REMARKS
Oswald Feliz opens small business committee meeting on Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)
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3 min
Council Member Oswald Feliz inaugurates his first small business committee meeting, focusing on the enhancement of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in New York City.
- Feliz underscores the vital role of small businesses in the city's economy, expressing gratitude towards the Speaker and participants.
- The meeting emphasizes the examination of how the Department of Small Business Services can reinforce successful and diverse BIDs.
- Feliz acknowledges contributions from staff, colleagues, and public attendees, reflecting on the importance of community in addressing small business challenges.
- The dialogue seeks to explore solutions to ongoing and emergent challenges within BIDs and small businesses, particularly post-pandemic recovery efforts.
- Attention is drawn to the historical and continuous positive impact of BIDs since 1982, alongside the need for equitable support and resources across different districts.
Oswald Feliz
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Thank you so much.
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Good afternoon, everyone.
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Great to be here with you today.
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I am counsel member Oswald Philippe's chair of the committee on small business.
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This is my first hearing as chair of this committee, and so I wanna begin by thanking speaker Adrian Adams for trusting me to chair this important committee.
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Small businesses are key contributors to the greatness and diversity of the city of New York, and it's a privilege to support them in my new role.
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Small businesses are the heart of our local economy.
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They create so many jobs for local residents.
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They also work so hard to keep communities vibrant, and of course, they work very hard to support their families.
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Thank you all for joining today's hearing on how the Department of Small Business Services can encourage successful and diverse Business Improvement Districts.
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Throughout the city.
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I'd also like to thank my city council colleagues, representatives from the administration, and the public for being here.
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Would also like to acknowledge my colleague, counsel member Paladino, who has joined us today.
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Business Improvement Districts, also known as bids, are local business associations that work together to provide enhanced services and provide economic growth within neighborhoods.
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To the benefit of all members and to the benefit of all businesses.
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Bits have been making positive contributions to their communities in the city of New York.
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Since 1982 when the laws enabling bid formation were first adopted.
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Today, the city is home to about 75 76 bids located across all five bureaus.
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In recognition of that, of the role that bids play, in funding resources and improvements to their local communities, the Department of Small Business Services provides logistical support and oversight.
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To help these organizations form and grow.
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At the same time, it is important to recognize certain challenges and inequities the opportunities and resources available to different bids and commercial corridors in the city.
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When this committee last examined the issue, in 2018, 6 years ago, bids offered testimony on a number of areas where the city could improve its programming.
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Including strengthening support for micro businesses and the smaller bids, also enhancing city wide management of public space, And, of course, facilitating coordination and transparency across the numerous agencies that bid to work with on a regular basis.
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These are considerations that remain relevant today.
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Yet at the same time, small businesses are also facing new challenges.
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As the city continues to recover and adapt in a post pandemic world.
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And today's hearing, we look forward to hearing from the Department of Small Business Services about how they have addressed these concerns, both the old and the new concerns since our previous hearing on the topic.
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I equally look forward to any testimony that bids themselves or any other members of the small business community would like to offer about experiences and current needs, and of course, any additional areas where the city can continue to offer support.
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Finally, before we begin, I want to thank Rebecca Borilla, and Jessica Bouley from Central Staff for their work in putting the series together.
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I also wanna acknowledge my chief of staff, the owner REIT, my director of community engagement as peronsideas, and my special assistant, George Cook, all who have joined us today.
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I also wanna acknowledge my colleague, Eric Boncher, who has also joined us, and I wanna thank everyone and who will be tasked fine today.
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Thank you so much.
