamic artistic economic environment, small businesses, downtown arts community
33	Discontinue the government giveaways to select local businessmen
34	Distinct buildings, unique individuals, locally owned and operated buisnesses, hidden treasures, strange downtown arts cultural, the ever specific sonoran desert.
35	Doesn't affect us personally and what I know is based on news reports only. But we frequently read about red-tape and delays that hamper small businesses.
36	Easier for small business to survive
37	Educational institutions, particlulary public systems, are not supported or funded in a way that yields quality student achievement. This impacts economic opportunties and local businesses ability to attract and retain a highly skilled work force. Local students who are the most talented and skilled leave the community for better careers elsewhere.
38	Emphasis on Art and local business
39	Encourage small business
40	Everyone is welcome...conseratives/liberals; wealthy to low income; young to retirees; ethnic groups; races; creeds; small business to large corporations
41	Everywhere are empty, closed businesses. Small businesses envigorate economies. Large developers only lead to more empty store fronts. Build from the bottom up.
42	Fewer box stores - more local business
43	Focus local food production
44	Focus on small business
45	Focus on the local businesses, not out of state businesses.
46	Funding is not the responsibility of our local community. But it is what I think most needs improvement. We no longer adequately fund education in Arizona. Without proper funding, we will not keep the caring, interesting, productive people who make Tucson a good place to live. Our children will grow up and move away. We will have job market and no sustainable, healthy growth. Personally, I want to be able to honestly tell people with children that they should move here or stay here and put their children in public school. There are lots of very capable professional educators offering a variety of successful teaching methods and curriculums, but without basic resources, they can't do their jobs successfully. This matters to me as I see people I care about and/or respect leave Tucson or not come to Tucson because of this problem.
47	Give preference to local graduates. Usual policy is to hire from outside AZ -- that is not good to local Arizonians.
48	Great variety of locally owned, creative, high quality, interesting, kid friendly and affordable food establishments make this a 'foodie' paradise.
49	Growing our own local entrepreneurial talent will contribute to a better Tucson and make a big difference in people's lives locally. Also contributes to local character.
50	Hard economic times are bad for small business
51	Have the local government embrace business.
52	Having local alternatives - from food to light manufacturing - makes for a stronger resilient city.
53	Help small business
54	Help small business, not hinder it
55	Helps the local economy
56	Hire local University grads
57	Historic neighborhoods,small locally owned businesses and lots of parks
58	I am a foodie and have such pleasure enjoying our locally owned and operated Tucson Original restaurants. We need to foster and support these restaurants.
59	I am never bored in Tucson. There is always a lot going on that allows me to get out and mingle with the community, meet new people and support local businesses.
60	I am not a small business owner, but I appreciate the diversity of Tucson. We do not need to look like every suburb in the nation, with chain restaurants and large retailers.
61	I am not in favor of foisting things on people who don't want them, and so if Tucsonans aren't worried about their public schools, public transportation, and local university budgets, then I guess it's their money and they have the right to keep it. But do they really not care? When I think about the kind of community I would most want to live in, it is one where investments have been made in education and social conveniences -- not because political entrepreneurs have externalized costs onto the general public, or because a small, left-leaning segment of the population has taken over the government purse strings, but rather because that's the sort of place we all want to call home.
62	I believe a vibrant downtown is vital to a vibrant city. The west side museum projects and mission gardens, nice hotels in the city center, affordable housing, nurturing small businesses, adding the light rail will enhance the recent successes of downtown.
63	I believe finishing the Rio Nuevo Project will be a financial 'Win-Win' for the city of Tucson. Bringing more people to the Tucson area spending money for the cultural aspects of the city and potential investments to Tucson. The longer it takes to complete Rio Nuevo the more money Tucson is losing. The cities that have an area of their town for tourists and locals have strengthened their community.
64	I can be very challenging as a small business owner to be 'seen and heard' in Tucson
65	I don't have children but realize our local scholls are not preparing them adequetely for the future. Thos who are prepared don't stay here to work. Although I can see the tech park helping, we want local people to qualify to work there.
66	I enjoy experiencing different cultures while eating and laughing with friends. I enjoy restaurants that have one to two cites and are not large chains. The Mexican can other cultural restaurants in Tucson are mostly locally owned.
67	I enjoy feeding the local economy
68	I enjoy the variety of local businesses, such as cool restaurants, shops, and produce, and the attitude of Tucsonans to support local businesses.
