Helping Local Businesses Navigate City Hall

Small businesses are more than storefronts. They are neighbors, employers, sponsors, volunteers, and part of a community’s personality.

I know what it means to own a small business. I know the long hours, the risk, the paperwork, the costs, and the constant problem-solving that comes with trying to keep the doors open. Small business owners do not need the government to make things harder. They need clear information, consistent communication, and a process they can actually understand.

For years, I have suggested that Maricopa needs a small business advocate or liaison. This would be a city employee who helps small business owners navigate the development process, permits, inspections, certificates of occupancy, zoning questions, tenant improvements, and the many requirements that can feel overwhelming to someone who does not work in government every day.

Not everyone understands the city process. Not everyone knows what questions to ask. Not everyone has the money to hire high-dollar attorneys, consultants, or development teams just to figure out what step comes next.

That is where a guide can make a real difference.

I presented ideas for this type of position at a small business town hall after our city manager said small businesses could leave if they did not like it. I strongly disagreed with that mindset then, and I still do. Small businesses should not be pushed away. They should be helped, supported, and treated like a vital part of our community.

The best person to help bridge that gap is someone inside the city who understands the process and can help business owners move through it more clearly. This does not mean skipping rules or giving special treatment. It means helping people understand the requirements, the timeline, and the path forward.

The mayor has said there is already someone in the city who can help with this. But if a business owner has to dig through the city website to figure out who that person is, where to start, or what department to call, then the system is not clear enough. A true advocate should be easy to find, easy to contact, and clearly identified as a resource for small businesses.

There are many ways to support local businesses, but one of the simplest is making the City Hall easier to navigate. Clear guidance can reduce frustration, prevent delays, and help business owners avoid costly mistakes.

Maricopa needs smart economic growth that fits our community. That means supporting businesses that serve residents, create jobs, and keep more dollars here in town. It also means making sure entrepreneurs and small business owners have a clear path when they are trying to open, expand, or invest in Maricopa.

Supporting small businesses does not mean saying yes to everything. It means building a city process that is fair, predictable, and focused on long-term success.

Small businesses help make Maricopa feel like Maricopa. They deserve a city that takes them seriously.