For Immediate Release:
November 19, 2019
Contact:
Matthew Nocella, 202.724.8105 - mnocella@dccouncil.us
Councilmember Grosso seeks to create ombudsman to help local businesses navigate regulatory processes
Washington, D.C. – Today, Councilmember David Grosso introduced the Local Business Support Amendment Act of 2019, which would create an ombudsman to assist local businesses as they seek regulatory approvals from the District of Columbia government.
“I have met with local businesses of all sizes throughout the District in my time in office and I have consistently heard that D.C. government regulations are overly complicated and offer few incentives for businesses to locate or expand in the city,” said Grosso. “However, there are a few relatively simple ways the D.C. Council can act to alleviate the government-imposed burdens on our city’s businesses, including the legislation I have introduced today.
The bill creates a Local Business Ombudsman, in the Department of Small and Local Business Development, who will act as an independent business navigator and will work on behalf of businesses to troubleshoot and serve as the point of contact during permitting, licensing and taxation process.
“During my first term, I served as an active member of the Committee on Business, Consumer, and Regulatory Affairs and was an active member of the Workforce Investment Council. During that time, I became deeply familiar with the agencies that govern business operations in District of Columbia,” said Grosso. “I believe this bill can be the catalyst for a necessary conversation about how we can pass responsible laws and regulations that do not hinder the greatest drivers of our local economy.”
Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, chairperson of the Committee on Business and Economic Development, joined Grosso to introduce the legislation.
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