The article notes that a study in Grand Rapids, Mich., by the firm Civic Economics, found that if residents redirected just 10% of their total spending from chains to locally owned businesses, the result would be $140 million in new economic activity for the region, including 1600 new jobs and $53 million in additional payroll.

The article also notes that in Bellingham, Wash., a market research firm found that nearly 60% of residents are patronizing locally owned businesses more often thanks to a campaign that encourages people to “think local first.”

In this current economic climate, Round Rock would be better served if we adopted this concept. Several years ago Round Rock had a campaign – “Shop Round Rock. It’s Less Taxing.” This initiative encouraged residents to visit local stores first before going to Austin and to eat at local restaurants. We need to resurrect this initiative expanding the thinking to shop locally owned businesses, not just residents buying goods and services from Round Rock businesses. Let’s include the city government in this also. Other communities in their procurement process give locally owned businesses a 5% advantage, meaning if their bid is not greater than 5% the city buys from them.

The article references that studies have found that cities score better on community well being with lower poverty rates, greater civic participation and more charitable giving.

Tools for building healthy local economies: Mark Slatin, Pres. Small-Mart

• Build a vigorous network of locally owned businesses serving primarily local markets – the exact opposite of what most economic developers push.
• Provide compelling blueprints for localization by tapping into jaw dropping innovations of locally owned businesses and non-profit organizations.
• Develop public policies incentives for small locally owned businesses.
• Combine conservatives’ passion for free markets, small business and small government with progressives’ passion for community empowerment, sustainability and real democracy.

This economy begs for localization and promotion of locally owned businesses, with goods and services bought by Round Rock residents and City Government.

I find it interesting as I focus on the words “housing” and “diverse.”  A little know fact is our current code of ordinances requires all new residential housing include two-car garages and two full bathrooms.  My Architectural firm has donated services to Habitat for Humanity to re-design 5 of their prototype plans – primarily due to Round Rock’s ordinances.  I would advocate that there are places where new houses be allowed to build one-car garages and 1 ½ bathrooms.  This would greatly benefit Habitat for Humanity!

I applaud this goal and would advocate, as we consider library services, that we work on a city-wide plan considering the option of expanding the CentralLibrary and/or building  branch libraries.  Libraries are not just a place for books.  They have a lot of things to offer the community as well as being a gathering place for people and events.

On Tuesday, April 21, I will be joining other candidates to speak at the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce Power Luncheon.  This Political Candidate Forum will be held at the United Heritage Center at Dell Diamond beginning at 11:30 am.  Reservations are required.

Then, Tuesday evening, April 21, I will be attending the Greater Round Rock West Neighborhood Association Candidate Forum at Grace Lutheran Church at 7:00 p.m. 

Next Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m., I will be attending the Hidden Glen & Behrens Ranch HOA Candidate Forum at the Behrens Ranch Amenity Center.

I’m looking forward to the forums as these are great opportunities to get to meet with the citizens of Round Rock, have a chance to share my message and be able to hear some of your ideas about our community.

I am an executive committee member of the Envision Central Texas Board of Directors.  ECT’s initiatives also parallel the concepts noted above.  ECT is a regional effort of a 5-county region that brings together leaders of most of the cities and countyggovernment officials with the goal of responsible planning and development  I would advocate that the City of Round Rock re-join ECT and coordinate our local planning with the planning efforts of those around us.

I am glad to see that there is a concerted effort to plan future connectivity, expansion of existing roadways, consideration of how best to service density developments, development of public transportation (rail & buses) and identifying funding sources.

In addition to the above, I would advocate that while we are planning the movement of vehicles, we include planning of safe zones for a network of bicycle lanes from neighborhoods to commercial districts.  I would also advocate planning of safe zones for pedestrians along existing and new roadways.