Bringing Quality Jobs and Businesses to Tracy

By Robert Rickman

To be competitive, we must continue to find innovative ways to attract businesses and foster local job growth.

Bringing head of household jobs and businesses to Tracy is one of Robert's top priorities. Robert has lead the fight to reduce fees, streamline the permit and building process, and cut the red tape that hinders businesses. Robert understands that we must continue to improve our image of being business friendly. In these tough economic times, we are competing with other cities who also want to attract jobs, businesses and tax revenue. Lowering taxes and fees will help small businesses and entrepreneurs, it will allow them the capital to invest, spend, or grow, their businesses. The majority of businesses in Tracy are small business owners and employ many Tracy residents. They are the backbone of our economy and we need to continue to maintain an atmosphere where they can thrive. We can't tax our way into prosperity and the method of raising revenue should not impede the transaction of business; it should encourage it. The tax revenue of the businesses that come to Tracy will help fund services as well as create jobs.

Diversity and I-205

Robert understands that you have to have diverse types of businesses to maintain a strong economy. We have to have commercial, high tech, medical, industrial, and places for small businesses to grow. The building of anchor stores is of great importance to Tracy. We need to get people off the freeway to shop in Tracy. Robert recognized the importance of I-205 and as a result, introduced a council item to keep warehouses and industrial development from being built on the I-205 corridor. By reserving the corridor for retail, restaurants, and various commercial, we give those who drive on I-205 a reason to stop in Tracy. We want the motorists that travel through Tracy to see the great part of our town and what Tracy has to offer. They don't want to see the backsides of warehouses.

A Vision for the Future

Tracy is in a great position and Robert has a vision for the future. Tracy has balanced its budget with Measure E, and continues to have a 33 million dollar reserve. Robert continues to be fiscally responsible and understands that just like our families, the city must control spending and live within its means. Several retail businesses and restaurants have opened their doors in Tracy and more is yet to come. Amazon has made Tracy its home and provides revenue and jobs. The Cordes Ranch development puts Tracy in a position to attract the kind of jobs we've been looking for. It will be the largest industrial park in Northern California and includes retail, commercial, industrial, and office buildings, with an estimated 36,000 jobs once fully completed. The Tracy Hills and Ellis project will provide the housing for future residents and attract CEO's that bring their business here to Tracy. The airport will provide a nice place for them to land.