Is the City of Fresno one of the most unfriendly for businesses? That's what Mayor Ashley Swearengin says; blaming it on the high cost and lengthy processes new owners face.
On Tuesday, Mayor Swearengin revealed her new plan to attract new business and, in turn, create jobs. The Mayor, City Council Members and people around town, believe this can revitalize our local economy.
The Mayor says City Hall is to blame for the lack of new business in Fresno because the process is too complex and simply getting a business permit can cost up to $250,000.
The Mayor revealed her plan called "PIPES," which stands for Process Improvement and Permit Enhancement Strategy. Mayor Swearengin says it will make things simpler, cheaper and faster for new business to open and for existing ones to grow.
Al Smith, CBO of the Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce said, “We in the chamber continually have heard complaints and comments about the problems of getting work done through this process. In the past we've sort of put band aids on it…”
Mayor Swearengin said, “60 days from now, we launch a new process that will relieve those lengthy timelines and we're also working on new laws; a new zoning code that will speed applications through as well.”
Although Mayor Swearengin recognized the economy has played a major role in the lack of business growth and jobs, she says her new plan will help Fresno be prepared when the economy picks up.
One example of the changes that will be implemented is that instead of it taking 18 months for business owners to get new permits, it could now take as little as two months.
