Economic Development
The economic crisis has greatly transformed the business and industry of our nation. While Brooklyn and New York as a whole have experienced hardship as a result of the economic downturn, there remains great opportunity for economic development. Continuous innovation and development in the areas of industry, tourism, retail and the arts serves as the basis for new opportunities. By supporting our small and large businesses alike, we will create the employment opportunities our residents so direly need.
Commercial Corridors and BIDs
At the core of our district's economy are its local shops and their shoppers. Jason believes that nurturing entrepreneurship among all our diverse communities is one way to empower our neighbors and create economic growth. Promoting and supporting the emergence of cottage industries will expand economic involvement and maintain a valuable marketplace for local artisans and craftsmen.
As our local economy continues to grow, Jason will continue to encourage local hiring practices. As new businesses emerge here and as our established industries continue to expand, employers should look to local community members to populate their workforce. Local businesses should be representative of the local community and provide a diverse outlook. As such, Jason will promote the hiring of women and minorities by local employers, again emphasizing the importance of empowerment and diversity. It is important to inform consumers, manufacturers and employers about the benefits of hiring locally. Of course, hiring members of our communities for local jobs can only benefit us if vital worker's rights standards are being met.
Our BIDs are of paramount import in economic development, providing security, sanitation and marketing, as well as helping to manage large capital projects. BIDs also help promote the identity and awareness of the many retail corridors in our neighborhoods. Our Mom and Pop shops are the lifeblood of our economy and help create the unique characteristics of each neighborhood. As a Member of the Assemblyu, Jason will assist the BIDs in the district to work together.
Come One, Come All!
Tourism is currently New York City's fifth largest economic industry. Much of the development of the Brooklyn brand has gone on in our communities, with new hotel development and business from dining, night life, shopping, arts and culture. Over the last several years, Jason served on the board of Best of Brooklyn, a not-for-profit organization affiliated with the Office of the Borough President which runs Brooklyn Tourism and projects such as the Brooklyn Book Festival. Jason believes that we can increase our share of the NYC tourism market by highlighting our unique, hip and authentic cultures, attractions, festivals, neighborhoods and events.Manufacturing
The reinvigoration of manufacturing and development of innovative industries will be part of the main thrust of economic development. One case of our manufacturing success has been the brewing and distillery industries. Until the mid- twentieth century, our communities were the national center of beer brewing and distribution until the effects of Prohibition led to the decline of what was once a staple of our commerce. Over the past decade, our brewing industry has resurged. Other success stories include the development of Brooklyn as an artisanal food center, home to inventive and successful restaurants and specialty food stores. Brooklyn continues to be a desired location for film production with the very streets of our neighborhoods serving as dramatic and realistic film locations.
It is important that these businesses continue to emerge and serve as success stories and models for future businesses in our district. Jason believes in supporting and encouraging firms and businesses to attract a skilled workforce through innovative manufacturing. The development of modern businesses will attract a skilled workforce and more service-centered jobs to the area, strengthening the local economy.
Green Jobs
Our communities continue to be affected by environmental problems from our heavy industrial history. Jason believes that promoting green industry also gives us an opportunity for economic growth. Protecting our environment is an issue of safety, protection of resources and economic vitality. As Assemblyman, Jason will to promote his communities as centers of environmental responsibility and innovative green technology and businesses as well as promote green technology in new industries. In the effort to attract businesses to open here, Jason simultaneously endorses environmentally safe practices and technologies. This in turn will create more service sector jobs and put more money back into our local economy.