Expanded Economic Opportunity

This region is home to strong institutions that drive community and economic development, including K-64, NCWorks with the Western Piedmont Workforce Development Board, Hickory Young Professionals, Catawba County EDC, Hickory Downtown Development Association, and the Chamber of Catawba County. Partnerships with these institutions are essential to building a strong economic future here in Hickory. Alongside a talented team on the University City Commission, I’ve worked to strengthen connections between local higher-ed, workforce development, and job seekers. Our shared goal is simple: open pathways to good-paying, local jobs.

Support for small businesses is a cornerstone of that vision. Over the past few months, I’ve been meeting with small business owners across Hickory to listen and understand what’s working, and what’s not. These conversations are just the beginning, and I plan to continue them throughout the campaign and beyond.

Why focus on small businesses?  Former Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan recently wrote: 

"Small businesses are critical for our economy. They drive more than half of American job creation, power breakthrough innovations, create strong local economies and make our markets more resilient. They are also good for our democracy, giving communities more local control and creating checks against concentrated power."

I couldn’t agree more. Small businesses create jobs, shape our neighborhoods, and build a resilient local economy. But they also face serious challenges from rising rents to changing tariff policy and global economic uncertainty. That’s why local government must step up. Trivium Corporate Center has been a success in attracting larger employers to our area, but the time has come for Hickory to do more to intentionally support small business, especially in historically under-invested areas.

If elected, I will:

• Champion partnerships with local institutions of higher-ed and workforce programs to support matches between employers and potential employees
• Promote mixed-use zoning, addressing the needs of small businesses as well as the affordability, walkability, and transportation safety of our city
• Push for equitable investment in infrastructure and community commercial development across all neighborhoods

We have an opportunity, and a responsibility, to ensure that future growth benefits every corner of our city. Supporting small businesses is one of the best ways to do just that and to enhance the resilience of Hickory.