69	I feel like I know everyone here. I like shopping at local businesses where the shop owner knows me -- it makes me feel more connected with the community.
70	I feel that it employs a lot of people. It brings a sense of community and pride to Tucson and it is so important that locals have access to an insitution in order to get a quality education. It also brings tourism and out of towners to help boost the economy. All the sporting and theatre events the U of A provides is also so important and brings life to Tucson.
71	I feel that my tax $ is being used to prevent small business
72	I forget how big Tucson really is sometimes. People are friendly, local businesses are great, there are wonderful big city arts and cultural amenities but it feels like a small town.
73	I know a small business owner who has the City demanding he have 9 parking spaces, but the Fire Department insisting he can't have more than 6 parking spaces and he shouldn't be spending all his time on this one issue, let alone all the other fees, permits, expenses that are going to prevent him from being successful.
74	I know many small businessmen and women and to a person they tell me that they have had loads of problems with the city government. I, myself, am a small business person and I have as well.
75	I know of small business owners who are being taxed out of the business and regulated to the extent that ehy can not emploee full time people.
76	I know that we need to bring in economic development, but it seems in the consulting industry at least, the out of state, national firms get preferrential treatment as opposed to the local, Tucson based firms who have been here supporting the community through the bad times as well as the good times. The National firms roll in and out with the times.
77	I like being able to live in a smallish city and have such wonderful access to fabulous local restaurants, art galleries and cultural events.
78	I like having personal connections and while I do not shop a lot I make it a point to patronize local businesses, especially eateries.
79	I like that I can go to locally owned and operated restaurants and know that my money goes back to the tucson community.
80	I like that there are many opportunities to shop at local stores and that you can get to know the owners and feel good about supporting them.
81	I like that we have a community that, on the whole, works together. I also like that we have a democratically controlled local government that keeps so of the abuses of big business at bay.
82	I like the Tucson has a robust local food movement, with its array of farmer's markets and local non-profits working on food justice issues. Eating healthy food is an investment in ourselves, the environment, and our economy. Further, it's an issue that can unite people with diverse interests and political views, be that over physical meals or as a general movement.
83	I like the fact that people in Tucson are very creative and business oriented. I love that the University of Arizona is here - I would REALLY love to see the UofA get more involved with the small businesses SPECIFICALLY here in Tucson and do more to promote those businesses here than importing larger businesses from elsewhere. But on the same note, I am not against businesses moving here, as a matter of fact I would love to see more businesses move here and have specific areas or locations that those businesses could move to - kind of like San Diego..
84	I like the local restaurants that Tucson has to offer. I am not a big fan of chain restaurants so I like that Tucson has an orgainization of original restaurants that you can try out.
85	I love how in this area, there is such a diverse group of people, especially on 4th, and a majority of the businesses are local. Local businesses are extremely important to me. I also live that the downtown is vibrant but SMALL. I really hope it stays that way.
86	I love it that I know many people and run into them all over town. You'll meet someone at an event down town, and then see them 2 months later at a local coffee shop! I also like it that I know small business owners and really enjoy visiting their restaurants and stores rather than going to big box places. Tucson feels connected to me.
87	I love that Tucson has all the amenities of a large city but has a lot of local businesses that make it feel like a smaller town. I think this is unique in a City that has grown as much as ours and I enjoy this environment very much!
88	I love the 'small town in the middle of a big city' I love the arts district, and BICAS and the remaining old buildings in the area. I love the tight knit communitys and barrios in the central area of tucson. I like the local aspects of downtown.
89	I own my own small business
90	I personally need a job and would love to see Tucson be a thriving city full of great jobs
91	I see these trends where we get Jobs that are here for a bit and then they move to another town or state. (Like call centers did.) I ask why is it that the one state of USA that doesn't need to use day light savings, not selling solar energy! Why are we still at the mercy of mining here dispite the damage it does to our lands? Because there are no other types of work that pay. We need more local industry that fits US!
92	I think it is important for the community to try to spend more on local, healthier food in places such as farmer's markets rather than buy food filled with preservatives at more commercial institutions.
93	I think the local politics has to reduce involvement and let businesses be free to make thier venture thrive. Neighborhoods and HOAs have taken the region hostage and are preventing a thriving community for thier own personal preferences. NIMBY
94	I work for a company that is a franchise, but it is locally run. I often see negative articles about using local businesses over national franchises. But this national franchise is employing 50 people who live and reside in this community and spend our money here. So the money is kept here.
