How to help places where businesses are closing due to a shortage of employees?

Norm Van Eeden Petersman

A reader wrote and asked us: 

A restaurant just closed in nearby Great Falls where the chef stopped coming into work.  Another business closed in Orange because they said taxes are too high and business is slow, but I would think they also lost some money to having too few people to employ.  It’s not full-blown pandemic anymore.  Can Strong Towns help with this?  is it a lack of affordable housing, transportation, or childcare, or just a lack of team spirit? thanks.

I'll drop a response in the comments but feel free to add your own thoughts too

Comments

2 comments

  • Comment author
    Norm Van Eeden Petersman

    This is a tough issue in your community. Let's dive into this.

    Firstly, it's important to understand that Strong Towns approach is about building resilient, financially strong communities from the ground up. We believe in making small, incremental investments in our communities, rather than betting on large, transformative projects.

    Now, onto your situation. Here are three recommendations:

    1. Encourage local entrepreneurship: Instead of relying on large corporations or franchises, encourage local residents to start their own businesses. This not only creates jobs but also keeps money within the community.

    2. Invest in affordable housing: If people can't afford to live in your town, they won't be able to work there. Look for ways to make housing more affordable, such as allowing for more density or reducing regulatory barriers to building.

    3. Improve public transportation: If people can't get to work, they can't hold a job. Investing in reliable, efficient public transportation can make a big difference.

    And here are three words of caution:

    1. Avoid silver bullet solutions: There's no one-size-fits-all solution to these problems. What works in one community might not work in another.

    2. Beware of unintended consequences: For example, raising taxes to fund new projects could drive businesses away, exacerbating the problem you're trying to solve.

    3. Don't overlook the importance of community: A strong sense of community can help attract and retain residents and businesses. But building community takes time and effort.

    Remember, change is slow and often frustrating, but every step you take is a step towards a stronger town. You can find more resources on these topics at strongtowns.org. And of course, consider becoming a member of Strong Towns to join a community of like-minded individuals who can support you in your journey. You can do that at strongtowns.org/membership. Keep pushing forward, and remember, every small change contributes to the bigger picture of a stronger, more resilient town.

    0
  • Comment author
    Norm Van Eeden Petersman

    Three articles related to this topic

    https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2013/2/25/infrastructure-for-the-sake-of-jobs.html
    https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2017/12/5/the-big-urban-mistake-building-for-tourism-vs-livability
    https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2012/1/4/the-lost-opportunity-of-auto-orientation.html

    0

Please sign in to leave a comment.