Jobs in Upland

By Carol S. Timm

How do we bring and keep more jobs to Upland?

Upland could create enterprise zones to create and retain jobs. These are effective even in the most difficult economic times. The program targets economically distressed areas throughout Upland, providing special incentives designed to encourage business investment and promote the creation of new jobs. The purpose of the program is to stimulate development by providing tax incentives to businesses and allow private sector market forces to revive the local economy. Each Enterprise Zone is administered by our local jurisdiction working with local agencies and business groups to promote economic growth through business attraction, expansion and retention.

We could also have a Local Hire Ordinance for city and hire both union and non-union contractors that live in Upland. Citizens would be the first one employed on Upland Capital works project. It gives a bidding advantage to local business and the money will flow back to the city. They will spend their money in Upland.

Upland citizens would be the first to bid on services. If the city has a public works project, they would put in their contract to use local products in Upland first. The city should bid for their supplies to local business. Upland businesses should have a 5% bidding advantage. This would give the small businesses an advantage.

Consider encouraging private sectors hiring and deregulate making getting a permit easier. The city should steamline the processes and make Upland more business friendly. The city could also upfront them the money so that they have the cash flow to bid the project and bid with the bigger companies.