An Economy That Works For Everyone
Developing a diverse economic base and a skilled workforce will make it easier for us to access quality jobs, goods, and services. We need to facilitate successful businesses, improve pathways to more jobs, higher wages, and facilitate the connection between residents and employers.
Providence thrives on the success of small businesses. They employ many residents, create economic opportunities, and serve as cultural hubs for diverse communities. Councilman Goncalves understands how important protecting rights for entrepreneurs is. He seeks to break the walls that prevent locally owned companies from exceeding and building wealth. This includes developing and supporting high-quality local businesses, promoting our city as a business hub, strengthening education and worker skills and beautifying commercial corridors. Together, we can power an economic revival in Providence focused on access to small businesses and the communities that rely on them.
What We've Accomplished Together In My 1st Term
Supported Local Businesses & Innovation
• Identified and actively shared available resources with Ives Street, Wickenden Street, Wayland Square, South Main/South Water, and Downtown businesses to improve their access and knowledge of City and State grant opportunities.
Promoted Outdoor Dining To Held Keep Businesses Afloat During The Pandemic
• Worked closely with the Wayland Merchants Association and Fox Point businesses to facilitate outdoor dining, events, and road closures to spur economic activity during the pandemic. Sponsored annual events and co-created events such as Autumn Air In The Square, Ward 1 Block Party etc. and promoted events like Providence Flea on South Water, Seafood Fest, etc.
Beautified Our Commercial Corridors
• Replaced trash bins, added benches/flower pots, improved lighting, and worked with businesses to create creative placemaking signage to promote shopping and support local businesses.
Advocated For Fast-Growing Sectors
• Remained a proponent of "knowledge-based" jobs in information technology, engineering, biomedical, biotechnology, and other fast-growing sectors in the Jewelry District and urged the I-195 District Commission to remain true to its mission of economic development in Ward 1 and in the City of Providence. Read more here and here.
Municipal Court Amnesty Program During COVID-19
Created a temporary amnesty program that waived penalties and fees on eligible municipal court violations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative provided direct financial relief to residents experiencing economic hardship while helping individuals resolve outstanding violations and move forward without additional financial burdens.
What We've Accomplished Together In My 2nd Term
Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy
Consistently supported investments that strengthen neighborhood commercial districts, improve public infrastructure, activate vacant properties and create conditions that allow local businesses to succeed.
Supporting Small Businesses and Commercial Corridors
Advocated for investments and public improvements that support local businesses throughout Providence's neighborhood commercial districts, including Wickenden Street, Wayland Square, Downtown, Fox Point, and emerging commercial corridors throughout the city.
Supporting Local Artists, Cultural Institutions, and Creative Workers
Recognized that Providence's creative economy is one of its greatest strengths and consistently supported public investments, placemaking initiatives, public art, cultural programming, and neighborhood events that help artists and small businesses thrive.
Advocacy for Equitable Economic Development
Supported policies that encourage investment while ensuring existing residents benefit from economic growth and neighborhood revitalization.
Strengthening Public Spaces That Support Commerce
Helped secure investments in parks, streetscapes, public infrastructure and neighborhood beautification projects that support local businesses, attract visitors and improve quality of life.
Support for the I-195 District Innovation Economy
Advocated for investments and development opportunities that create jobs, attract employers, expand research and innovation and strengthen Providence's long-term economic future.
Our Goals For The Next Four Years
Providence thrives on the success of small businesses. They employ many residents, create economic opportunities, and serve as cultural hubs for diverse communities. John understands how important protecting rights for entrepreneurs is. He seeks to break the walls that prevent locally owned companies from exceeding and building wealth. This includes improving permit and licenses application and acceptance, changing how the city handles contracts and procurement, and supporting small business cooperatives focused on worker rights and equality. Together, we can power an economic revival in Providence focused on access to small businesses and the communities that rely on them.
Strengthen Neighborhood Commercial Districts
Providence's small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. Goals inlude:
• Supporting neighborhood business districts
• Activating vacant storefronts
• Improving commercial corridors
• Expanding technical assistance for small businesses
• Streamlining permitting and licensing processes
Create Good-Paying Jobs
Economic growth should create opportunities for working people. Goals include:
• Workforce development partnerships
• Apprenticeship programs
• Local hiring initiatives
• Career pathways in growing industries
• Support for union jobs and worker protections
Support Entrepreneurship
Providence should be the easiest city in Rhode Island to start and grow a business. Goals include:
• Reducing unnecessary bureaucracy
• Supporting minority-owned businesses
• Supporting women-owned businesses
• Expanding access to capital
• Providing business development assistance
Invest in Arts, Culture, and Tourism
Providence's identity is rooted in creativity. Goals include:
• Supporting artists and cultural organizations
• Expanding public art
• Growing cultural tourism
• Investing in placemaking initiatives
• Strengthening Providence's creative economy
Build Wealth in Every Neighborhood
Economic opportunity should not depend on your ZIP code. Goals include:
• Supporting community wealth-building
• Expanding homeownership
• Supporting local businesses
• Encouraging equitable development
• Ensuring economic growth benefits residents throughout the city
Supporting Local Businesses Now and in the Future
The COVID-19 pandemic has strained local business development and growth considerably. These challenges create a lack of stability, increased unemployment, and financial woes. We must provide access in a fair and equitable manner to small business owners who need extra services and assistance at this time.
Redirect City Contracts Back Into the Community
Efforts to improve taxpayer dollar use require redirecting them back into the community and small businesses that help support all people. This is especially true for companies owned and operated by women, people of color, and immigrants who form the backbone of a large part of Providence's economy. Leveling the playing field for city contracts is just one part of an equitable restructuring.
Improve the Small Business Permit and License Process
In an effort to support entrepreneurs from all communities, the city of Providence must adopt a convenient, efficient, and accessible method for acquiring small business licenses and permits. This includes clear process information, multilingual communication, and full transparency for timelines and requirements.
Support Legacy Businesses and Main Street Anchors
The smaller businesses found on main streets and in neighborhoods throughout the city provide financial and community anchors for all. The past year has seen too many legacy or long-standing businesses close their doors due to economic difficulties. This affects the culture and financial strength of these neighborhoods. These challenging times need a strong COVID-19 recovery plan that supports established companies.
Inclusion for POC Entrepreneurs
Historical and systemic racial wage disparity and inaccessibility to business owners have left many people of color behind. We must fight for more inclusion for all entrepreneurs regardless of their heritage.
Offer Unique Support for Restaurants
Recent shutdowns associated with the pandemic have affected restaurants and other food-related businesses greatly. In conjunction with resource allotment from the federal, state, and local governments, Providence must create a unique plan for rebuilding and reinvigorating the restaurant scene. New ideas should include everything from operational existence and publicity.