95	I work for a non-profit organization, and collaborate with a broad base of government, business, nonprofit and individual community members. Because people living in Tucson are from all over the country and world, the Tucson community supports a host of innovative non-profit organizations, blending some of the best ideas found elsewhere to create locally based solutions. People are also willing to contribute their own time and expertise (in addition to dollars) to move things forward that they are passionate about seeing occur.
96	I would like Sahuarita to grow and attract local companies and less commercial business.
97	I would like to see our local political leaders and constituents understand that without some risks, yes risks, we may not have the opportunity to reap the rewards. Most forget that we take risks everyday, but when we do so as a community it's deemed not necessary. If we don't take the calculated risks, we will not grow efficiently and become the City no one wants us to be.
98	I would like to see the city work with schools to educate students about city politics. I would like to see more involvement and promotion of youth/neighborhood advisory groups that report to the council with recommendations. I would like to see more businesses get involved with and support our local schools.
99	I would love a more thriving business
100	I'd like Tucson to become more of a city where businesses want to relocate to, where small businesses thrive, where public markets like Granville Island become a source for fresh food instead of chain super markets
101	I'd work a lot harder to retain knowledge.. retain UA grads from leaving. We have one of the highest ranked business schools in the country, yet very little business development is occuring. More efforts to stimulate, and retain, young business leaders through local efforts to 'grow' businesses of the future.
102	I'm concerned about our long-term future, for our children and future generations. You can't have a successful, thriving community without sufficient and affordable water.
103	Identify businesses in the community that are compatible with the resources available here and are not destructive to the things that make this town unique. The current trend seems to be a grab for any industry that will make our city grow and create jobs, with no consideration of negative effects they might have on the great community and local commerce.
104	If your not in Govt. you can't find a good job, IE: local / county/ state Govt. UA Raytheon Davis Monthan all govt. jobs
105	Improve local support of businesses and taxing climate
106	Improve small business climate
107	Improved support and recognition for entrepreneurs operating at the neighborhood or very local scale.
108	Individual level support of local businesses
109	It inspires me to participate in the arts and small businesses that have grown beyond our city; Tucson seems to attract people with creative minds and talents that they are so willing to share.
110	It is important for everyone to have access to fresh fruit and vegetables and support local vendors
111	It is nice to be able to have balanced access to national/international brands in our community and also being able to dine and shop at a variety of locally-owned restaurants and small businesses that provide unique and regional items. I hope that this mix remains, rather than large out of town businesses overrunning our community to extract profit, or at the same time completely ignoring our area.
112	It is strongly driven my small business.
113	It seems to me that with all the crazy laws and regulations, the city government really doesn't want small businesses to thrive. They are looking out for the interests of the big boxes. That is not the spirit of the people of Tucson.
114	It would be good for the region to have a strong local agricultural base. This region would not have been settled if not for that.
115	It's hard to get around Tucson unless you have a car. Small businesses need customers to succeed. And the retired, older crowd isn't big on driving...particularly at night. It would be awesome to have some type of solar-powered local, light-rail system...like Portland, Or has.
116	It's harder for local businesses to keep going
117	It's nice to know that there are family- and independently-owned businesses and restaurants, as well as local programs like the Fourth Avenue Street Fair that keep Tucson from looking like just any city
118	It, ie. people center planning, builds community, it allows for local economy (farmers, businesses, etc)
119	Jobs and education are linked closely to the quantity and quality of business and industry available to a region. More knowledge workers and cutting edge industries in Tucson could help to protect the region from construction slumps and poor tax revenues. A diverse local economy also means less people out of work as the national economy cycles. I know that the quality of our schools can be an obstacle to attracting knowledge workers, which leads me to my next point.
120	Jobs, security,thriving, we could spend our $ here other than elsewhere! Put water in the Santa Cruz river from Speedway to 22nd, where it would be constantly recycling, so we could have resturants along the river, hotels, lil cruise boat for tourist, sandy beaches for the family to sit on and eat.! Also an amusement park with roller coasters, like magic mountain
121	Keep promoting the local business to help them strive against the big names. We need to keep all the mom and pop shops as much as possible.
