Helping our Local Businesses

By Garry Lion

The City needs to take the leadership in helping our small town businesses to better serve our residents. We need to assess the composition and vitality of our businesses and develop a proactive approach to support them.

As a case in point, I assumed the Board Presidency of Artisans, a nonprofit educational arts organization, two years ago when it was forced to relocate to San Rafael because of escalating rents. Our building of 28 years on E. Blithedale was sold and the rent, generously subsidized for years by the Broman family, was destined to at least double. Fortunately, we were able to find an affordable location on Fourth Street, and we have been rebuilding our membership and customer base since. However, the stories behind other business closures in Mill Valley are varied and not exclusively due to rent escalations.

In 1991, the City Council appointed a Business Task Force to analyze the condition of our local businesses and make recommendations to encourage a vibrant business community and healthy local economy while preserving the unique small town character of Mill Valley. After a year-long study, the Task Force recommended (among other things, most of which were implemented) the creation of a pro-active Business Advocacy Board, including representatives from the City, business owners, commercial landlords, Chamber and residents, to advocate programs and policies which would help ensure a diverse, balanced and healthy local economy. However, because the City's economy was still quite healthy in 1991 (as concluded in the study), this Board was not formed at that time.

I believe such a Business Advocacy Board may now be appropriate and other leaders in the Chamber of Commerce agree. So I recommend the City and the Chamber form a group to update the Business Task Force's report from 16 years ago and recommend if and how a Business Advocacy Board should be established.