Economic empowerment (development)
ECONOMIC DEVEOPMENT MUST BE COUPLED WITH ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
When large business contractors bring businesses to Washington , DC, it is usually of little benefit to DC citizens or communities in which business contractors flourish. Dr. Mic believes that large contractors who partner with small local contractors and business consultants, as well as commit to hiring 55% of their workforce from within DC proper show a commitment to building community and DC, not just profiting from it. Dr Mic will fight to ensure that contractors who want to contract with DC are working to enhance the lives of our citizens.
WILL WORK TO INCREASE TAX BENEFITS FOR DC SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS WHO ARE ALSO DC RESIDENTS
When DC supports its small business owners, it is a sign that we are pouring our wealth back into our communities. Dr. Mic will work with small business owners to draft legislation that would give small businesses the resources to stay open and to flourish, including drafting legislation on tax incentives.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
We have many young and older adults who have not had many opportunities presented to obtain necessary skills to be a viable part of the workforce, or they are no longer able to work in jobs and careers they were originally trained to do. Dr. Mic advocates for more free tuition programs in critical workforce areas, such as HVAC/ Plumbing, Auto Mechanics, Culinary Arts, Construction Management, Business Development and Management, and Cosmetology that train DC citizens to obtain skills for a career.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/ BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MUST HAPPEN AT THE SAME PACE IN ALL OF DC
For many years, Wards 7 and 8 have seen very little economic development in comparison to the part of the city west of the Anacostia! Citizens east of the Anacostia deserve the same amenities as the rest of the city, such as nice shopping venues, restaurants, movie theaters, and supermarkets that don't price gouge. Dr. Mic will work to ensure that Economic Development is increased in Wards 7 and 8, and that no one has to go far from where they live to enjoy what the city has to offer.
WILL WORK WITH DCPS TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN ENTREPRENEURIAL PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS
When our students are excited and engaged in the spirit of Entepreneurialship, we can be sure that we are giving them the right tools to pour back into community and into DC.
BIG BUSINESS, SMALLER BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Dr. Mic advocates for big businesses in DC to invest in our local communities by mentoring small business owned by DC citizens, especially minority business. This resource is necessary because when our small businesses succeed, we all succeed.
REQUIREMENT FOR LARGE CONTRACTS TO CONTAIN PROVISIONS FOR COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
Washington, DC is considered a "National Treasure" and as such, large corporations like to build here and operate companies here. Dr. Mic believes that large District contracts must include provisions for Community Investment, so that involvement of "foreign entities" into our communities will have a positive impact, and not leave our communities desolate by their inclusion. In addition, Dr. Mic advocates for a "CORPORATE COMMUNITY INVESTMENT TAX" where corporations with business locations in DC, whose gross revenue is over $15 Million per year, would pay a 1.5% annual tax, and those proceeds would be especially earmarked to be invested back into our communities.