122	Keeping the economy local
123	Lack of long term vision and support for local and small business
124	Lack of support for small businesses
125	Local farming - local food production
126	Local food and businesses=better for our economy and better for our earth
127	Local public and private businesses should support each other more. When I first moved here, I believe there had been a 'Tucson First' campaign. We need to do that again. Too much money goes out of town in all industries. It is particularly noticeable with large public works projects where architects, engineers and contractors are brought in from out of town. We have a School of Architecture and a School of Engineering at UA. Many of those students stay in Tucson after they graduate. Design and construction contracts do not need to go out of town. There should be extra points given to 'local' businesses like there used to be by government agencies when selecting design and construction companies.
128	Locally owned businesses
129	Loss of neighborhood stores; small business owners
130	Lots of local businesses, shops and restaurants
131	Lots of personal relationships, community collaboration and connections. Feeling personally important to local businesses.
132	Make it easier for small businesses
133	Make local governments heed advice of local businesses and business leaders
134	Many people who live in the Tucson area immigrated, or had family who immigrated, from other countries to live here. Over time, these men, women, and children have contributed to the cultural and economic life of our community. I consider Tucson to be a welcoming, open, and diverse community. As such, I would like our local officials and politicians to support humane border and immigration policies that keep families together and provide pathways to citizenship.
135	Michigan turns on Oracle and Grant will adversely affect small businesses - the planning of these needs to be revisited
136	Mine (Rosemont)- damage to land, water, air, not as much local economic development
137	Money for education at a state and local level College, HS, elementary, teacher pay
138	More effort needs to be put into supporting local business unique to Tucson. We have some wonderful shops, restaurants, and galleries. Let's continue to promote them.
139	More emphasis on local alternatives to exports
140	More emphasis on our environment and recycling, buying local from the city
141	More local business
142	More local cafes and coffee shops outside of 4th Ave
143	More local food
144	More local food production and distribution
145	More local stores
146	More support for local ranches/farms sustainable agriculture
147	More support for small business and entrepreneurs
148	More support for small business, less for big box superstores like Walmart.
149	More support for small local business
150	My neighborhood is economically depressed and I believe small businesses should be able to operate in homes
151	Need better, more sophisticated restaurants. Too many chain restaurants. Not enough local success in restaurants. Standard of quality is low and service is fair.
152	Need more input from small businesses as future moves forward
153	Need more local businesses
154	Need more small business attractions
155	Need to improve and develop South Tucson, reducing crime and improving the local economy
156	Nice, local, healthy and organic eateries.
157	Not enough local business � medical facilities, grocery stores
158	Not unlike the natural environment, diversity in the human environment fosters thriving community growth. A plurality of ideas and culture provides a contrast that constantly pushes us to grow as individuals and as a society. Multiculturalism is something Tucson is famous for, and promoting all of the cultures that create the fabric of our region should be a high priority. This also leads to great local restaurants!
159	Our focus on renewable energy, water conservation and reclamation and our focus on local agriculture, etc. Having an organization like Sustainable Tucson focusing these issues is great. The newly formed 'Green Chamber' is making a difference in the business arena as well.
160	Our government needs to step up and support pro- business legislation, support initiatives that help our local economy. Until we have this, businesses will not move here and we will continue to have economic issues. Having a small business in this community is hard.
161	Our local elected officials have spent the last 30 years turning Tucson into a fiscal nightmare. Too much money is spent on the wrong priorities, and too little is focused on the core services which should be its No. 1 focus.
162	Our local government is impotent and dysfunctional. We need sweeping reforms to make Tucson the vibrant and growing city in the future that it has been in the past.
163	Our local media has become a mouthpiece for business interests and not the community
164	Our local schools aren't offering music, team sports, the arts - and companies are seeing this and it is impacting their decision as to whether or not they will locate here
165	Our mountains and beautiful skies set the stage for Tucson and in many ways this colors the way we experience our daily lives. The fact that each of us takes our visitors to see our local natural wonders says it all. I would like to see even more accessibility created to build on this as an economic development tool. I am concerned that if development does not have to meet some criteria, the Tucson landscapes could be turned into sprawling L.A. suburbs.
166	Poor economic trends are sinking local business
167	Proceed with the Modern Streetcar ONLY if the local residents and business owners want it - NOT as a political tool
168	Promote local jobs
169	Promote small business development
170	Promotion of local businesses, distinctive areas of town with a sense of place
171	Regulatory hurdles to open up a new business, regulatory application of process, infrastructure, high rent areas, ordinances increasing costs, , political agendas impede growth. Small businesses seem completely ignored/overlooked. Lots of talk of their importance but little action.
