My Economic Vision for Ward 5 and the Greater Hyattsville

Economic Development

The goal is to ensure that the developments of West Hyattsville have the voices of Ward 5 members. Let's ensure the developments meets the needs of the community and individual residents

• Develop the Riverfront retail areas with the residents' needs in mind. This means ensuring the buildings are outfitted with the needed retail spaces the enable businesses to immediately begin their necessary businesses (ie: coffee shops and restaurants).
• Ensure smart use of the Riverfront land and the land near the metro. Many residents have mentioned the possibility of a park (green field, basketball court, indoor activities) considering the increase in population.
• Support local transportation by ensuring bus stops and other public transit locations are outfitted with appropriate shelter or coverings to protect residents against inclement weather.
• Support the West Hyattsville Green Alley (the location behind H & Chicken, Basking Robbins, BOA etc). The area will provide flexible spaces for businesses to expand as well as provide an aesthetically inviting location. 
• Advocate for the refurbishment of the Hamilton Street businesses creating an inviting feeling for each business.
• Enhancing "walkability" from Riverfront and the metro to the Hamilton Street stores. The action ensure easy transit from one location to another further enhancing economic strength.

Economic Sustainability

• Incentivize businesses that hire and retain residents of Hyattsville for employment. Incentives can include tax breaks, expedited permitting, or public recognition for businesses. This action directly strengthens economic security, reduces unemployment and creates a connected and invested Hyattsville.
• Invest in free to low-cost financial literacy resources for residents of Hyattsville. This action promotes long term economic stability, reduces the need for public assistance and stimulates economic growth. Applying this concept to after school programs creates generational wealth further strengthening Hyattsville's strategic economic stability.
• Invest in consultation services for businesses within Hyattsville. By providing expert guidance, training, and resources, cities can help small businesses survive and thrive. This stimulates job security and once again prepares the city for long term economic strength. 

Economic Superiority

The goal is to draw residents from other cities to visit Hyattsville and spend their money in Hyattsville. Specific lines of effort include:

• Develop West Hyattsville as a metro centered destination location. Invest in aesthetically pleasing solutions and architecture surrounding the metro. Consider increased art and murals that enable metro visitors.
• Keep Hyattsville clean and inviting. Develop and execute an information campaign designed to draw the residents' investment in Ward 5. This may also include installing outdoor trashcans in high traffic areas outside the metro. 
• Support the development and establishment of a unique businesses and restaurant within the Riverfront community. Identify successful industries and businesses that are not available within 250 miles and generate a demand/dependency of the business by non-city resident.

Economic Responsibility

The goal is to ensure fair and equitable housing and business solutions for all residents while ensuring fiscal transparency. Specific lines of effort include:

• Consider the inclusion of a PG County Credit union or the establishment of a Hyattsville Credit union. A city-owned credit union recycles capital within the community. As a non-profit organization, it provides fair, affordable, and inclusive financial services while allowing the wealth to circulate locally. Furthermore, the credit union can generate interest earnings for the city potentially creating a surplus on future budgets. 
• Advocate for fair and affordable housing. Ensure rent control mechanisms are in place to prevent landlord from overcharging or raising rent rapidly. Continue to support inclusionary zoning and partner with non-profit developers, housing trusts, and private companies to build and maintain affordable units
• Continue to support budget transparency. To ensure fiscal responsibility and public trust, I would advocate for a posting of the full budget and a simplified, “citizen-friendly” version on the city’s website. Additionally, i would support the city in budget workshops, budget townhalls and participatory budgeting.