Economic Development

By Andria Martinez Cohen

Using my experience in economic development, I will work to implement programs & initiatives at the local level which provide access to capital and technical assistance to women & locally owned businesses.

When I'm elected to City Council I will prioritize the creation, adoption and implementation of an economic development strategy and plan for the City of Santa Barbara.

When I'm elected to City Council I will prioritize the creation, adoption and implementation of an economic development strategy and plan for the City of Santa Barbara. Currently there is not a plan in place and no staff members dedicated to economic development. The city could be much more proactive in business retention and helping streamline the permitting and licensing process for new business. Dedicated staff member(s) could act as a small business liaison to other city departments in order to get projects through the system in a timelier manner and also help identify new areas for growth. There are resources at the airport that are currently underutilized and could be prioritized as an area for economic development. I would work to make the City of Santa Barbara more business friendly and responsive to the needs of the business community.

Working in economic development, I have honed my creative problem solving skills and learned that we must look at problems from all perspectives to find workable solutions for all involved. I am a consensus builder. I will listen to the public, and work with the city staff and other elected officials and policymakers to address controversial issues in a transparent and productive manner.