172	Retirees should be brought into local schools and help teach - bring their experience (what will be the effect on pay rates for teachers?)
173	Revitalize local economy
174	Sense of community (non-profits, local business, small town feel)
175	Similar to above. Tucsonians investing in local economies, local food, local events, local culture. We need to support the entrepreneurial spirit of individuals in a way that inspires creativity, quality and sustainability.
176	Small business environment
177	Small business planning
178	Small business regulations
179	Small businesses
180	Small businesses and knowing the people who work there.
181	Small businesses employ most of our citizens and both the county and the city do not encourage the development of these businesses.
182	Small farms on the outskirts of Tucson (Marana, e.g.) continue to sell to developers. Not only is this trend decreasing our ability to produce food locally, it is creating unsustainable communities that are doomed from the start.
183	Small local businesses are what makes Tucson special and I wish that people had more of an understanding of how important it is to buy and support local establishments
184	Small town community in a big city - local businesses and community events
185	Stop the bickering and let's create a cohesive community based water resource service plan that allows local governments to cooperate with each other on this issue and plan growth together.
186	Strong local business sector
187	Support for small businesses
188	Support local businesses
189	Support of local * Business * Farmer's market
190	Support of local businesses
191	Supporting local businesses means more opportunity for folks already living in this community, to help themselves and grow in personal success as well as community success. This point benefits the community as a whole.
192	The 4th street Street Fair is a good example, and is something I look forward to attending each year. It provides a experience to get out in what I feel to be a safe venue, which allows me to shop, see the new products that local business has to offer, and add money into the local economy. Again, the people I encounter add to the experience.
193	The Business and Chamber of Commerce need to stand up to the powers in the City and County and demand respect and mutual 'think tank' talks and ACTION on moving forward. Demand change in the State Legislature and Government to improve the State immage for small businesses, education, inovation, tourisim, and retiement. The commerce sector needs to stand up to the bullies and demand business friendly laws, regulations and incentives.
194	The TCC have created problems that need not exist. They have imposed punitive taxes on small businesses resulting in hardship and businesses moving away or being denied altogether. For a city that is growing, it is unfortunate the TCC continues to impose fees and taxes hurting the less fortunate, teens, elderly and those looking to make Tucson a home and business center.
195	The UA is the single most important factor in our region's economy, yet nobody at the local government level seems to pay it much attention. When was the last time you even heard Mayor Walkup mention the UA in one of his speeches? They are taking this jewel for granted and it will come back to haunt them later.
196	The anti-growth mentslity of local government is hurting the community in both the long and short term. We must embrace growth while managing it effectively.
197	The area needs to realize the small businesses are essential to the health of the community and cut the costs and red tape associated with trying to build and grow
198	The attitude of Tucson being a small city. The spending perogatives of the Council. The anti-business focus. These things impact all of us. The trolley won't save the City and keeping businesses out and making it difficult for small business to start decreases revenues.
199	The city is one of the worst places to try to open a business, this has caused many small businesses to either not open or move out
200	The coming age of fossil fuel scarcity/high cost will affect our food supplies and the ready availability of all other goods upon which we rely. We are a very food-insecure area. We need to encourage and support a huge increase in food farming in this region if we want to be able to feed ourselves in the future. We will need to prioritize water usage for food crops. This requires a good lead time of advance planning in order to be food secure before hard times set in. This idea applies to other goods besides food. We need to encourage and support local business and manufacturing of essential goods instead of relying on the import of most of our goods from long distances and other countries. We need to begin planning for relocalization NOW, while there is still time.
201	The control of local politics by the growth lobby and business community
202	The diversity of Tucson is important to me because too often these days are large corporations opening new locations (which is fine) but we are also do not want to lose the unique shops and cafes ... local theaters, etc. That makes Tucson so fun to explore
203	The existing local government does not understand business and what it takes to stimulate businesses to get established in Tucson.
204	The farm's market is great because it helps local people financially and its a healthier choice.
205	The infighting between local governments is creating a lack of opportunities to recruit businesses and create new jobs for the future of the community.
