SBAC Applauds Mayor Lightfoot and City Council For Providing Small Businesses a Big Win
For Immediate Release
July 21, 2021
SBAC Applauds Mayor Lightfoot and the Chicago City Council for Providing Small Businesses a Big Win
Statement by Small Business Advocacy Council (SBAC) President Elliot
Richardson:
The SBAC and a robust coalition of business and community organizations have been fighting to reduce the time it takes for small businesses to obtain a sign or other public way use permit. We have been calling on policymakers to cut red tape so small businesses can display a sign more quickly and let potential customers know they are open for business. Mayor Lightfoot and the Chicago City Council have answered that call and come through in a big way! Today an ordinance was passed that eliminates the need for City Council approval on almost all sign and other public way use permits.
The ordinance that passed eliminates the requirement that an overwhelming number of sign or other public way use permits be approved by the City Council. Indeed, only where there is a disagreement between the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection and an Alderman/Alderwoman regarding a permit application will an ordinance need to be passed before its issuance. However, in almost all cases, the approval of the City Council will no longer be necessary, shaving up to 60 days off the process.
Small businesses and local communities face difficult challenges as they attempt to recover from the pandemic. The City Council and Mayor Lightfoot just eliminated one of them. We thank the City Council for making this important reform because it will help small businesses succeed and local communities recover from the pandemic.
###
SBAC Action Call: Time For Policymakers To Deliver a Small Business Package
SBAC Action Call: Time For Policymakers To Deliver a Small Business Package Many small and local businesses closed during the pandemic while others continue fighting to keep their doors open. The small business community has galvanized around a package of policy proposals. These policies will provide crucial support to small businesses and local communities. They…
Take the Community Survey!!
Click Here to take the Community Survey! Revitalize Local Businesses and Neighborhoods Thriving commercial corridors support local communities across Chicago and Cook County. Prior to the pandemic, however, many corridors struggled. As Chicago emerges from the pandemic and local communities confront a new economic landscape, a strong coalition of stakeholders is needed to advocate for…
Advocating for disadvantaged commercial corridors
SBAC President Elliot Richardson discusses a policy that will reduce vacant properties in struggling neighborhood business districts. Replacing commercial vacancies with small businesses will support local communities. Supporters Fifth Third Bank Saul Ewing Arnstein Lehr Inland Bank Ntiva Daily Herald Tandem HR Interprenet Signature Bank Lexitas Empower Korey Richardson Open One Solutions Freeborn and Peters…
