Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Nevada Wonk

Chris Giunchigliani releases small business plan ahead of Chamber of Commerce debate

Las Vegas Mayoral Debate - April 16 2011

Sam Morris

Chris Giunchigliani makes her opening remarks during a mayoral debate with Carolyn Goodman sponsored by the NAACP Saturday, April 16, 2011 at the Pearson Community Center.

Las Vegas mayor candidate Chris Giunchigliani on Tuesday unveiled a seven-point plan that she says will create jobs and help small businesses.

Her proposals include:

- Implementing a single form and fee for obtaining business licenses.

- Establishing a revolving loan program using redevelopment funds. Loans would be available to both start ups and established companies.

- Cutting city liquor license fees. Currently, a liquor license can cost as much as $75,000 per venue in Las Vegas. Clark County charges only $350.

- Setting up an online permit and payment system so regular business customers don't have to apply separately for events. Such a system would also allow entrepreneurs to do business on Fridays and weekends when City Hall is closed.

- Using a landmark designation act, as Denver and Chicago have done, to allow small businesses to renovate single rooms or small areas rather than entire buildings.

- Pulling parking meters from downtown Las Vegas and lowering or waiving fees for parking in city-owned lots.

- Establishing a mayoral business council so business owners can advise lawmakers on what's working and what's not.

Giunchigliani has discussed most of the proposals before. But she gathered Tuesday with a group of business owners to highlight her ideas again.

The timing of the event was deliberate. Giunchigliani on Wednesday will debate opponent Carolyn Goodman at as Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

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