206	The local and regional governments work hard to impede business rather than promote it.
207	The local shops
208	The many small businesses that allow us to shop locally
209	The nice weather attracts snowbirds, who contribute to the local economy
210	The situation with our border is critical to reducing crime and removing a major cause of much local expense for law enforcement.
211	The variety and mix and abundance of small businesses.
212	There are events and businesses that I don't visit simply because I do not feel the adequate presence of police/security personnel. I don't have a solution for this, however, I can say that I'd participate more and surely add more money into the local economy if I felt safe venturing into certain parts of town by myself.
213	There are lots of people out of work right now. More technology, innovation, manufacturing, small power production, etc... Less commercial, payday loans, stores, failed small businesses, etc...
214	There are many local businesses I can support.
215	There are more shopping opportunities than in my local community, such as the craft stores, both chain stores and local stores.
216	There are too many big box stores and chains that are driving out the small businesses.
217	There are wonderful family-owned restaurants - like America's oldest Mexican restaurant, El Charro - and people from all walks of life I've met in this small city. There is a great deal of potential for this city to thrive and I would love to see that happen with new decisions & members of the local city council
218	There needs to be more people with both business and non-business background to lead the local governments.
219	There should be less influence of business in local government
220	These areas seem more in touch with the needs of small businesses, the importance of government accountability, and the role of local charity and volunteerism. Community balance is more transparent. The rural communities next to S, OV, & M are good reminders of simple, affordable lifestyles and the importance of ranching and farming and making and selling products and not just service industries.
221	These programs are out of control and will bankrupt the local and state governments.
222	They offer NO leadership. They are corrupt!!! They are professional thieves!!! Two examples: Look at downtown Tucson!!! Also, millions of misappropriation of funds with Rio Nuevo. They are unfriendly to small business!
223	This would promote longevity and a more peaceful type of life in this beautiful region. And if not that...then my #3 item would be to develop a REAL downtown. This would bring more business to this community from both locals and visitors.
224	Too complicated to fit in this space. Let's start with more jobs and higher pay for our local legal residents.
225	Too much reliance was placed on growth. When growth faltered the local economy crashed
226	Too much tax payer money is spent on sports complexes/stadiums that the public is not allowed to use. H Corbett Field cost the City $4M to renovate but the Rockies said it was not good enough. The Sox complained that our local Little League teams were tearing up the fields so guess who got kicked off and guess who ended leaving town anyway?
227	Too sterile, must everything be colored tan and tourquiose? Aesthetically the colors and sterile atmosphere makes me not want to go there? More locally owned businesses.
228	Train local residents for local jobs
229	Tucson always takes the quick fix instead making sound long term goals. We should be giving resources and create new code to infill projects, boosting independently run small businesses and keep our surrounding environment a place where all creatures can live. Take on stweardship of our environment seriously.
230	Tucson does very little to help small businesses get started in this community. Only a large corporation can afford the games Tucson makes you go through so they can collect their fees.
231	Tucson has a friendly, small town feel over all considering the large population size. The U of A presence helps bring this feeling of community unity as well as small business community.
232	Tucson ignores our dwindling water supply, and instead continues to welcome housing developments (temporarily halted due to the economic conditions) that will exacerbate the shortage. As with so many other local problems, Tucson prefers to pretend that this problem does not exist.
233	Tucson is in danger of sprawling as Phoenix has done. I know the state government hampers local efforts for things like growth boundaries. I would like to see a vibrant down town and nice neighborhoods, with shops etc, that have a distinct atmosphere, not very similar shopping malls popping up around the area.
234	Tucson is relatively low-tech and the local economy reflects that.
235	Tucson is surrounded by natural beauty and has a very unique climate. While local growth can't affect the climate, it could negatively impact some of the natural beauty that is all around us, that which makes us unique. Any growth in this city should incorporate this unique environment. Design should play off our environment and open spaces should be used when at all possible.
236	Tucson is the same size as thriving Austin, TX. In Austin downtown revitalization is amazing with there quirky restaurants, music scene. We turn away revenues of millions a year by not have a hotel large enough to bring people to Tucson and our convention center is pathetic.
237	Tucson is very supportive of those in need. It is great to so many non-profit agencies like The Diaper Bank, Foodbank and many others. It's also great to see our local news stations and business offer support for example toy drives during the holidays.
238	Tucson needs to be a more friendly small business community
239	Tucson needs to be more livable - more mass transit, pedestrian corridors, bike lanes. there is too much sprawl that destroys the environment/ecosystems that make tucson unique. need more connectivity through multi-modal transportation to help local economy/businesses.
240	Tucson seems to be focused on the past & history. Very fitting for a ghost town, but not for a thriving community.
241	Tucson's economy is not sufficiently diverse to grow long-term. We need more industries here of all kinds. We have very few large, diverse companies and then a whole lot of small businesses. A community that has the doctors and lawyers to help the small businesses serve each other is fine, but for long-term expansion and growth we need more.
242	Tucson's leadership is adverse to supporting small business and to new businesses coming to Tucson. The 'good old boys' are extremely short-sighted. Tucson's archaic planning framework and the unfavorable, and often clueless and conflicting, regulations are frequently detrimental to supporting and growing our local business community.
243	UA a local hub for shops etc.
244	UA is the driver of our local economy. It is the source of so many 'quality of life' elements (e.g. collegiate athletics, night life, special events) and is a constant fountain of innovation and creativity in our region.
245	Until the climate is such to support small business and they reduce the personal property tax we will not compete for growing companies.
246	Vibrant local businesses and programs
247	Waste of money and resources for a project that isn't actually wanted by the local residents
248	Way too many small businesses are driven out by constantly increasing rents and one-sided lease arrangements.
249	We are losing our identity when we incorporate too many chain stores and lose the local businessmen. Hate that Walmart at El Con. Well, hate Walmart in general, but that's off-topic. It's things like that that make us feel like just a cheap imitation of every other big city in America.
250	We cannot support a thriving city and region with the current tax base, and threats to cut taxes further is insane.
251	We have a very high city tax that makes it expensive to shop and support local businesses.
252	We have so many of them, and i think that our economy definitely depends on these local, small businesses. They add to the culture of our city, and they help define a little more about what we are. I include KXCI in this list.
253	We lack the manufacturing base and need quality employment opportunities here locally
254	We need more jobs and thriving businesses here to improve the quality of life in this region.
255	We need small businesses to help the region survive and grow. The Tucson community needs to support businesses and make it reasonable for them to operate here (instead of putting up obstacles and having negative attitudes)
256	We need to attract new companies to Tucson that hire educated, local people. I want children to have the opportunity to work locally in a high paying company.
257	We need to be attracting more businesses to Tucson, and we need to support better our local, family-owned businesses.
258	We need to build on private (family owned) businesses and promote organic, locally produced goods
259	We need to keep those unique, locally owned small-businesses and restaurants; especially the ethnic food choices
260	We need to make light rail a priority in this city. Phoenix is an excellent example of how light rail can help local businesses.
261	We need to support business adventures in Tucson,small and large. I moved her in 1980 to accept a job with a local company. We need to expand business opportunities with diverse kinds of business. We need to help rather than hinder small business.We can't depend on visitors to come here as our main type of business. Not everyone wants to be in a business that caters to travelers. We need different types of business that cater to the likes and dreams of the people that make their home here! Then hopefully they will not just be traveling through!
262	We need to wake up this area like it once was. I do not get how the neigbhorhood doesn't want more stores but it needs stores in the mall too. Give a discount to local business who take shop there.
263	We seem to tax and fee small businesses to death. It is sad to drive around town and see a business closed that you saw openthe day before. We need to encourage them to develop and stay in business.
264	We want to accommodate business, but we don't want to compromise the local environment by giving too much away
265	With either small or large businesses. Improving permit approval process to support structures for small businesses.
266	With so much negativity around downtown and all of the missteps, it makes it impossible for the good to shine through. The small business community is also part of this problem, they harp on all of the negative and don't and can't contribute to the positive.
267	Without attracting national and international companies and diversifying its economic base, Tucson will not be able to sustain a local economy. With that it becomes an aging community, a low quality of life community and one that heads for extinction
268	Working in this local economy has always been tough, and with the trends in climate, water, petroleum and food costs we must become very innovative to continue to work and live here. We must work to invest in ourselves, keep our investments in Tucson, and be wise about who we invite to invest in us from the outside. Mining is the wrong long-term model; cultural tourism and center for innovation is right.
269	You can't beat a research one university for pumping grads, research dollars, professional development opportunities, and sports into the local economy. I'm thrilled UA is heading downtown - I'm hopeful they will make the most of this opportunity.